Leadership

J. Elliott Summey joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) as President and CEO on July 1, 2020. Leveraging a successful career in economic development and land planning, including corporate relocation, Summey’s executive-level experience informs CRAA in the development and implementation of its post-pandemic strategic plan, including the evaluation of revenue diversification opportunities.

Having served multiple terms on CRAA’s Board of Directors, Summey played a key role in helping the state’s largest airport achieve a decade of record-setting growth in air service development, passenger volume, and financial performance. He possesses a keen understanding of the industry at a macro level as well as CRAA’s unique history, current operating environment, and strategic outlook.

Summey was elected to three terms on Charleston County Council. During his tenure, he served as Chairman, Vice Chairman, Finance Committee Chair, and a member of the Planning/Public Works and Economic Development Committees.

A life-long resident of the Lowcountry, Summey has earned a reputation as a strong leader and visionary who prioritizes employee engagement. He is adept at working effectively with local and statewide officials and has guided several major transportation infrastructure projects.

Hernan E. Peña, Jr., was named Executive Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority in 2018 after previously serving as Vice President of Engineering. Peña began his career with the City of Charleston, where he served as the Director of Transportation for 29 years.

Peña is a graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He received his master’s degree in engineering from California Coast University.

Peña is the recipient of numerous professional honors and recognitions such as the 1992 S.C. Transportation Engineer of the Year Award and The Wilbur Smith Outstanding Electrical Engineer Award.

Spencer Pryor, a native Charlestonian, joined the CRAA team in July 2019.  In his role as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Pryor serves as the CRAA’s spokesperson and oversees the airport’s Public Safety, Public Affairs, Human Resources, Inflight Kitchen, Advertising, and Ground Transportation departments. He also develops and oversees enterprise-wide community relations initiatives.

Pryor has come full circle with the Aviation Authority. In his early career, he worked for the airport as the Ground Transportation Manager, where he planned, supervised, controlled, and managed the 24-hour operation. He rejoined the CRAA after working for the City of North Charleston as Director of Public Safety Communications, where he led crisis communications, media relations, community relations, and employee relations for the organization. Prior to joining the City of North Charleston, Spencer worked as a news anchor and reporter for WCBD TV 2, where he received several awards for his work in aiding consumers through the station’s “Action Line” franchise.

Pryor holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Limestone College and an associate degree in Marketing from Trident Technical College.

Brandy James has more than 20 years of extensive financial experience and comes to CRAA after nearly three years as CFO at Richland County Recreation Commission. In this role, she oversaw finance, procurement, and DBE operations. Prior to Richland County Recreation Commission, James served as Senior Analyst, Senior Accountant, and Auditor III at SCANNA, a regulated electric and natural gas public utility.

James also worked as a Senior Financial Analyst at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and served as staff accountant at Moore Kirkland & Beauston, LLP.

Brandy James is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master of Science in Accountancy and BS in Accounting; both degrees are from the College of Charleston.

Austin Bruner, a South Carolina native, joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) in December 2020. Prior to joining CRAA, Bruner spent 12 years as the Assistant County Attorney at the Charleston County Attorney’s Office.

Bruner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in History and Art History from The University of the South (Sewanee). Bruner received her Juris Doctorate in 2007 from The Charleston School of Law and is licensed and admitted to practice law in South Carolina, the South Carolina District Courts, 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

Bruner is a member of and serves on the Board of the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) and serves on the Board of the SCWLA Foundation. Bruner is also a member of the South Carolina Bar Association and the Charleston County Bar Association.

Brian Query serves as Vice President of Airport Operations for the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority. He joined the Authority in 2012 as Police Captain and was promoted to Director of Airside Operations in 2021 before assuming his current role in 2025.

Brian oversees the operations of Charleston International Airport (CHS), Mount Pleasant Regional Airport (LRO), Charleston Executive Airport (JZI), and Berkeley County Airport (MKS).

Brian holds a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

David Morrow, a South Carolina native, joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) in March 2017 and currently serves as the Director of Procurement. In this role, he oversees the organization’s Procurement, Contracts & Properties, In-Flight Kitchen, and Community Relations departments.

Morrow holds a Bachelor of Science from Francis Marion University and has received numerous industry certifications, including the Institute for Supply Management’s Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) and Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD).

Carol joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) in January of 2023 as a Senior HR Generalist and was promoted to Director of Human Resources and Risk Management in June 2023. Carol has over 25 years of experience in human resources, including organizational development, performance management and benefits administration, and strategic planning in both the public and private sectors. Additionally, she possesses unmatched skills in building corporate culture and creating business partnerships with managers and employees to create a cohesive, positive work environment. Her passion is helping people reach their full career potential.

Hadden is a graduate of Ohio University.

Nathan “Nate” Yokoyama, a Florida native, joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) in December 2018 and currently serves as the Manager of Engineering and Construction. In this role, he oversees the design and construction for facility and infrastructure projects for the CRAA.

Prior to joining the CRAA, Yokoyama worked with the City of Charleston as a Senior Construction Project Manager.

A licensed professional engineer in South Carolina, Yokoyama is a graduate of Florida State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

John Robison, an Alabama native, joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) in December 2015 and currently serves as the Director of Landside Operations. In this role, he is responsible for the airport’s parking, taxi and shuttle operations.

Robison has over 26 years of experience in the airport parking industry. Prior to joining the CRAA, he worked as a General Manager for SP+ at Richmond International Airport. Robison also spent 26 years working for Huntsville International Airport, working his way up from Parking Attendant to Parking Manager.

Robison is a graduate of the University of North Alabama. He has received a Certified Parking Professional (CPP) Certification from the National Parking Association and Prosci Change Management Program. Robison is also a member of the Airport Ground Transportation Association and AAAE-Southeast Chapter.

Sachin Patel serves as the Director of Information Technologies at Charleston International Airport (CHS), overseeing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technology expansion projects.

Before joining the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority, he was the Chief Technology Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina, leading digital health initiatives and managing a $40 million telehealth budget. An entrepreneur and technologist with more than 20 years of experience, he has successfully built client-centric solutions for startups and enterprise platforms.

Patel also co-founded FC Charleston, a nonprofit youth soccer club, and serves on the advisory board for joint College of Charleston, Citadel and Charleston Southern University Computer Science programs.

Sandra Smith, a South Carolina native, joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) in May 2008 and currently serves as a Director of Finance. In this role, she is responsible for supervising the quality of accounting and financial reports of the organization. Smith previously served as the Internal Auditor and Comptroller for the CRAA.

Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Limestone College and has over 15 years of experience in the financial industry. She is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and the Association of Airport Internal Auditors.

John Williams, a North Carolina native, joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority in July 2024 and serves as the Director of Capital Projects. In this role, he oversees the construction of major infrastructure and expansion projects at Charleston International Airport.

With a strong background in architectural design, project management, and construction management, John brings a strategic approach to capital project delivery. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and leverages his expertise to ensure that Charleston International Airport continues to grow and adapt to the evolving needs of passengers and stakeholders.

Jason Dack, an Indiana native, joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) in March 2015 and currently serves as the Director of Facilities. In this role, he is responsible for the planning, organizing, supervising, and coordinating of all activities and operations of the facilities and equipment department and manages preventative maintenance programs, remodeling and repair projects, and upkeep of all non-structural airport properties.

Prior to joining the CRAA, he served as a Production Coordinator for the Associated Container Group in Charleston, SC.

Dack is a graduate of Ball State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems and Operations Management. He holds a Maintenance Management Certification from Clemson University and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Jason is a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives.

Rick Johnson has more than 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. Before joining the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA), he served as the Airport Director of Hagerstown Regional Airport in Maryland, and before that, as the Airport Manager of Frederick Municipal Airport. During his 21-year tenure with the City of Frederick, Johnson held several key project management roles, demonstrating his leadership and expertise.

Johnson’s aviation knowledge is backed by 32 years of military service, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, where he received the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He recently retired from the US Air Force Reserves as the Operations Flight Chief at Joint Base Andrews, having achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

Johnson is a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives.

Jim Woods is a Charleston native who grew up on Sullivan’s Island.  He began his law enforcement career in 1979 with the Sullivan’s Island Police Department.  In 1982, he began employment as a State Trooper with the South Carolina Highway Patrol.  He rose through the ranks to the rank of Captain, serving as the Troop 6 Commander.  He retired from the Highway Patrol and began employment with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, also serving as a Captain.

In 2023, he began employment with the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority, currently serving as the Chief of Police.  Chief Woods is a certified Law Enforcement Officer, having completed training at the SC Criminal Justice Academy, the SC Highway Patrol Training Academy, and the FBI National Academy.

He has received numerous certifications and training over his years of service as a Law Enforcement Officer, being recognized as the Dorchester County Trooper of the Year, the Troop 6 Trooper of the Year, and the Supervisor of the Year at the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.

Edward Cavadias, a New York native, joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) in December 2000 and currently serves as the Authority’s Manager of IT Operations. With more than 30 years in the IT industry, Cavadias is responsible for planning and designing the network architecture and infrastructure at the airport.

Cavadias is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Strayer University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems. Cavadias also holds an Associate’s Degree in Engineering from Trident Technical College.

Cavadias served as the President of the Charleston, SC Chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals and is also a member of the Alumni Board of Advisors for the Electronic/Electrical Department of Trident Technical College and ECPI College, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Alpha Chi National College Honor Scholarship Society. In 2011, CRAA awarded Cavadias with the Commitment to Highest Standards (CHS) Award.

Caroline Connolly, a Boston native, joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) in August 2010 and currently serves as the Manager of Public Affairs. In this role, she oversees the development and coordination of public relations and marketing programs to enhance the airport’s image and passenger experience.

Prior to joining the CRAA, Connolly worked as an attorney in Boston.

She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Connolly holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Massachusetts School of Law and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar. She also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Renee Melvin, a Charleston native with a deep passion for aviation, has been a dedicated leader within the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) since joining the team in March 2004. Her love for the aviation industry fueled her early career in the CRAA Police Department, where she quickly earned recognition for her leadership.

In 2007, Melvin transitioned to the Airport Operations Department as a Supervisor, allowing her to channel her enthusiasm for aviation into ensuring smooth, safe operations. By 2021, her expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence led to her promotion as Manager of Airport Operations. Her visionary leadership continues to shape the future of the airport, inspiring her team and contributing to the airport’s success.

Melvin is a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives.

Tim Miller, a Pennsylvania native, joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) in November 2020 and currently serves as the Inflight Kitchen Manager. In this role, he oversees all airline food assembly, production, and delivery for CRAA.

Prior to joining the CRAA, Miller gained 35 years of experience in the food service industry ranging from fine dining restaurants to private club management. He is a 1993 High Honors graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, with an associate’s degree in Culinary Arts.

Robert “Bob” Supino, originally from Danvers, Massachusetts, began his career in the valet business at Jacksonville International Airport, quickly rising to Valet Manager and later Senior Manager within two years.

In the midst of a global pandemic, opportunity led him to Charleston Airport in 2020, where he built the Charleston Valet Service from scratch. His successful launch of the service on June 7, 2021, reflects his dedication to his team and innovative solutions, including the SMS Valet Ticketless System.

Robert “Rocky” Hollis, a native of Asheville, NC, joined Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) in September 2023 and currently serves as Manager of Landside Operations. In this role, he oversees parking and ground transportation for Charleston International Airport.

Prior to joining the CRAA, Hollis worked 25 years in leadership for Chick-fil-A in operations, team, and leadership development, as well as the company’s Director of Staff Wellness.

Deborah Strong joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority in 2022 as Supervisor of Airport Operations, bringing with her two decades of aviation industry experience. A native of Northern Kentucky, Deborah played a key role in overseeing the launch of the Ramp Control Center and the implementation of common use technology.

In 2024, she transitioned into a new role overseeing Access and Credentialing and as of 2025 serves as the Airport Security Compliance Officer.

Before relocating to Charleston, Deborah held positions at both Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Memphis International Airport (MEM).

For inquiries, Samantha can be reached at (843) 767-7029 or by email at [email protected].