Racheal Benezette
Racheal Benezette is a distinguished leader in aviation operations and a retired Marine officer whose career has been defined by service, dedication, and excellence. Currently serving as the Senior Aviation Manager for Airport Operations at the Kansas City Aviation Department, Racheal brings decades of operational expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership to the role. Her journey to this position has been shaped by 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, where she rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and served as Fire Chief, demonstrating exceptional skill in team leadership, crisis management, and cross-functional problem solving.
Beyond her military and aviation achievements, Racheal has dedicated herself to education and mentorship, working as an instructional assistant and lead instructor at the School of Economics and as a substitute teacher within the Park Hill School District. She holds a Master of Arts in Business Teacher Education from William Jewell College and a Bachelor’s degree in Management Finance from Park University. Her approach to leadership blends precision and discipline with empathy and care, fostering collaboration, resilience, and growth in every environment she engages with.
Racheal’s colleagues and peers consistently praise her for her intelligence, dedication, and ability to inspire others. Whether managing complex airport operations, training the next generation of leaders, or volunteering as a mentor, she combines expertise with a personal commitment to service. Her story reflects a rare balance of operational mastery, educational leadership, and compassionate mentorship—qualities that continue to make her a standout professional and an inspiring figure in both the aviation and veteran communities.
• Aviation & Airport Operations Training United States Marine Corps — Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF)
• Airport Fire Chief Training
• Financial Counseling Certification Post–Marine Corps Professional Development Program
• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
• William Jewell College- M.A.
• Park University- Bachelor's
• Hawaii Pacific University- Associate's
• Louis F. Garland Fire Academy
• Missouri Western State University
• Hillyard Technical Center
• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
• Aviation Industry Mentorship Program — Kansas City
• School of Economics
• Big Brother Big Sister Foundation, Inc.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the discipline, leadership, and resilience I developed during 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, where I served as an airport firefighter and fire chief. Those experiences, combined with my commitment to preparation, persistence, and thoughtful decision-making, have allowed me to lead teams effectively and navigate the complex, fast-paced world of airport operations.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering aviation is to stay adaptable, keep learning, and never stop seeking knowledge—attend conferences, network, learn from colleagues, and pursue continuing education to stay at the forefront of the field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in aviation today are keeping pace with rapidly changing regulations, advancing technologies, and evolving best practices. At the same time, these shifts create opportunities for growth, and I am actively pursuing an MBA in Airport Management and additional certifications to stay at the forefront of the field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are service, adaptability, and lifelong learning, with a strong focus on mentorship, community engagement, and creating opportunities for young women to see themselves in leadership roles within aviation and emergency management.