Our Leadership Team

Christopher St. James joined Envoy in 2020 as Counsel and Director of Legal, Labor and Employment.

Christopher has extensive professional experience spanning from legal representation for the private and public sector to operations management and human resources business partner for a nationwide food distributor, where he got his start driving forklifts.

As an attorney, Christopher has experience in legal issues concerning employment, liability,  civil rights, procurement, contracting, and banking and finance transactions.

Christopher earned his law degree from South Texas College of Law and holds a bachelors degree in Business Administration. He has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2014 and continues to maintain Society for Human Resources Management certification.

Minnete Vélez-Conty leads a team of communications and creative specialists to handle all of Envoy’s internal and external messaging, social media, and media relations. With over 25 years of extensive experience in corporate communications, marketing, community relations, crisis management, social media and special events, Minnette spent 12 of those years at American Airlines and American Eagle as the Corporate Communications manager in the Caribbean and Central America.

Throughout her career, Minnette has received numerous awards including several Excel Awards from the Public Relations Association of Puerto Rico, her home country. Minnette holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a master’s degree in Public Relations from the University of the Sacred Heart in Santurce, Puerto Rico.

Robert Nault oversees Envoy’s System Operations Control (SOC), a multifaceted organization covering a wide spectrum of airline operations. He is responsible for monitoring all of Envoy’s domestic and international flights, using state-of-the-art flight planning and tracking systems and satellite communications. He also oversees Meteorology and Navigation, while providing a wide range of planning and logistical support for the airline.

With more than 30 years of airline experience, Robert started his career at Simmons Airlines as a Reservations agent in 1984, in his hometown of Negaunee, Mich. He joined the management team in 1988 and has gained a wealth of operational experience over the course of his career.

Robert proudly supports all of Envoy’s initiatives benefitting active military and veterans. He is a major supporter of the Gary Sinise Foundation, transporting Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band as they travel to entertain service members and their family. He coordinates all of the many Envoy charters that support our military.

Mindi Kimmell leads a team of finance and administrative professionals who oversee the smooth operation of Envoy’s Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Attendance and Payroll functions. In addition, she is responsible for the vision and planning to support Envoy’s employee data systems.

Mindi joined Envoy in 2009 as a Financial Analyst and has played an integral role in major company initiatives, providing the analysis to successfully support a corporate restructuring and merger.

Originally from DeLeon, Texas, Mindi graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in Finance.

Deesha Desai oversees Envoy’s large ground-handling operation at Los Angeles International Airport, as well as managing a number of airport operations throughout the Western U.S. She previously served as Managing Director Customer Services Planning, where she was responsible for policies, procedures and staffing for all ground handling teams.

Deesha began her career in 2006 as a Station Agent and quickly assumed greater responsibilities, serving as General Manager for several airports before joining the leadership team at Headquarters.

Born in Beaufort, S.C., Deesha holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from the University of South Carolina. She recently earned the Global Leadership Executive MBA degree from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Migdoel Rosa is responsible for Envoy’s airport operations at its Miami hub and throughout Florida. A 26-year veteran of the company, he has held numerous managerial positions.

Migdoel began his career in the airline industry with American Airlines Ramp Services, serving as Ramp Services Manager for American Eagle. While there, he held a number of positions, including Ramp Service Manager, Passenger Service Manager and General Manager, later becoming Vice President of International Operations.

Migdoel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and is a licensed aircraft dispatcher.

Frank Reynolds is responsible for Envoy’s operations in New York and throughout the Northeast Region, which encompasses John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia International (LGA) airports, as well as 14 surrounding airports. Previously, Frank served as Regional Managing Director for the East and Canadian Region as well as Northeast Hub Regional Managing Director.

In addition to Envoy operations, Frank oversees the ground handling operations of American Airlines and Republic Airlines. Frank joined American Eagle in 2001 after American purchased TWA, following many years in management positions, the most recent as Managing Director New York/Caribbean.

Ricky Deane is responsible for Envoy’s operations in Chicago – Envoy’s largest hub with more than 300 daily departures. He also has direct oversight of Republic and SkyWest ground operations at the hub. With a focus on safety and reliability, he also oversees compliance with regulatory requirements, contracts and vendor relations.

Ricky has been in Aviation for more than 20 years, starting as a supervisor at a small charter company in the Caribbean, and progressing to different roles with American Eagle, such as Ramp Manager for the Boston Hub, Country Manager for the Bahamas and Vice President for the Miami hub.

Customer Service – whether internal or external – is a true passion for Ricky, and he is always looking for creative ways to draw closer to customers and employees alike. A native of England, Ricky earned an Associates degree in Accounting from North London College.

José Velez-Rubio rejoined Envoy as Vice President of its Dallas/Fort Worth hub in June 2015. Most recently, he served as Director of Customer Care and Operations for American Airlines at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

José began his career with American Airlines in 1985 as a Fleet Service Clerk and was rapidly promoted to Passenger Service Lead Agent, Ramp Service Supervisor and later Ramp Manager. In 1997, he was appointed Regional Manager for American Eagle in the Caribbean and two years later became the Director of American Eagle for the San Juan Hub.

José served as Vice President of International Operations for American Eagle in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Bahamas, along with responsibility for the Flight Service organization. He previously served as American’s General Manager in Fort Lauderdale before returning to American Eagle in 2012.

A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, José studied Business Administration at the University of the Sacred Heart.

Jude Mayeux is responsible for the customer service provided at airports throughout five Envoy regions, covering 100 cities throughout the US, Canada and Mexico. With 25 years of airline experience, Jude started his career at American Eagle as a station agent in 1992 in his hometown of Alexandria, LA.

Jude has held various Regional Managing Director positions and played a key role in the company’s significant ground handling growth in 2012-2013. He has a wealth of operational experience and has managed large airport operations as well as managing departments at Envoy’s large hubs.

Jude holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Louisiana State University Alexandria. The Mayeux family proudly supports the Airport Area YMCA in Bedford, TX where they are actively involved in programs supporting local youth and seniors.

Kevin Ward is responsible for Envoy’s ground handling policy and procedures, overseeing its ground handling business and managing four Customer Service regions including 55 cities. Envoy currently provides ground handling service for many American Airlines Group flights.

Kevin has more than 25 years of aviation experience, previously serving as Vice President of the DFW hub. He has also held several Regional Managing Director roles throughout his career at Envoy.

A New York native, Kevin received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. Kevin began his career at American Airlines in Rochester as a Fleet Service Clerk in 1987.

John Dixon was named Vice President Crew Planning in 2018, where he is responsible for the hiring, assignment and scheduling of our pilots and flight attendants. In this role, he oversees Pilot Recruiting, Flight Simulator Planning & Scheduling and Crew Scheduling. John formerly served as Managing Director of Crew Resources and Director Maintenance Safety and Compliance.

With more than 17 years in the U.S. Army, National Guard and Reserves, John obtained his pilot’s license in 1985 and served as a pilot, instructor and warrant officer during his service. He joined American Eagle Airlines in 1989 as a Fleet Service Clerk in Philadelphia. He later moved to Dallas/Fort Worth as a Pilot Ground Instructor, followed by a number of management positions within the airline’s Flight Department.

John became a First Officer for American Eagle in 1998. His experience and insights as a pilot and instructor were called on throughout his 25-year career with the carrier, as he handled a number of roles in recruiting, purchasing, regulatory affairs and flight administration.

Jay Murray is responsible for all facets of Envoy’s daily Maintenance operations, including the Maintenance Operations Center (MOC), maintenance planning and the line maintenance operation. With more than 25 years of experience in the airline industry, Jay began his career at Business Express Airlines. He steadily rose through the ranks there, beginning as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician and then on to positions as a Crew Chief, Supervisor and Base Manager.

In 2001, Business Express was acquired by American Eagle, and Murray continued his career serving as a Maintenance Manager in Bangor, Maine, Base Director of Envoy Air’s Columbus, Ohio maintenance operation and Manager Director Northeast Region Maintenance.

As Managing Director Southern Region Maintenance, Jay oversaw Envoy’s line maintenance bases at Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Miami International Airport (MIA).

Jay holds an Associate Degree in Technology from Hudson Valley College, as well as an Aviation Maintenance diploma and A&P License from Riverside School of Aeronautics in Rome, New York.

Curtis R. Coble is responsible for Envoy’s Heavy Maintenance bases, along with Engineering, Technical Publications, Quality Control, Training, and sourcing of On-call Maintenance. He previously served as Envoy’s Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering. 

Before Joining Envoy in September 2007, Curtis worked for American Airlines as a Product Manager dealing with engine, support shops and line maintenance at American’s Kansas City (MCI) maintenance base. He led the management team responsible for directing union workers and oversaw the repair of PW2037 jet engines. He was also responsible for all hangar support functions and component repair.

Prior to joining American Airlines, Curtis was Director of Business Partners and Airline Information Services for Trans World Airlines, providing leadership to IT transition activities as TWA became part of American. He began his career with the Boeing Commercial Airplane Co. as a System Analyst. In his last position at Boeing, Coble was named Manager Production Control, Sheet Metal Center, where he developed short- and long-term production/capacity plans and managed detailed material requirements using an MRP II system.

Coble is a graduate of Oklahoma Christian College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/ Marketing and holds an Airframe & Powerplant licenses.

Linda Kunz is responsible for the Flight Service department, managing the 1,500 Flight Attendants who provide service on Envoy’s flights throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Linda has extensive airline experience not only in management, but also on the frontlines serving customers. She began her career as a flight attendant for Ozark Air Lines and later Trans World Airlines (TWA) when they acquired Ozark.

At TWA Linda held a variety of staff and line positions in Inflight Services, Flight Operations, Regulatory Compliance, Corporate Safety and Training. She steadily rose through the ranks to serve as the Director of Inflight Operations for the carrier, overseeing TWA’s inflight communications, policies and procedures, duty-free, in-seat catalog and website. When TWA merged with American in April 2001, Kunz continued her career at Envoy in her current position as Vice President – Flight Service.

Kunz holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University.

Captain Ric Wilson has more than 35 years of aviation experience, including 30 years at Envoy and American Eagle. Over the years, Ric has served in many roles: Pilot, Instructor/Check Airman, Flight Training Manager, Fleet Technical Manager and Director of Flight Operations Technical.

Prior to leading Envoy’s Flight Operations team, Ric served as Vice President System Operations Control (SOC), overseeing a wide range of planning and logistical support functions that drive the airline. Ric also served as Vice President of Safety & Compliance, responsible for all aspects of Corporate Safety Programs for 14,000 employees and all aspects of FAA Flight Safety Programs for the carrier’s domestic and international operations.

Ric holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Technology with an emphasis on engineering and mechanics, has completed an Advanced Executive Program at Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University and an Aviation Safety and Security Program at George Washington University. In addition to being an FAA-licensed Air Transport Pilot, Ric is also an FAA-licensed Airframe & Powerplant mechanic.

With more than 30 years of aviation experience, Captain Scott Trepinski serves as Envoy’s FAA-mandated Director of Safety, responsible for the administration and effectiveness of a wide range of safety programs, including the airline’s Safety Management System (SMS), Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAP), Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA), and Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS).

Scott began his career with Envoy as a line pilot and remains type-rated in three different commercial aircraft. He represents Envoy and shares his passion for aviation safety by presenting at numerous industry events, and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Central Missouri’s Aviation Department.

Scott is a Ph.D. candidate in Organizational Psychology at Liberty University and has a master’s degree in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona, with a bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering.

Chanen Lively joined Envoy in 2016 as in-house Attorney, overseeing a variety of legal, labor and employment issues for the airline. She now serves as Vice President of Human Resources & Employment Counsel, leading the team that provides employees with vital pay, benefits, and policy support.

With degrees from Southern Methodist University and The John Marshall Law School, Chanen began her career in Chicago, gaining experience in employment and business litigation, as well as court proceedings in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Adept at researching and presenting complex legal issues, Chanen served as law clerk, associate and hearing representative at a variety of firms, gaining extensive experience in employment matters.

Christopher Pappaioanou joined Envoy in 2015 to oversee the airline’s Legal, Labor and Employment teams.

Chris’ background combines both legal and airline operational experience. Prior to joining Envoy, Chris served as Senior Vice President, East Coast Operations for Mesa Airlines. He also led Mesa’s hub operations in Charlotte (CLT), Dulles (IAD) and Chicago (ORD) before serving as President of go! Airlines, responsible for the overall operational and financial performance of the Hawaiian-based airline.

With degrees from Ball State University and Indiana University School of Law, as well as a Master’s Degree from Yale University, Chris began his career as an attorney in positions of increasing responsibility, specializing in labor, employment and business development.

Kara McKinney was named Vice President Finance & Planning for Envoy Air in 2019. In this role, she oversees all of Envoy’s financial and accounting functions, and contributes to the company’s strategic planning. In December 2021, Kara was given the title of Senior Vice President Finance & Planning.

McKinney joined Envoy in 2009 as a Financial Analyst and has served in a variety of roles, including Manager of Cooperative Advertising and Marketing and Controller for Envoy’s Air Operations division. She also played a pivotal analytical role during the American Airlines bankruptcy process and subsequent merger with US Airways.

McKinney holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of North Texas.

John Nicks is responsible for managing Envoy’s Purchasing, Contracts, Inventory Control/Logistics, Stores and Vendor Relations. Additionally, he oversees the airlines’ Trade Compliance and Regulatory programs, as well as its Corporate Real Estate functions.

With four decades of aviation experience, John’s extensive experience and knowledge of airline operations has been an important part of Envoy’s leadership team as it has evolved and changed through the years. He joined AMR Eagle in 1988 as Vice President of Administration overseeing the Human Resources, Information Technology and Corporate Real Estate departments and played an instrumental role in combining the original five airlines that became American Eagle in 1998.

John earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Lynchburg Baptist College then started his career at Air Virginia. He served in a variety of roles, including Vice President Schedules and Planning and Vice President Customer Service.

John Jaynes is responsible for all ground handling activities at Envoy, with more than 8,700 employees handling almost 1,700 daily departures at 111 airports throughout the United States, Canada, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. He previously served as Vice President – Airport Services Planning, responsible for Envoy’s ground handling business with airline customers including United and Delta. Other positions at Envoy have included Vice President – Divestiture and Transition Services, working on the possible divestiture of Eagle, Vice President – Airport Services and Vice President – Operations Planning and Performance.

John joined American in 1985 as a Crew Systems Analyst and has held several management positions in marketing and planning, including Managing Director – Marketing Planning/Consumer Research and Managing Director – Food and Beverage Services. He started his first position at Envoy Air in 1998.

John holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master’s Degree from MIT’s Flight Transportation Laboratory.

Dee Temples is responsible for Envoy Air’s Line & Base Maintenance, Technical Services, Flight Operations and System Operations Control. A 19-year employee of Envoy Air and Trans World Airlines, Inc., Temples previously served as Vice President of Planning & Treasury for Envoy from 2011 until 2013. Prior to that, he led Envoy’s Financial Planning & Analysis teams.

Temples joined TWA in 1998 and served in a variety of roles there involving diverse areas of the company, including engine overhaul processes, aircraft modifications, sales strategies, fleet planning, flight profitability, and the introduction of regional jet flying at Trans World Express.

A life-long aviation and transportation system enthusiast, Dee earned his Private Pilot’s License at the age of 18 and worked at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in North Carolina as an Operations Officer before starting his airline career.

Dee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Clemson University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as a private pilot’s license.

As President and CEO of Envoy Air, Pedro Fábregas oversees one of the world’s largest regional airlines, with more than 17,000 employees operating approximately 1,000 daily flights to nearly 150 cities throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. With more than 35 years of airline industry experience, Pedro joined American Airlines in 1983 and rose rapidly through the Customer Service and Finance ranks to become Vice President of Finance & Planning, and later President and CEO of Executive Airlines, a former wholly-owned subsidiary of AMR Corp.

Pedro holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administration and Finance from the University of the Sacred Heart, Puerto Rico, and a Master’s degree from the University of Miami, School of Business Administration in Coral Gables, Florida. An officer at American Airlines Group, the parent company of American Airlines, he served for eight years as a member of the Board of Overseers at the University of Miami School of Business.  Today, he’s a member of the Board of Overseers at the University of Dallas School of Business, and the American Airlines Federal Credit Union Board of Directors.

Hispanic Business Magazine selected Fábregas to their 2013 “Corporate Elite” list that includes the 25 most influential, engaged and dynamic Hispanic business leaders in America. For four consecutive years, he has been recognized by D CEO magazine as one of the Dallas 500 most powerful business leaders in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He was also named one of the Most Admired CEOs in North Texas by the Dallas Business Journal and was also awarded with the Reader’s Choice Award.