Mesa Airlines Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Mesa Airlines has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, information technology, financial management, and corporate leadership.

Focused on regional connectivity, Mesa Airlines delivers reliable commercial passenger service across North America and the Caribbean while maintaining a commitment to operational excellence and safety standards.

Leadership Roles at Mesa Airlines

  • Chief Executive Officer - Celestina Lazar
  • President & Chief Financial Officer - Michael Lotz
  • Chief Operating Officer - Michael Ferverda
  • President - Steve Mongillo
  • IT Chief Information Officer & Vice President - Robert Hornberg
  • Celestina Lazar - Chief Executive Officer

    Celestina Lazar, the Chief Executive Officer at Mesa Airlines, directs the overarching strategic vision for the regional carrier. Lazar manages the long-term growth trajectory while ensuring alignment with the complex regulatory requirements of the aviation industry. By overseeing the expansion of commercial passenger services across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and The Bahamas, the Chief Executive Officer maintains a competitive market position. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to optimize fleet utilization and enhance service reliability. Celestina Lazar drives the corporate culture toward safety and efficiency, ensuring that every flight operation meets rigorous standards. Through the implementation of sustainable business practices, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the organization. Ultimately, Lazar fosters strong relationships with major airline partners to expand the reach of the regional network, ensuring consistent performance across all international and domestic routes.

    Michael Lotz - President & Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Lotz, the President & Chief Financial Officer at Mesa Airlines, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Lotz oversees the financial reporting, budgeting, and investor relations functions to ensure long-term stability. By analyzing market trends and fuel costs, the President & Chief Financial Officer optimizes the cost structure to support profitable growth across the regional network. This leadership role involves securing the necessary capital for fleet modernization and infrastructure investments. Michael Lotz drives the financial planning process, ensuring that the company maintains a strong balance sheet while expanding service into new international markets. The President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to evaluate the economic viability of new routes and partnerships. Through disciplined financial oversight, Lotz supports the company's mission to provide consistent, high-quality passenger service, ensuring that the airline remains a competitive force in the regional transportation sector.
    Michael Lotz

    Michael Ferverda - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Ferverda, the Chief Operating Officer at Mesa Airlines, manages the daily execution of flight schedules and ground operations. Ferverda oversees the maintenance of the aircraft fleet to ensure maximum uptime and safety compliance across all regional routes. By coordinating with flight crews and ground personnel, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes turnaround times and passenger throughput. This role requires constant monitoring of operational metrics to identify bottlenecks in the service delivery chain. Michael Ferverda drives initiatives to improve on-time performance and customer satisfaction levels throughout the North American market. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with the executive team to integrate new aircraft into the existing network, supporting the broader mission of reliable regional transport. Through rigorous oversight of safety protocols and operational logistics, Ferverda maintains the integrity of the flight schedule, ensuring that the airline meets the demands of passengers traveling across diverse international and domestic destinations.

    Steve Mongillo - President

    Steve Mongillo, the President at Mesa Airlines, directs the tactical execution of corporate policies and organizational objectives. Mongillo oversees the internal management of departments to ensure alignment with the company's mission of providing reliable regional air service. By coordinating cross-functional teams, the President facilitates the smooth implementation of strategic initiatives across the airline's diverse operational footprint. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of accountability and performance excellence among the workforce. Steve Mongillo drives the development of internal processes that streamline communication and improve service delivery for passengers traveling throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The President collaborates with the executive leadership to refine the business model in response to changing market conditions. Through the active management of organizational resources, Mongillo ensures that the company maintains its operational standards, supporting the broader goal of delivering safe and efficient air travel to all customers.

    Robert Hornberg - IT Chief Information Officer & Vice President

    Robert Hornberg, the IT Chief Information Officer & Vice President at Mesa Airlines, architects the digital infrastructure supporting regional flight operations. Hornberg manages the cybersecurity frameworks and data systems that protect passenger information and operational records. By overseeing the integration of flight management software, the IT Chief Information Officer & Vice President ensures seamless communication between ground control and airborne systems. This leadership role involves modernizing the technological stack to improve booking efficiency and operational transparency. Robert Hornberg drives digital transformation projects that enhance the overall passenger experience across the airline's extensive network. The IT Chief Information Officer & Vice President collaborates with other executives to leverage data analytics for better route planning and fuel management. Through the implementation of robust IT solutions, Hornberg supports the company's mission to provide reliable, tech-enabled air travel, ensuring that all digital systems remain resilient against the evolving threats within the global aviation industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mesa Airlines Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Mesa Airlines?
    Mesa Airlines is led by Celestina Lazar (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Lotz (President & Chief Financial Officer) and Michael Ferverda (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Mesa Airlines’s executive team?
    The executive team of Mesa Airlines includes leaders such as Celestina Lazar (Chief Executive Officer), Michael Lotz (President & Chief Financial Officer), Michael Ferverda (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Mesa Airlines have?
    Mesa Airlines has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Mesa Airlines’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Mesa Airlines includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, IT Chief Information Officer & Vice President.