Aviation Center for Excellence
(ACE) Staff
Andrew Luppino
Director of Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Systems Technology Program Chair
Andrew Luppino joined LCC in 2015 as an instructor before becoming program chair of the machining program, where he worked closely with local industries to train a skilled workforce. In his current role as Director of Advanced Manufacturing, he fosters industry partnerships and develops hands-on learning projects that build students’ technical and critical-thinking skills. His work helps prepare students to enter advanced manufacturing careers ready to meet industry demands.
Dustin Pollock
Aviation Systems Technology/Airframe & Powerplant Program Chair/Instructor
Dustin Pollock began his aviation career in 2003 as a crew chief on CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters in the United States Marine Corps, completing multiple deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He later served in the U.S. Navy as an electronic warfare and non-acoustic operator on P-3C Orion aircraft, logging more than 3,000 total flight hours and serving as an NATOPS instructor and CRM facilitator. After retiring from the military, he earned an associate degree in Industrial Systems Technology from Pitt Community College and later joined Lenoir Community College. Dustin now serves as Chair of Aviation Systems Technology and helped develop LCC’s FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician program. He holds both Airframe and Powerplant certifications.
Blandy Castro
Aviation Management and Career Pilot Technology Program Chair/Instructor
Blandy Castro is the Program Chair for Aviation Management and Career Pilot Technology at LCC, where she teaches core aviation courses and leads program development. As a Certified Flight Instructor and experienced UAV pilot, she brings extensive operational and safety-focused expertise to her work in aviation education. She holds a Master of Science in Aeronautics with a specialization in Aviation Safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is dedicated to advancing student learning, mentorship, and inclusive leadership in the aviation community.
Chris Krieger
Aviation Systems Technology/Airframe & Powerplant Instructor
Chris Krieger is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with more than 22 years of experience in Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE), also known as Ground Support Equipment (GSE). During his career he worked in roles including Quality Assurance, Mobile Command and Control, and Communications Security while supporting numerous aircraft platforms. His experience includes working with aircraft such as the KC-10, C-5, C-17, C-130, F-16, F-15, and B-1. Chris holds an Associate of Science in AGE Technology from the Community College of the Air Force and a Universal Refrigerant Certificate.
Allen Pete
Industrial Maintenance Technology Instructor
Allen Pete began his career in 1988 serving in the United States Marine Corps, where he worked in communication electronics. After his military service, he continued his education at Lenoir Community College, Pitt Community College, and the North American Institute of Technology. He brings more than 30 years of industrial manufacturing experience, primarily in maintenance operations. Throughout his career, he has focused on preventative, proactive, and predictive maintenance to improve efficiency and reliability.
Janos Virag
Aerospace Manufacturing Instructor
Janos Virag specializes in carbon fiber fabrication and composite manufacturing, particularly related to Airbus A350 aircraft. He previously gained industry experience working at Spirit AeroSystems. At Lenoir Community College, he serves as the Aerospace Manufacturing Instructor, preparing students for careers in advanced aerospace production. He is also an FAA-certified pilot and completed LCC’s Aircraft General Maintenance certification course.
Molly Brennan
Aviation, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Instructor
Molly Brennan served five years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps as an Airframes Mechanic working on UH-1Y Huey and AH-1W/AH-1Z Cobra helicopters. During her service she was stationed in California and deployed internationally in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. After leaving the military, she worked in quality and field operations for Kawasaki Rail Car on major rail projects before returning to aviation maintenance as a civilian contractor supporting Marine Corps aviation units. Molly now serves as the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Instructor at LCC, supporting workforce training for Fleet Readiness Center East. She holds an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Borough of Manhattan Community College and is completing an Associate of Science degree at Coastal Carolina Community College.
Debbie Wise
Instructional Assistant – ACE and Small Business Center
Debbie Wise, a Kinston native, has worked full-time at Lenoir Community College since 2019 after previously serving as an adjunct instructor and advisory board chair for more than a decade. She supports programs in Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing while also working with the college’s Small Business Center and Customized Training division. Her work helps connect industry partners, workforce training initiatives, and student opportunities.
Amy Eason
Student Success Coach – Business and Industrial Technologies
Amy Eason is a lifelong resident of Lenoir County and a graduate of North Lenoir High School. She earned degrees in Exercise and Sports Science and School Counseling from East Carolina University. During her career with Lenoir County Public Schools, she served as a teacher, coach, and school counselor. Now retired from the school system, she continues to support educational initiatives and enjoys spending time with her family, playing golf, and participating in outdoor activities.
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