JOHN AYRES III, President
John Ayres, a Virginia Tech graduate, is the owner of Ayres Forestry, Inc., a full-service timber company. He is actively involved in the community of Monroeville, Ala., serving on the Board of Directors for the YMCA Monroeville, United Way Monroeville, Forest Insurance Company of the Southeast, the Advisory Board of Directors for Trustmark Bank Monroeville, and the Board of Directors for Monroe Academy. Originally from Amherst, Massachusetts, John and his wife Susan were married in 1998. They have three children: Faith, Jim, and Catherine Anne and are members of First Baptist Church, residing in Monroeville, Ala.
“I serve because I see how it positively impacts people and brings them closer to Christ. I can’t think of another ministry that has such a profound effect on people in their lowest state, models Christ’s love to patients and caregivers, is totally dependent on God’s grace, and stewards its income from its donors responsibly and transparently.” – John Ayres III
BUCKY BUSBY, Vice President
Bucky Busby is an accomplished individual with deep roots in the local community. He graduated from Auburn University in 2002 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. Since June 2023, he has been the owner of Hammer Incorporated, a local general contractor. He has also been a private pilot since 2018. Born and raised in Monroeville, Ala., Bucky married his wife, Candis in 2001, and they have three children: Ally, Tyler, and Hunter. The Busbys are active members of Eastwood Baptist Church in Monroeville, Ala., where he also serves as a deacon.
“Pilots for Christ allows me to combine my love for aviation with my passion for being the hands and feet of God. There is no better organization that I could be a part of that displays the love and hope that Jesus offers to each one of us.” – Bucky Busby
TRAMMELL HENRY, Secretary
Trammell Henry is an Auburn University graduate completing an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics. He has been a Sales Manager at Nutrien Ag Solutions since 2004. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Trammell is married to Tammy and is father to three children, ages 18, 11, and 8. The family serves actively as members of First Baptist Church Fairhope; they also reside in Fairhope, Ala.
“I love to serve and believe it is what we are called to do. Just point me in the direction I need to serve, and I am there. Now that I have kids it hits so close to home to see children suffering. It really has been a game changer in my life to serve with Pilots for Christ in a fundraiser role over the last six years and now as a part of the board.” – Trammell Henry
CHAD LAWRENCE, Treasurer
Chad Lawrence earned his MBA from the University of Mobile in 2004. After a decade at Vanity Fair Intimates in Monroeville Dyeing and Finishing Plant, Chad moved with his family to Minnesota to work for Target Corporation as a Textile Engineer. Following four years at Target, Chad and his family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where he took on a leadership role at Spanx, a shapewear company. In 2019, Chad founded NexTex Innovations, Inc., a textile innovation company, where he continues to work. Additionally, he is the Vice President of the Georgia Soft Goods Foundation, an organization that provides scholarships to textile students.
Chad has been married to Michelle Lawrence for 26 years, and they have two children, Benjamin and Emma Beth. He attends 3Circle Church and enjoys leading their church small group alongside Michelle. He currently resides in Bay Minette, Alabama.
“To serve the kingdom of God in a tangible way for those who need it the most and at their greatest time of need. I am reminded of the commandment to love your brother (or sister) as yourself. It is only in loving others and serving others that I can best reflect and show the love that God has for all. It is an honor and privilege to serve the Lord; I hope and pray that others are impacted and drawn close to the Lord through the PFC ministry!” – Chad Lawrence
WALT MASSEY, Board Member
Walt Massey is the owner of Walt Massey Auto Group. His auto group owns ten dealerships across Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Florida. Originally from Citronelle, Ala., Walt attended the University of West Alabama and the University of Mobile. He married Christy Massey in 1992 and together they have two children, Payton and Laurel Massey. He currently resides in Fairhope, Ala., and attends First Baptist Fairhope.
“Christy and I are honored to be a small part of such a wonderful ministry. Like us, almost everyone has lost someone they love to cancer or other tragic illnesses. We have also seen the emotional and financial impact these circumstances have on families. Pilots for Christ does such a wonderful job relieving the stress of frequent travel for patients and families dealing with these life changing challenges.
“Several years ago, I was invited to co-pilot a flight for Pilots for Christ with our friend and chief pilot Tommy Lee. Since then, I have had the honor of doing additional flights and seeing the incredible blessings these flights provide families. After joining the board of directors, we learned just how important this ministry is to communities all over the south and how God continues to bless it and the people who support it.” – Walt Massey