Star City Six – Rachel Barth

The Lincoln Airport Authority owns the Lincoln Airport, the second largest airport in Nebraska. Rachel Barth is the communications director for the Lincoln Airport Authority.

Tell us a little about your business.

The Lincoln Airport Authority operates the Lincoln Airport, a public/military airport located five miles northwest of Lincoln. Our base spans more than 5,000 acres. Currently, we have commercial air service through Delta and United Airlines and operate the LNK Enterprise Park, one of the largest industrial parks in the Midwest.

How did you get started in the business?

I just started at the beginning of May. My background is in marketing, communications, and public relations, and I’ve worked for several local businesses in those capacities. I’ve flown out of Lincoln several times and in general love to travel. This position allows me to mesh two of my passions, traveling and people.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Learning to balance my personal and professional life. I am a mom of two and I love to volunteer and be involved in my community, so I’ve had to prioritize and learn to say no so I don’t burn myself out.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

When I was in college, I was the founding member of a student organization, Nebraska University Students Against Modern-day Slavery (NUSAMS). In 2012, I was awarded Officer of Year by the Student Impact Awards at UNL for my involvement with NUSAMS. I’m incredibly proud the student organization is still active and helping to make the world a better place.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband Eric and I met in college. We have been married for seven years and live out in Bennet on an acreage. We have two very active little boys, Ryker (4) and Gunner (1). We also have a rescue lab named Izzy who is 10.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

Becoming a mom! Having to be 100% responsible for someone else’s life is the scariest but most rewarding feeling at the same time.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I was the first girl born in my family in 75 years. My grandparents had five boys and then my uncles all had boys until my parents had me in 1988. My grandma actually didn’t believe it, so my baby blanket that she made for me was blue and I made headlines of several local newspapers.

Who inspires you?

My Grandma Hilda who has passed. She was one of 11 children and spent almost her entire life on the farm. She could speak German, knew how to cook about anything, sew, garden, can food, keep a farm going…all while raising five boys. She lived through the Depression, war, losing a child, and losing my grandpa. My grandma was tough. She loved everyone even though she never said it. Her actions spoke louder than her words.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” – George Bernard Shaw

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Passionate.

What is your favorite movie?

Stand by Me. (It’s also my dad’s favorite movie!)

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Marilyn Monroe.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

(402) 458-2400; r.barth@lincolnairport.com; www.lincolnairport.com.