Bill Harden of White Springs, Florida, has been named the new Habersham County Airport Manager effective Dec. 1. The county announced his hiring in a press release Thursday afternoon.
Since October 2020, Harden has served as airport manager at Suwannee County Airport in Live Oak, Florida, overseeing day-to-day operations of aviation at the regional airport. In his current position, he supervises all union and non-union personnel and manages all financials, invoicing, and rent.
From February 2016 to October 2020, he served as assistant airport manager at Williston Municipal Airport in Williston, Florida. In addition to serving as the main supervisor for the staff, he oversaw maintenance of grounds, buildings, and equipment; performed repairs on equipment, airport facility, mowing of all property, hangars, and runways.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Hardin to our county management team,” says Habersham County Manager Alicia Vaughn. “We are seeing exciting improvements and growth at the airport, and I know Mr. Harden’s experience and knowledge set will prove to be a tremendous asset to our community.”
Harden received a bachelor’s degree in natural resources from the University of Florida. He holds a Certified Private Pilot’s license for High Performance and Complex Aircraft. He is educated in Part 139 regarding airport certification and 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), federal aviation grants, engineering, and construction, the press release state
In addition to his aviation training and experience, Harden formerly worked for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission in Lake City, Florida, and served as a park ranger for two years at Silver Ranger State Park in Silver Springs, Florida.
He also was a pro cyclist, riding mountain bikes for K2 Cycling Company.
While Dec. 1 has been set as Harden’s first day on the job in Habersham County, it is possible he could begin sooner.
LISTEN: Bill Harden talks about his hopes and plans for the Habersham County Airport
“I’m looking forward to meeting the people here at the airport,” Harden said Thursday. “I’m looking for better things for the airport to make it better. Moving forward, just having a lot of nice new things for the airport. Maybe we can move forward with new businesses and new growth and having new people flying into it and just have the customer service that’s beyond belief.”
Harden will be paid $77,500 per year, and he will receive the use of a county vehicle and a county cell phone. The county explains he will be on call to handle after-hours fueling needs for corporate customers and to respond to any airfield incidents that may occur.
