Harden named Habersham County Airport manager

William M. Harden of White Springs, Fla., has been named the new Habersham County Airport Manager effective Dec. 1. 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. Since October 2020, Harden has served as airport manager at Suwannee County Airport in Live Oak, Fla., 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. Harden is educated in Part 139 regarding airport certification and 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), federal aviation grants, engineering, and construction. From February 2016 to October 2020, Harden served as assistant airport manager at Williston Municipal Airport in Williston, Fla. In addition to serving as 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,” said 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 is certified in Controlled Forest Burning and Prescribed Fire Burning, has passed a University of Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Erosion and Sedimentation course, and completed continuing education at Hillsborough Community College. He also formerly worked for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission in Lake City, Fla., and served as a park ranger for two years at Silver Ranger State Park in Silver Springs, Fla. Harden 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. “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.”