As the current Airport Director for Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), with more than 32 years of experience in the aviation industry, Mr. Hastert is responsible for the maintenance, operations, fiscal management, and long-term capital planning for the airport. He leads a staff of 73 employees and manages a $31 million operating budget. He is committed to providing a convenient, stress-free travel experience for central coast passengers, promoting the welfare and success of the general aviation community, all while minimizing impacts on neighboring areas.
Prior to joining the Santa Barbara Airport team, he served as General Manager of the Santa Maria Public Airport for 14 years, worked his way up from an Operations Officer to Deputy Director for the Ventura County Department of Airports overseeing the operations at both Oxnard and Camarillo Airports for 12 years, and served in the US Army as an Aviation Operations Specialist for 5 years.
He is currently the Board President of the California Airports Council, board member of the Association of California Airports, membership chair for the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives, and past president of the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club.
When not enjoying the view from above as private pilot since 2002, he also enjoys camping and offroad driving with Kathy, his wife of 25 years, and sons Riley (20) and Colin (17).