Chris Hastert’s first couple of months on the job as the Santa Maria Public Airport’s general manager have been “a little bit of a whirlwind.” He joins the airport at a time when longtime plans call for creating a business park and golf course south of the airfield, extending the runway and expanding airline service — all amid a staggering economy.
Hastert, most recently deputy director of Ventura County Airports, was hired in October after a long search that began earlier in the year. He worked the past 11 years at Ventura County Airports, which includes the Camarillo and Oxnard airports.
Since taking the post Oct. 14, Hastert’s agenda has included getting to know people, reviewing airport policies and seeing his family settled into their new city. The transition has been made easier by a welcoming community, he said. “We’ve been accepted with open arms,” he said.