Humboldt County Aviation Director Justin Hopman Resigns Citing Family Reasons

Justin Hopman, C.M., ACE, announced he will step down as Humboldt County Director of Aviation effective Friday, March 27, 2026, the Humboldt County Administrative Office said in a press release. Hopman began his service with the county on Jan. 5, 2026, and the resignation follows what the county described as a short tenure of under three months.

Hopman offered a personal explanation in the county statement: “After much reflection and discussion with my family, I have made the difficult decision to step away from my role as Humboldt County’s Aviation Director. The needs and well-being of my family must always take priority. This decision was not easy to make, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity that was presented to me.” The press release added that the County of Humboldt thanks Hopman for his work and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

The appointment material distributed when Hopman was hired noted he brings more than 15 years of aviation experience to the role. Before joining Humboldt County, Hopman served as Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance for the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority on Florida’s Space Coast, where he oversaw management, operations and development of a multi-airport system and a licensed Federal Aviation Administration spaceport.

Hopman’s prior portfolio, as recited in the county appointment materials, includes leading runway rehabilitations, new hangar construction, navigational system upgrades and completing a new air traffic control tower project. His earlier career included operations roles at Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, information the county provided at the time of his hiring.

The county press release that announced Hopman’s resignation also quoted Third District Supervisor and Board Chair Mike Wilson, who said the Board respects Hopman’s decision and emphasized continuity for local aviation: “While this outcome is not what we hoped for, we respect Justin’s decision to prioritize what is best for his family. Aviation continues to be vital to Humboldt’s connectivity and economic growth, and the Board remains committed to supporting the needs of the community and the Aviation Department.”

County materials published during the appointment process said Hopman was anticipated to be appointed at a Board of Supervisors meeting on Dec. 9, 2025, and subsequently joined the county on Jan. 5, 2026 to oversee Humboldt’s system of airports. The resignation announcement did not name a successor or an interim director, and the press release provided no timeline for filling the vacancy.

Hopman’s departure removes from county leadership an official with spaceport and multi-airport management experience; county officials have stated the Board will continue to support Humboldt’s aviation needs as it addresses the vacancy in the Aviation Department.