Humboldt County's New Aviation Director Resigns After Less Than 2 Months

Justin Hopman says he and his family just really miss Florida's Space Coast.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:04pm

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Justin Hopman, the recently appointed Aviation Director for Humboldt County, California, has resigned from his position after less than two months on the job. In his resignation letter, Hopman cited personal challenges his family has faced living in the area, noting that his wife and two kids grew up in Florida and have struggled with the move to Northern California. Hopman says the decision to leave was driven by his family's desire to return to their support network back home.

Why it matters

Hopman's sudden resignation raises questions about the stability and leadership of Humboldt County's Aviation Department, which has seen three directors resign in the past 18 months. However, Hopman insists the department is doing well, with new airline routes and increased activity at the local airport, suggesting his departure is more about personal factors than any organizational issues.

The details

In his resignation letter, Hopman said he made the "difficult decision to step away due to the personal challenges we have faced living in this location." He and his wife grew up in Florida's Space Coast region near Orlando, and they struggled to adjust to life in Humboldt County with their two kids. Hopman says his "wife and kids just miss the family" support they have back home. Despite the personal reasons for leaving, Hopman praised Humboldt as a "really beautiful place" and said the county's Board of Supervisors has been very supportive of the airport's recent successes, including the launch of new airline routes to Burbank and Las Vegas.

  • Hopman submitted his resignation letter on March 2, 2026.
  • Hopman's last day on the job is currently scheduled for March 27, 2026.

The players

Justin Hopman

The recently appointed Aviation Director for Humboldt County, California, who is resigning from his position after less than two months on the job.

Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

The county government body that Hopman says has been very supportive of the local airport and open to his feedback.

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What they’re saying

“After much reflection and discussion with my family, I have made the difficult decision to step away due to the personal challenges we have faced living in this location. I am sure you understand the long-term needs and well-being of my family must take priority at this time.”

— Justin Hopman, Aviation Director (lostcoastoutpost.com)

“The wife and kids just miss the family. They're in charge, not me.”

— Justin Hopman (lostcoastoutpost.com)

What’s next

Hopman has offered to help the county transition to new leadership in the Aviation Department, if needed.

The takeaway

While Hopman's sudden resignation raises questions about the stability of Humboldt County's Aviation Department, his candid explanation about prioritizing his family's needs and desire to return to their Florida roots suggests his departure is more personal than professional in nature. The county appears to be making progress with the local airport, and Hopman's successor will inherit an operation with new airline routes and growing activity.