John T. Hart has been chosen as the Virginia Department of Aviation’s (DOAV) new deputy director for Airport Services following a nationally competitive search process. He replaces Vernon Carter who retired earlier this year after 38 years of service to the Commonwealth.
As deputy director, Hart will oversee 10 professionals in engineering, environmental, planning, and safety offices; and he will manage a more than $35 million annual budget.
“We are very fortunate to have John Hart as our new deputy director,” said Greg Campbell, DOAV director. “He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the public-use airports in Virginia. His 19 years with the Virginia Department of Aviation have prepared him well for his new role.”
Prior to his appointment, Hart had been DOAV’s chief engineer since December 2022. In that role, he supervised a team of three engineers who provided standards evaluations, design review, funding determinations and program guidance to the 65 public-use airports in the Commonwealth.
He served as a DOAV airport engineer from March 2013 to December 2022; and was the agency’s security and facilities engineer from March 2006 through March 2013. Before joining the DOAV in March 2006, John was both a project manager and a field engineer for two large construction companies in Virginia.
Hart said, “I’m grateful for this tremendous opportunity, and I’m excited to lead one of the best airport services teams in the nation. I will build upon the successes of my predecessors as I endeavor every day to keep the aviation system in Virginia one of America’s best.”
Hart holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Old Dominion University. He lives with his wife in Victoria, Virginia; and they have four adult children.
