Hickory – Hickory City Manager Warren Wood hired Chad Hunsucker to serve as the City of Hickory’s new Airport Manager.
Hunsucker took over the management of the Hickory Regional Airport on Jan. 2 following the retirement of longtime Hickory Airport Manager Terry Clark, who retired at the end of 2023 after more than 42 years of service.
“As the City of Hickory continues to grow, the Hickory Regional Airport and its surrounding areas have become a focal point for innovation and economic development,” said Wood. “In our search for a new airport manager, Chad’s proven leadership experience as a military veteran and expert knowledge of aviation operations immediately grabbed our attention and made him a strong match for this vacancy.”
A Hickory native, Hunsucker spent 27 years in the military, serving his country as a Director of Aviation Operations and Program Manager in the U.S. Navy from January 1991 to December 2017. During that time, he managed aviation operations and personnel at numerous military airfields in Hawaii, Mississippi, and Virginia.
Hunsucker most recently worked as an Air Traffic Control Specialist for Robinson Aviation (RVA), Inc. at Concord Regional Airport since February 2018.
“Chad brings a wealth of experience in aviation. We’re excited to see how the Hickory Regional Airport continues to prosper and evolve under his leadership,” added Wood.
When asked about his new role with the City of Hickory, Hunsucker stated, “I’m looking forward to this incredible opportunity to maximize the operational efficiency of the airport, work alongside city leaders during numerous ongoing airport construction projects, and work with our partners to advance the airport’s economic impact within the Hickory region.”
Hunsucker earned a Bachelor of Applied Science and Technology degree in Aviation/Airway Management and Operations from Thomas Edison State University. He is certified as a Control Tower Operator through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity.
Outside of his professional experience, Hunsucker’s community service and volunteer efforts have included organizing fundraising events for the American Heart Association since May 2001 and serving as a volunteer coordinator for Habitat for Humanity International from March 1997 to March 2002.
Hunsucker resides in Maiden with his wife, Carol. They have a daughter named Ceara, who is a senior at Liberty University.
Photo: Airport Manager Chad Hunsucker stands in front of a plane at Hickory Regional Airport.
