With over 5,500 acres of land, 450 acres of paved aviation surfaces, 25 miles of public roadways and an expert team of workers in a variety of roles, the Lincoln Airport is truly a city within a city. The airport offers residents of Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska convenient, daily connections to the world, hometown comfort and a complete menu of aviation services. The airport also operates the LNK Enterprise Park, one of the largest industrial parks in the Midwest. David Haring is the Executive Director of the Lincoln Airport Authority (www.lincolnairport.com).
How did you get started in the business? – After dropping out of college at 19, I did odd jobs for a couple of years before deciding to pursue commercial aviation. At the University of North Dakota, I received my pilot’s license, but discovered that airports fascinated me so I changed my focus to airport administration. Following graduation in 2001, I took an internship that led to a 13-year career at the airport in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I joined the team at the Lincoln Airport in 2014.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife, Jen, and I got married in October of 2013. She works in the commercial and real estate lending department at West Gate Bank. We both have boys from prior relationships (ages 12 and 9) and it was actually our sons who brought us together, as they were both at the same daycare facility. It does make for some interesting looks when we tell people that we met at daycare!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – As difficult as it was my divorce in 2008 taught me a great deal about the importance of being an active player in the game of life, not just a passive participant. It was a wake-up call and made me a better person in the long run. Most significantly, it made me a better father.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – We bought a house in April, so it seems that all of our days off are spent getting the house set up. If we do have some free time, Jen and I love to try new local restaurants and sample local craft beers. As a family, we enjoy attending live sporting events, and Lincoln offers plenty of great options.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Teacher. I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for teachers at all levels and truly believe it is one of the most influential and important of any careers.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – My wife and I participated in the Leadership Lincoln Executive Series shortly after our arrival, where we learned about some phenomenal non-profit groups in Lincoln. The Food Bank of Lincoln made a profound impression because of its positive impact on the community and the passion that Scott and the entire team exhibit. We are looking forward to getting our entire family involved there. I’m also excited about recently joining the program committee for Youth Leadership Lincoln.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Charles Lindbergh. From his learning to fly (in Lincoln!), to his days as an air mail pilot and crossing the Atlantic, it would be a fascinating conversation.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Feel free to check out the Lincoln Airport website at www.lincolnairport.com. You can also reach me at (402) 458-2400 or dharing@lincolnairport.com.