Harris Halverson

Harris Halverson currently serves as the Commander and Chief Executive Officer of the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center, a pivotal role that underscores his expertise in aviation operations, strategic leadership, and organizational management within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In this capacity, Harris oversees the utilization, maintenance, and operational safety of a fleet of specialized aircraft dedicated to critical missions such as weather reconnaissance, climate research, and environmental monitoring. His leadership ensures the seamless coordination of complex aviation activities, leveraging his extensive background in aviation safety, unmanned aircraft systems, and operational planning.

Under Harris’s stewardship, the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center has expanded its technical capabilities and geographic reach, fostering strong collaborations with agencies like the National Hurricane Center in Miami and other research institutions. His strategic initiatives have optimized resource utilization, transforming underused assets into vital tools for scientific discovery and disaster response. Harris’s adeptness at managing a $30 million annual budget and overseeing a $42 million supplemental upgrade demonstrates his adeptness at financial stewardship and project management.

With a proven track record in building lean, efficient operations, Harris excels in developing performance improvement systems that enhance mission effectiveness. His military background as a member of NOAA’s Commissioned Officer Corps has cultivated his strong planning, execution, and leadership skills—attributes that are essential for navigating the complexities of government aviation operations, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and maintaining operational security. Harris Halverson’s strategic vision and operational expertise continue to advance NOAA’s mission of understanding and protecting our planet through innovative aviation solutions and collaborative efforts.