Fly behind the scenes of a “small town” called Harrisburg International Airport and discover the intricacies of the HR department. To fostering a culture of safety, diversity, and excellence; to facilitating flights and boosting employee satisfaction, Mick Burkett and Heather Oliver are the architects of HIA’s polished operations. Take a seat and learn how Mick Burkett ensures that HIA remains a beacon of excellence in Pennsylvania’s aviation landscape.

Mick’s Journey

Mick began his tenure by leading the HR department at a courthouse. Working there for 18 years equipped him with the skills he needed to lead HR at Pennsylvania’s profound transportation hub, Harrisburg International Airport. His career at HIA started in 2019. Over the years, Mick has seen many changes at the airport; however, one important aspect stays the same: employees take pride in what they do here.

Evolution of the HR Department

Change is a constant at HIA, as Mick’s role became more focused into strategic planning policy, there was a need for a new position in the HR department. Hiring Heather Oliver to take care of day-to-day tasks that no longer aligned with Mick’s role came into the picture shortly after.

Mick’s Role

Mick’s role is to “give departments the staff and knowledge” they require. Recruitment of employees and training factors into this role. At HIA, it is important that our employees understand our mission of providing safe, convenient, and affordable connections to the world for Pennsylvania residents. In the recruitment process, a discussion of this mission and willingness to provide a safe environment is assessed to ensure our staff contributes to our culture here at HIA. Mick also manages benefit costs and employee relations with labor unions. Employee pay at HIA is maintained at a competitive rate within the airport industry, all while controlling operating costs.

Adapting to Change

Given the dynamic nature of the aviation industry, Mick and his team are phenomenal at adjusting to any challenge flying their way. Currently, they are selecting a performance evaluation system as well as a learning enhancement system. These new systems will improve planning and growth within the company. Looking ahead, a fair number of employees are approaching retirement. Mick and Heather are already in the process of implementing a plan for who is next in line.

Measuring Success

Mick examines multiple metrics for success, among them the turnover rate. Naturally, he aims for a low figure, but he also delves into the reasons behind the departures, using that insight to refine airport operations and better cater to employee needs. He also examines the monthly cost per employee to ensure that HIA remains within a reasonable target range compared to the industry. Additionally, as previously noted, maintaining competitive salaries within the industry is crucial in Mick’s idea of success.

Stay tuned for more insights into the inner workings of our airport in future blog posts!

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