— Stefan Varholik, Airport Operations Supervisor, County of San Mateo Airports —
What better time to feature County of San Mateo Airports Operations Supervisor Stefan Varholik than on his recent promotion to the position.
A Bay Area native, born and raised in Newark, CA, Stefan’s early years were spent playing ice hockey. His other passion—aviation—led Stefan to earn degrees in Aviation Engineering and Business Aviation at San Jose State University.
Since 2022, Stefan has worked his way through a specialist role and is now a supervisor, overseeing operations and maintenance team members, and managing from an internal compass of resourcefulness and continuous improvement.
“I firmly believe that knowledge is power, and it’s essential to keep learning and educating oneself continuously, and sharing this information with our team. If there’s something I don’t know, I have the tenacity to find the right answer or solution. Whether it’s diving into projects, exploring new ideas, or navigating business dealings, I thrive on becoming an expert in whatever captures my interest,” Stefan said.
Stefan appreciates his work at the County airports as each day brings new challenges and opportunities for the team to learn and grow together.
He also appreciates that his recent promotion allows him to utilize his skill set across different trades, contributing to delivering enhanced services and facilities at the airports.
“I’m a true gearhead, with a love for working on ATVs, cars, and motorcycles. Growing up, I was fascinated by computers, learning programming and building my own PC setups,” Stefan explained.
This creativity continues beyond the office, as Stefan cherishes his time with family, crafting custom items for his daughter and wife, and adding a personal touch to everything he makes. Together, they also enjoy exploring regional and national parks, and immersing themselves in history.
An avid traveler, Stefan ranks Panama and Prague as his most memorable trips as their unique landscapes and rich histories captivated his adventurous spirit. His fluency in English, Spanish, and Slovakian allows Stefan to easily navigate diverse cultures and conversations.
When he’s not exploring the world and the great outdoors, quiet time for Stefan is spent crafting and appreciating a good cup of coffee or matcha.
Congratulations to Stefan on a well-earned promotion. The County of San Mateo Airports is fortunate to have him as part of the team.
