In a significant shift for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, Carl Beardsley Jr., the airport’s long-standing executive director, will not be resuming his post. This development has prompted the search for a new leader to guide the airport’s future.
Transition at the Helm
Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak, who also chairs the airport board, revealed that the decision to seek Beardsley’s successor was made during a recent executive session. Stephen Mykulyn, the director of engineering, has been appointed as interim executive director. Chermak expressed confidence in Mykulyn’s capabilities, stating, “Steve is the right guy to do it.”
Although Beardsley was contacted for a statement, he declined to comment at the time.
Background on Beardsley’s Leave
Beardsley, who has been at the helm for over ten years, took a sabbatical leave in November under circumstances that were not publicly elaborated on due to privacy concerns. At the time, airport co-solicitor Don Frederickson commented, “They’re not trying to get rid of him or anything like that. They like Carl. The intent is he’s going to come back.”
Despite the initial expectation of his return, Chermak stated that the airport must now focus on moving forward, while noting, “We all love Carl, that’s not the issue. We certainly don’t want to harm Carl … We love the guy, and he did a super job as the director.”
Leadership Achievements
During Beardsley’s tenure, the airport experienced unprecedented growth, notably breaking departure records 17 times in 19 months from August 2018 to February 2020. The airport achieved its highest annual record in 2019 with 296,632 departing passengers. Last year, the airport reported 259,490 departing passengers, marking its fourth-best performance despite recent declines attributed to federal shutdowns and weather disruptions.
Interim Leadership by Mykulyn
Chermak has commended Mykulyn’s longstanding association with the airport, highlighting his expertise and steady demeanor. “They all look up to Steve,” Chermak mentioned, emphasizing Mykulyn’s deep-rooted involvement with the airport over 16 years. BJ Teichman, who joined as the assistant executive director last year, will continue as Mykulyn’s assistant, maintaining her commendable performance.
Teichman expressed gratitude for the support received from the board in a statement, acknowledging the privilege of serving temporarily as acting director. She expressed her enthusiastic support for Mykulyn.
Reflecting on his new role, Mykulyn conveyed his initial hesitation but expressed readiness to support the airport during this transitional phase. He stated, “I view my role as just basically keeping us on a steady course until we have the new leadership in place or the determination is made what they’re going to do in that role.”
