Airport Board Chairman Steps Down Amid Leadership Aspirations
In a surprising turn of events, Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak has temporarily vacated his position on the airport board, amid his candidacy for the executive director role at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. This development was disclosed during a confidential meeting with board members, causing a stir in the local community.
Despite initial reluctance to confirm his temporary departure and candidacy, Chermak later released a statement acknowledging his interest in the position. “When this position became open, I did some soul-searching and had many conversations with my family and friends. As a result, I made the decision to submit my application for the executive director position,” Chermak stated. He emphasized his commitment to maintaining the process’s integrity by removing himself from all aspects of the selection process.
Chermak, who has a background in managing his family’s automobile business and has held a private pilot’s license for nearly four decades, expressed a long-standing passion for aviation. “As long as I can remember, I have loved airplanes and the aviation industry,” he noted. His involvement with the airport board as a commissioner has fueled this enthusiasm, making the executive director role a natural progression for him.
The search for a new executive director was initiated in mid-March, following Carl Beardsley Jr.’s sabbatical leave in November. Although Beardsley will not be returning, the reasons remain undisclosed. During this transitional period, Stephen Mykulyn, the engineering director, has been appointed as the interim executive director. The board has engaged ADK Consulting & Executive Search to spearhead the recruitment efforts, with costs amounting to $47,574. Expectations are that a new director could be announced by July.
According to Chermak, a representative from the recruitment firm informed him on June 12 that he is still being considered for the executive director position. In response, he decided to “temporarily step down from my position as a member of the board” to uphold the selection process’s integrity. He plans to remain off the board until the new director is appointed.
