In a decisive move to strengthen its leadership, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport board has appointed Kim William “Bill” Hopper as its new executive director. With over three decades of experience in airport management, Hopper emerged as the standout candidate among a competitive field.
Hopper, who hails from Greenville, North Carolina, previously led the Pitt Greenville Airport Authority. According to board chairman Chris Belles, “We couldn’t tell you, but from the get-go, he’s got the longer experience. His resume was just really good… He’s the real deal. He’s going to be really, really good here.”
Extensive Experience
Hopper’s career spans several roles across various airports. Notably, he was the executive director at Pitt Greenville Airport, handling 42,318 departures in fiscal year 2024. In contrast, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport managed 259,490 departures last year. His past roles include operations supervisor at Omaha Airport Authority, assistant manager at Blast Deflectors Inc., and director of aviation at Elmira-Corning Regional Airport, among others.
Hopper is a Marine Corps veteran with a degree in aviation management from Southern Illinois University. He has also been involved with the American Association of Airport Executives, where he earned the accredited airport executive designation.
Strategies and Opportunities
Hopper is set to replace interim executive director Stephen Mykulyn, who stepped in after Carl Beardsley Jr. left for health reasons. Hopper expressed optimism about the potential for growth, particularly in expanding air services and leveraging regional business developments, including the presence of major companies like Amazon.
With Breeze Airways introducing flights to Florida in January 2024, Hopper aims to enhance the airport’s offerings, stating, “I’ve worked with a lot of the leadership at Breeze… And so I’ve got some really good relationships and really look forward to getting back with them.”
Selection Process
The search for a new executive director was comprehensive, with ADK Consulting & Executive Search narrowing down candidates nationwide to five finalists. Ultimately, Hopper was chosen over other candidates, including Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak. Despite not securing the position, Chermak expressed his support for Hopper’s leadership.
Board member Bill Gaughan emphasized the thoroughness of the selection process, stating, “After reviewing the candidates and participating in the interview process, I believe that Mr. Hopper clearly meets that standard.”
New Beginnings
Hopper commences his role on November 1, with a starting annual salary of $150,000 under a five-year contract. His familiarity with the region and previous professional relationships bode well for his transition. “And my wife and I love that area, and look very forward to returning,” he noted, highlighting both personal and professional reasons for his enthusiasm.
