Questions over the selection process for a new executive director at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport have emerged, sparking debate among board members. The process has come under scrutiny after a board member expressed interest in the role, leading to concerns about fairness and transparency raised by another member.
At a recent board meeting, Bill Gaughan inquired whether the inclusion of board member Chris Chermak as a finalist was influenced by board members or if it was the decision of the consulting firm, ADK Consulting & Executive Search. Gaughan emphasized the importance of a fair and transparent process, stating, “The public deserves complete confidence that its next executive director is being selected through a process that is fair, transparent, and beyond reproach.”
However, board member Chris Belles interrupted Gaughan, suggesting that such inquiries would be more suitable for a public hearing, should the board choose to hold one. The discussion did not continue further during the meeting.
Crocamo: ‘Merit hiring means merit hiring’
Romilda Crocamo, another board member, denied directing ADK to include any candidates, stating in a text to WVIA News, “I did not speak to or direct ADK to advance any candidate. That is not the way I do business or we do business in Luzerne County. Merit hiring means merit hiring. It means every applicant gets a genuine look.” She stressed that every candidate should be evaluated thoroughly to ensure the best decision is made with integrity.
LeeAnn McDermott and Frank Welby echoed Crocamo’s sentiments, both asserting they had not influenced ADK’s finalist list. Chermak, however, opted not to comment on Gaughan’s inquiries. Efforts to reach ADK for comment after the meeting were unsuccessful. Newly appointed board member, attorney Chris Munley, was absent from the meeting.
What Chermak said that set off Gaughan
Gaughan’s concerns were prompted by Chermak’s comments in a WVIA News article, where Chermak defended his qualifications and mentioned his delay in confirming candidacy until he was sure ADK would move him forward. He also claimed significant support from board members and airport staff, excluding one.
Gaughan challenged Chermak’s assertion that he had stepped in to assist with airport management due to the former director’s health issues. He raised several questions regarding who authorized Chermak’s involvement and the specific duties he performed during this period.
Belles: Not time for a hearing
Despite Gaughan’s attempts to question interim executive director Stephen Mykulyn, Belles halted him, suggesting that discussions should wait until a potential hearing. Belles, who chaired the meeting in Chermak’s temporary absence, maintained that the hiring process should remain confidential until completion.
Following the meeting, airport co-solicitor Don Frederickson confirmed that the board and its search committee had met in a private session to discuss the finalists. The plan includes interviewing all five candidates formally.
‘A great cheerleader’
Belles expressed the need for the new executive director to be “a great cheerleader” for the airport, highlighting the importance of selecting someone who understands the airport’s regional significance and is highly qualified for the position.
