Members of the airport board—comprising officials from Lackawanna and Luzerne counties—along with a local search committee and representative firm ADK Consulting and Executive Search, will interview the five remaining finalists for the leadership position. The hiring firm was brought on in March under a $47,574 contract to lead a national search following the departure of former Executive Director Carl Beardsley Jr.
The selection process has drawn heightened scrutiny due to the candidacy of Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak. Chermak previously served as chairman of the airport board before publicly confirming his application for the executive director role in June and taking a temporary leave of absence from the board pending the final hiring decision.
Chermak is among the five remaining finalists selected by the search firm. While supporters cite his executive leadership background and hands-on involvement with airport operations as strengths, critics have raised concerns regarding eligibility requirements and the potential appearance of a conflict of interest.
Airport co-solicitor Donald Frederickson confirmed that virtual interviews scheduled for Thursday represent the latest step in evaluating the remaining candidates. Following the completion of the interview process, the bi-county board is expected to deliberate before taking a formal vote to name the airport's new executive director.
