ADK Consulting & Executive Search Seeking New CEO for the Spokane International Airport
April 7, 2025 – ADK Consulting & Executive Search was recently retained by the Spokane International Airport to lead in its search for a new CEO. Linda Frankl, director, senior practice leader, is leading the assignment. The Spokane Airport Board seeks an innovative, forward-thinking CEO who will be a champion for growth and development of the region, Spokane International, Felts Field Airport and the Airport Business Park. The CEO provides strategic leadership and oversight of all airport operations, including aeronautical activities and the commercial and industrial development of nonaeronautical properties, according to the job specification. Reporting to the airport board, the CEO ensures the airportâs regulatory compliance, while advancing economic growth and operational excellence.
ADK is looking for candidates with a bachelorâs degree in aviation management, business administration, public administration, or a related field (advanced degree preferred). Those applying should have extensive executive-level experience in airport management, transportation, or economic development. They will have a deep understanding of FAA regulations, commercial aviation, and public-sector administration as well as a proven track record in business development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Candidates must have a strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting, capital planning, and revenue generation.
Spokane International Airport is the second largest commercial service airport in the state of Washington, and an important gateway to key markets and destinations across the Inland Northwest and British Columbia. It is served by seven major airlines (Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, Sun Country and United) and three cargo carriers, and provides employment for over 3,000 people. By 2030, more than 6.2 million passengers are expected to pass through Spokane International Airport.
Founded in 2003, Atlantic Beach, FL-based ADK specializes exclusively in talent searches for the airport management community. The firm is led by founder and president Doug Kuelpamn, who has a history of over 40 years in aviation. ADKâs services include retained executive search, interim management, organizational consulting, and leadership development.
A member of the senior management team, Ms. Frankl has experience and talent in working with strategic planning/management, airport operations, organizational development, performance measurement and management implementation of balanced scorecard, operational effectiveness and efficiency, project management, staff and board retreats. Prior to ADK, Ms. Frankl was with the Columbus Regional Airport Authority for 21 years.
Connecticut Airport Authority Search
ADK recently assisted in the recruitment of Michael Shea as the new executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA). The assignment was led by Theresia Schatz and Gale LaRoche. âThe CAA board made an excellent choice in naming Mike Shea as its new executive director,â said Governor Ned Lamont. âMike is intimately familiar with the operations of Connecticutâs airports, and he is part of the team that over the last several years is responsible for transforming Bradley International Airport into one of the highest ranked airports in the United States. He understands that there is a direct connection between the strength of our airports and the strength of our economy, and his leadership will be a benefit to Connecticutâs airport system.â
Mr. Shea previously served as the CAA deputy executive director â finance, business development, planning & engineering. He started with the CAA as director of finance and CFO in September 2013. Mr. Shea has played an integral role in the funding and execution of major capital projects, and his efforts have strongly benefited the CAAâs financial position. At Bradley International Airport (BDL), non-airline revenue has more than doubled during his tenure, allowing the CAA to keep airline costs low and spur additional nonstop route growth. He also helped negotiate and develop two new operating agreements with the airlines during his tenure, introducing a new philosophy to the rate-setting structure at BDL that has helped further increase the number of nonstop routes at BDL from 29 to nearly 50.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor â Hunt Scanlon Media
