Rock Island Today

Quad Cities Chamber recently issued the following announcement.

Commissioners for the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Rock Island County hope to soon take up the matter of a contract for a new Executive Director. A national recruitment effort was prompted by the

upcoming retirement of Bruce Carter, who has served as the Airport’s leader for 19 years. From a candidate pool of 37 applicants, the field was narrowed to four finalists. The four candidates spent time in the Quad Cities and met with Commissioners of the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Rock Island County in late April.

Discussions are currently in progress with the consulting firm facilitating the recruiting initiative, ADK Consulting & Executive Search, and the leading candidate Ben Leischner. This will enable a recommendation and the terms of an agreement to be presented to Commissioners for approval at the next board meeting on May 15, 2018. The Airport expects Mr. Leischner to be available to begin his employment toward the

end of the month, with the month of June primarily devoted to transitional activities and community events. Many of the activities and events will involve both Mr. Carter and Mr. Leischner.

Mr. Leischner is an Accredited Airport Executive and has been employed with the Port of Seattle, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport since 2011. He has previous experience with the Port of Bellingham,

Bellingham International Airport, and DY Consultants. According to the ADK materials, Mr. Leischner has a diversified background in airport planning, operations, and airline negotiations. He has a Master of Public Administration degree with concentration in Aviation Policy from the University of Nebraska, and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and Flight Operations degree from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Mr. Leischner is also a multi-engine commercial instrument rated pilot.

Prior to the board approval process being finalized, Linda Frankl of ADK Consulting & Executive Search will be available to discuss the recent search process. She may be reached at 614-778-2527 or via

E-mail: linda@adkexecutivesearch.com

Original source can be found here.