Ahmad Nawaz, left, and Eric B. McKitish, Sr, right. PHOTOS PROVIDED

The Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority Chairman, Frank G. Pellegrino, announced today that its board has unanimously ratified the selection of Eric B. McKitish, Sr. as the next Executive Director of the Williamsport Regional Airport and Ahmad Nawaz, as the Senior Airport Manager, succeeding Richard C. Howell, the current Executive Director who will be retiring with his last formal meeting on the 10th of April 2025 from the Authority. “After thorough succession planning and a comprehensive search process, the board is pleased to have found the best individuals to assume leadership of our world-class organization,” said Suzette Snyder, chairwoman of the Personnel Committee who led the search process that began in October 2024. “Eric McKitish has a 35 plus year track record that is strong in leadership but extremely complimentary in what we need immediately for our success for the flying-public. This combined with his deep airport and airline knowledge and institutional tenure makes Eric uniquely qualified to lead IPT successfully into the future”, stated Pellegrino.

“The selection of both Eric McKitish and Ahmad Nawaz caps a search process facilitated by a review of the internal organization and reviewing the strengths of the team and providing complimentary manpower in strategic areas by placing these two executives in our organization” stated, Chris Logue, member of the Search Committee and Vice Chair of the Board. Pellegrino added, “We had a very large pool of candidates and interviewed a top 5 pool from as far as Vancouver, Colorado and Utah. Everyone was interested in Williamsport, everyone loved the area, everyone loved the team and everyone was up for the challenge. Not one of the candidates exited the process and every candidate was extremely excited and motivated about our area and the challenges this position poses.”

Logue, invoked, “The interview process was extensive, including the entire board, the lead County Commissioner, the CEO of the chamber of Commerce, airport employees, Airfield representation and input from our community at large.”

“Eric and Ahmad are the best choices from a deep pool of interested and highly qualified candidates,” said Pellegrino, “Speaking now not only on behalf of this airport board but as a business leader engrained in throughout our entire flying service area, so very empathetic for our entire regions’ business community and equally excited for them as well. Eric has been a successful airport leader and even more important, he’s a great fit with each of the four ‘critical leadership competencies’ we evaluated as part of our selection process: strategic agility, business acumen, vision, and mission-driven orientation. We’re delighted that he’s accepted the position and know he will meet the mission, I am so thrilled and so are others. In addition to being able to strengthen our human component at the top of our organization with Eric and Ahmad at this point in time and bringing a level of business leadership and work ethic to complement our safety and tactical organization led by Mr. Gary Bennett. Both will be a real welcome for all parties! No one works harder than Gary, and to have the assistance with Ahmad and the credentials and talents of both him and Eric to assist will be welcomed by all stakeholders,” stated Pellegrino.

“I’m honored, and I’m grateful to the board for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization. Your airport is beautiful, your area is beautiful, your team is dedicated,

talented, and the area deserves to have air service. I will work hard, devoting the energy and time to bringing the right carriers and the right opportunities to Williamsport,” said McKitish. “This is a terrific opportunity that any leader would welcome and I am ready for the challenges.”

McKitish, Sr., is a 35 plus year career veteran at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport serving in roles from Director of Marketing, Communications and Air Service Development to roles in Public Relations, Guest Services, Office Manager, Public Safety and Air Show Support Coordinator. A native of Northeast Pennsylvania, currently residing in Pittston, he is married has three children and three granddaughters. He is also a District Commissioner with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and has been involved with regional Youth Soccer programs and Little League Baseball. He is also a church organist for various faiths.

Nawaz, commented, “to have the opportunity at this point in my career to work with such talented people, to learn from them and to contribute to the team at a high energy level is my aspiration. I am so pleased to have this opportunity in Williamsport. My wife and I are looking forward to relocating to Williamsport over the next few weeks. The challenges, the people and the opportunity excite me.”

Nawaz, holds a BS in Psychology and a BS in Business Management from CUNY-Brooklyn and a Masters of Science in Aviation Management from CUNY-York. He is airport certified in NOTAM, FAR 139, and comes to IPT from Republic Airport in Farmingdale, NY. Previously work experience includes Senior Operations Coordinator and Supervisor for Avports, Assistant Safety and Fire Chief, Operations Coordinator with Emirates Airlines at John F. Kennedy Airport, Queens, NY and project management overview at major construction management companies. Nawaz is married and will be relocating from Brooklyn.

Howell, who will exit the CEO post on April 10, expressed confidence in the board’s choices. “The board allowed me to be a part of this process all along the way for total inclusion. They have found two remarkable leaders who will surely lead the existing team to great opportunities and new directions bringing much success to IPT”, stated Howell. “I’m very happy with the board’s decision, and I’m confident with this trio of leadership, Eric, Ahmad and Gary, that IPT can respond to the public’s needs and be successful in recruiting air service exceeding to what they had in the past.”

Pellegrino thanked Howell specifically for his service and assistance in finding two great candidates and stated, “if not for Richard and his persistence to stay on task and keeping the committee focused, we would not have landed where we are today. The search process and internal analysis of the operation lead us to this step and overview of the strategic activities required at the airport.” Pellegrino, further added,”The search process never disrupted the day in and day out operations of running this airport and for Richard Howell, Gary Bennett and the entire team, I am forever grateful”.