PITTSTON TWP. — The Bi-County Airport Board at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on Friday named Steve Mykulyn as interim executive director and announced that they are going to conduct a national search to fill the position permanently.

Mykulyn, 58, of Plains Township, has served as the airport’s director of engineering, which he said he will continue to perform those responsibilities. Mykulyn has served in that role for the last 16 years.

Mykulyn said when he was approached about assuming the interim position, he reviewed his options and decided to accept.

“I’m not sure I will apply for the permanent position,” Mykulyn said. “I will decide that at some point. We have a great team in place, and I’m sure we will continue to fly well.”

Attorney Don Frederickson, airport solicitor, said an executive session was held to discuss the matter, and it was decided to appoint Mykulyn and conduct the national search.

Carl Beardsley, the airport’s Executive Director since 2014, has been on a sabbatical leave since November 2025. Frederickson said he could not discuss the reasons for the sabbatical, and added that Beardsley’s contract runs out at the end of 2026.

A news release from the airport said Mykulyn will work closely with airport staff, partners, and the board to maintain the airport’s strong operational performance and continue ongoing projects during the transition.

Assistant Executive Director BJ Teichman was appointed in February 2025.

“It has been a privilege and honor to serve as temporary Acting Director,” Teichman said, adding that she will stay on to support Mykulyn.

The board said the national search will focus on identifying an experienced leader who can continue to build on the airport’s momentum, strengthen airline partnerships, expand service opportunities, and support the airport’s role as a key economic driver for the region.

“The Airport plays a critical role in connecting Northeastern Pennsylvania to the rest of the country and supporting our regional economy,” said Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak, chair of the airport board. “We are confident that this transition will position the airport for continued success, and we look forward to identifying a permanent Executive Director through a thorough and competitive national search.”

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.