Lakeland Linder International Airport Has New Interim Director

LAKELAND, FL — The Lakeland Linder International Airport has a new interim director.

City Manager Shawn Sherrouse said he has appointed Kris Hallstrand to the position effective immediately.

He was previously the airport's assistant director.

"Kris is intimately familiar with the responsibilities of the department and has significant experience in the variety of services in which it provides," Sherrouse said. "This appointment will allow for the proper time and due diligence to recruit or appoint a new director of Lakeland Linder International Airport.”

Hallstrand replaces Gene Conrad, the previous airport director, who has accepted the position of President/CEO of the Aerospace Center for Excellence, city officials said.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead Lakeland Linder International Airport as interim airport director. Gene Conrad did an outstanding job growing the airport and setting a path forward for us to follow," Hallstrand said. "I am excited to work side by side with a team of highly motivated and talented individuals who serve the city of Lakeland and the aviation community.”

City officials said the interim appointment does not exclude Hallstrand from being eligible to apply for the position of airport director.

Hallstrand will assume all the duties, responsibilities, and authority of the director of Lakeland Linder International Airport and will receive a 15 percent pay adjustment while acting in this capacity.

This will provide the equivalent of an annual salary of $124,645.43, city officials said.