Adam Lunn, who started at Lakeland International Airport as an intern, is now its director. Deidra Joseph, 28 years with the city, is interim finance director.

Lakeland has a permanent director at Lakeland International Airport. Adam Lunn, who began his aviation career there as an intern more than 15 years ago, got the job after nearly four months in charge on an interim basis.

City Manager Shawn Sherrouse announced the appointment Monday in a city release. Lunn had led the airport as interim director since June 14.

A day later, Sherrouse named Deidra Joseph interim finance director. She has worked for the city for 28 years, according to a second release.

Adam Lunn, airport director

Lunn joined the airport staff full time in 2011, the city said. He was assistant airport director before he took over in June.

“He has proven his capability at every level of operations,” Sherrouse said. “I am confident that he will continue to provide exceptional leadership, vision, and professionalism.”

Lunn said he wants to build on recent growth at the airport.

“Lakeland International’s future remains bright as our community continues to embrace the many opportunities now available in travel, employment, and higher education,” Lunn said. “I look forward to building on this momentum with our team, addressing new and emerging trends in aviation technology and the demand for additional air travel options in Central Florida.”

According to the city, Lunn holds:

  • a Master of Business Administration from Florida Southern College
  • a Bachelor of Science in management from the University of South Florida
  • the Certified Member (C.M.) credential of the American Association of Airport Executives
  • the Airport Certified Employee (ACE) credential in operations
  • Federal Aviation Administration private pilot and remote pilot certificates

On the new director’s desk

Two airport construction contracts went through the City Commission in the past three weeks:

  • Taxiway Alpha holding bay, $8,618,081. Hubbard Construction Co. will build a paved area beside Taxiway Alpha where aircraft can do pre-departure checks without blocking the taxiway. An FAA grant pays $8,187,177. The rest is split between a Florida Department of Transportation grant and airport surplus funds, $215,452 each. Work is expected to take 105 days. The commission approved it Sept. 21, according to the city’s memo on the contract.
  • Southeast quadrant water main, $1,076,271. Killebrew Inc. of Lakeland will extend a water main loop to serve planned hangar and office development. It will also replace an aging 6-inch main on Airside Center Drive with a 12-inch one. Work is expected to take 285 days from the city’s notice to proceed. The commission approved it on Monday, according to the city’s memo on that contract.

City contracts refer to the airport as Lakeland Linder International Airport.

Deidra Joseph, interim finance director

Joseph was assistant finance director. In that role she oversaw central accounting, payroll, accounts payable and customer billing, the city said. She also oversaw preparation of the annual budget and the city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

“She possesses a thorough grasp of the City’s finances,” Sherrouse said. “I have full confidence that her leadership will keep our financial operations running smoothly during this period of transition.”

“I know we are well-positioned to maintain our standard of excellence and fiscal stability,” Joseph said. “I look forward to supporting our staff and continuing to manage the City’s finances responsibly.”

Joseph holds a master’s degree in accounting from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Florida A&M University. The release did not say why the finance director’s post is open or when a permanent director will be named.

What it means for you

  • Questions about the airport, its hangars or its flights go to Lakeland International Airport, which the city owns and runs.
  • City customer billing was among the work Joseph oversaw as assistant finance director, the city said. She now leads the Finance Department on an interim basis.
  • Our who to call at City Hall page lists the main city departments and their numbers. For getting to and from the airport, see our getting around page.