Florida Aviation Network

Conrad assumed command of the two closely related organizations that provide opportunities for Florida youth to prepare for aviation careers after an achievement-laden 12-year career of his own as the airport director of Lakeland Linder International Airport. Among his most notable accomplishments in that role are negotiating a 50-year lease with Amazon Air and leading the successful relocation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Aircraft Operations Center to the airport. “Gene's track record and success here at Lakeland Linder International Airport makes him the best choice for the future of the Aerospace Center for Excellence and the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo,” said Rick Garcia, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Avionics and chairman of the ACE board of directors, in a news release.