
Search firm narrows Orlando Airport CEO field, but contenders are a secret
But so far, the public has been mostly shut out of the firm's work finding a new leader to oversee the nation's seventh busiest airport. A list of the candidates hasn't been released, with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority insisting to the Orlando Sentinel that no written list even exists. It's unclear if interviews will take place in public.
The executive search firm Korn Ferry is handling CEO recruitment for GOAA, the public entity that oversees the airport. A Florida open government group contacted by the Sentinel said Korn Ferry's secretive process seems designed to bypass public scrutiny. The aviation authority is subject to Florida's open meetings and public records laws.
The authority's board has said it wants to move quickly to replace the airport's outgoing CEO Kevin Thibault, who resigned in September, citing his wife's illness and the need to spend time with her.
Last month, the authority's board chairman, Tim Weisheyer, said the search firm identified 45 potential candidates and then whittled that pool down to 13. Those 13 candidates will be further narrowed to a few finalists, he told the board.
The Sentinel asked for a list of candidates and for the applications of the 13 contenders, but the aviation authority said it had no records responsive to that request.
'The search firm has done its work by phone calls and verbal reports, and we haven't required applications,' said Angela Starke, an agency spokeswoman, in an email.
It's unclear how the board will proceed next.
'Whether the candidates will have individual meetings with board members or undergo a public interview process has not been decided,' Starke said.
Korn Ferry 'will recommend to board members which candidates to interview, based on the firm's conversations with both board members and candidates, its national expertise with CEO searches, and its familiarity with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority,' she said.
Michael Barfield, public access director for the Florida Center for Government Accountability, said he's alarmed by the lack of a paper trail and the suggestion that interviews could be conducted through individual meetings with board members.
The state's Sunshine Law guarantees Floridians a right of access to governmental proceedings, and courts consistently have interpreted the law to prohibit 'evasive devices' designed to circumvent open government.
'Holding one-on-one meetings is not per se illegal, but when you do it in the manner it has been suggested to evade Sunshine, it does run afoul of the law,' Barfield said. 'Any process to winnow or cull down has to be done in the Sunshine.'
In a surprise, Orlando airport director Thibault resigns
Barfield said he also was surprised the aviation authority's search firm has no written list of potential candidates. 'Even if they wrote them down in a notebook, that is still a public record. It just defies logic,' he said.
Starke defended the process and disagreed with Barfield's analysis.
'It isn't a violation of Florida law,' she said. 'We work hard to ensure 100% compliance with all laws, including open government, sunshine, and public records laws.'
In 2023, then-Attorney General Ashley Moody determined Florida Atlantic University's presidential search committee ran afoul of the Sunshine Law. The issue involved whether the committee could use a recruitment firm to anonymously rank candidates who would be presented for consideration at a future meeting.
Moody wrote that members are barred from 'ranking that occurs by way of anonymously surveying and organizing members' input, even if those rankings are not a final vote and are only used to replace or limit discussion at a future meeting.'
'This process is inconsistent with the Sunshine Law because it uses an evasive device to circumvent public deliberation,' she wrote in an opinion. 'In fact, it appears that the very purpose of the process … is to inject secrecy into the deliberative process.'
Weisheyer, the chairman, did not respond to a phone message and email seeking an update on the search. The board is set to meet next on March 19.
During the February meeting, Weisheyer said it's possible that some candidates may withdraw from consideration to avoid having their names become public.
That issue has been cited as a challenge for other Florida agencies filling high-level executive posts. The state's expansive public records law means candidates could be outed to their employer as someone seeking a new job, and some say that's a potential deterrent keeping talented prospects from applying. Others, though, argue closed-door searches benefit politically connected candidates and cut the public out of the process.
The aviation authority's board hired Thibault, a former Florida Department of Transportation secretary, in January 2022 at an annual base salary of $375,000. His resignation date was Jan. 31, but Thibault agreed to stay on until a replacement is in place.
The airport is governed by a seven-member board. Five governor-appointed members serve on the panel, along with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. Neither mayor was available for comment.
Ryan Gillespie of the Sentinel staff contributed to this story.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
SafeSport Center opens search for new CEO
The U.S. Center for SafeSport posted the opening for a new chief executive officer on Thursday, hoping to find a leader to steer the agency into a new era after several troubled years as a start-up. The center, a non-profit that opened in 2017 and is charged with handling sex-abuse cases in Olympic sports, hired consulting firm Korn Ferry to lead the search and work with a search committee made of center board members and advisors. 'This is more than a job search. It is a reflection of our values and the people we are accountable to — our staff, athletes, and the broader sport community," said Board Vice Chair and search committee lead Chicka Elloy. April Holmes stepped away from her duties as board chair to serve as interim CEO in place of Ju'Riese Colon while the search takes place. The center parted ways with Colon in April, not long after Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, began querying the center when details emerged about its hiring of an investigator who would later be charged with rape. The center, which also opened a search for a new chief financial officer, said Korn Ferry 'is currently conducting organizational assessments and confidential outreach to identify candidates who exemplify both executive acumen and a people-first philosophy.' The job description said the center was looking for someone with a 'deep understanding of the sports ecosystem and/or experience working in fields related to abuse prevention, compliance, or athlete advocacy.' It said the targeted salary would be between $250,000-$300,000. ___ AP sports:

Associated Press
21 minutes ago
- Associated Press
SafeSport Center opens search for new CEO
The U.S. Center for SafeSport posted the opening for a new chief executive officer on Thursday, hoping to find a leader to steer the agency into a new era after several troubled years as a start-up. The center, a non-profit that opened in 2017 and is charged with handling sex-abuse cases in Olympic sports, hired consulting firm Korn Ferry to lead the search and work with a search committee made of center board members and advisors. 'This is more than a job search. It is a reflection of our values and the people we are accountable to — our staff, athletes, and the broader sport community,' said Board Vice Chair and search committee lead Chicka Elloy. April Holmes stepped away from her duties as board chair to serve as interim CEO in place of Ju'Riese Colon while the search takes place. The center parted ways with Colon in April, not long after Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, began querying the center when details emerged about its hiring of an investigator who would later be charged with rape. The center, which also opened a search for a new chief financial officer, said Korn Ferry 'is currently conducting organizational assessments and confidential outreach to identify candidates who exemplify both executive acumen and a people-first philosophy.' The job description said the center was looking for someone with a 'deep understanding of the sports ecosystem and/or experience working in fields related to abuse prevention, compliance, or athlete advocacy.' It said the targeted salary would be between $250,000-$300,000. ___ AP sports:
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
3 Promising Asian Penny Stocks With Market Cap Below US$3B
As Asian markets navigate a landscape marked by economic shifts and evolving trade dynamics, investors are increasingly eyeing opportunities within smaller-cap equities. The term 'penny stocks' might feel like a relic of past market eras, but the potential they represent is as real as ever. Typically referring to smaller or relatively new companies, these stocks can provide a mix of affordability and growth potential when paired with strong financials. Top 10 Penny Stocks In Asia Name Share Price Market Cap Financial Health Rating Lever Style (SEHK:1346) HK$1.44 HK$908.57M ★★★★★★ Ever Sunshine Services Group (SEHK:1995) HK$2.18 HK$3.77B ★★★★★☆ TK Group (Holdings) (SEHK:2283) HK$2.45 HK$2.04B ★★★★★★ CNMC Goldmine Holdings (Catalist:5TP) SGD0.475 SGD192.51M ★★★★★☆ Goodbaby International Holdings (SEHK:1086) HK$1.16 HK$1.94B ★★★★★★ T.A.C. Consumer (SET:TACC) THB4.64 THB2.78B ★★★★★★ China Sunsine Chemical Holdings (SGX:QES) SGD0.675 SGD643.53M ★★★★★★ Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (Holdings) (SGX:BS6) SGD2.49 SGD9.8B ★★★★★☆ Ekarat Engineering (SET:AKR) THB0.96 THB1.41B ★★★★★★ BRC Asia (SGX:BEC) SGD3.60 SGD987.66M ★★★★★★ Click here to see the full list of 973 stocks from our Asian Penny Stocks screener. Let's explore several standout options from the results in the screener. Tibet Water Resources Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: ★★★★★☆ Overview: Tibet Water Resources Ltd. is an investment holding company involved in the production and sale of water and beer products in the People's Republic of China, with a market cap of HK$2.25 billion. Operations: The company's revenue is derived from its beer segment, which generated CN¥137.33 million, and its water segment, contributing CN¥87.52 million. Market Cap: HK$2.25B Tibet Water Resources Ltd. faces challenges as it remains unprofitable, with a negative return on equity of -24.12%. Despite this, the company has managed to reduce its debt-to-equity ratio from 37.2% to 27.5% over the past five years and maintains satisfactory net debt levels at 15.7%. Short-term assets of CN¥1.7 billion comfortably cover both short-term and long-term liabilities, indicating solid liquidity management. Recent board changes saw Mr. Chen Di appointed as chairman, bringing extensive financial industry experience that may influence future strategic directions amidst ongoing volatility in share prices and market valuation below estimated fair value. Dive into the specifics of Tibet Water Resources here with our thorough balance sheet health report. Gain insights into Tibet Water Resources' historical outcomes by reviewing our past performance report. CNNC Hua Yuan Titanium Dioxide Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: CNNC Hua Yuan Titanium Dioxide Co., Ltd, along with its subsidiaries, specializes in the production and sale of rutile titanium dioxide products both domestically and internationally, with a market cap of CN¥15.71 billion. Operations: CNNC Hua Yuan Titanium Dioxide Co., Ltd focuses on producing and selling rutile titanium dioxide products without specific reported revenue segments. Market Cap: CN¥15.71B CNNC Hua Yuan Titanium Dioxide Co., Ltd shows a mixed picture for investors exploring penny stocks. The company has demonstrated robust earnings growth of 27.2% over the past year, outpacing the broader chemicals industry. Despite this, its return on equity remains low at 4.6%, and debt coverage by operating cash flow is inadequate at 13.8%. However, CNNC's short-term assets significantly exceed both short-term and long-term liabilities, reflecting strong liquidity management. Recent strategic moves include a share buyback program worth CN¥193.7 million and amendments to its articles of association to optimize capital allocation strategies further. Unlock comprehensive insights into our analysis of CNNC Hua Yuan Titanium Dioxide stock in this financial health report. Review our historical performance report to gain insights into CNNC Hua Yuan Titanium Dioxide's track record. Nanfang Pump Industry Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: Nanfang Pump Industry Co., Ltd., with a market cap of CN¥7.24 billion, operates in the general equipment manufacturing sector through its subsidiaries. Operations: Nanfang Pump Industry Co., Ltd. does not report specific revenue segments. Market Cap: CN¥7.24B Nanfang Pump Industry Co., Ltd. presents a complex case for penny stock investors. The company has managed to maintain stable weekly volatility at 4% and boasts an experienced management team with an average tenure of 4.3 years, which may appeal to cautious investors. However, its return on equity is low at 7.7%, and the net debt to equity ratio stands high at 55.1%, indicating significant leverage concerns despite operating cash flow covering debt well (26.5%). While short-term assets comfortably cover liabilities, recent earnings have seen a decline of 21.7%, contrasting with positive growth forecasts of 27.24% annually. Click to explore a detailed breakdown of our findings in Nanfang Pump Industry's financial health report. Explore Nanfang Pump Industry's analyst forecasts in our growth report. Summing It All Up Explore the 973 names from our Asian Penny Stocks screener here. Looking For Alternative Opportunities? These 16 companies survived and thrived after COVID and have the right ingredients to survive Trump's tariffs. Discover why before your portfolio feels the trade war pinch. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include SEHK:1115 SZSE:002145 and SZSE:300145. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data