Aviation Expert Gene Conrad Uses His Experience to Soar on CFDC Board

When Gene Conrad moved to Polk County, he took on the challenge to expand Lakeland Linder International Airport. He met that challenge and more. Then, he moved to his current role as President & CEO of the Aerospace Center for Excellence & SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo. 

In between, he joined the Central Florida Development Council’s board of directors and moved up the leadership ladder. He headed the Aviation Committee and then moved within the executive committee, serving a year as chair– commitments he values. 

“As the economic development arm of Polk County, the CFDC is charged with attracting new business and retaining and growing existing business in Polk. They do a tremendous job in executing on their mission. They are a great resource to the business community. With collaboration from the state of Florida, Polk municipalities, and Economic Development Organizations they drive the Polk economy forward,” he said.

Value in Community  

But it’s something more personal that he said was the most valuable.

“The friendships and insights I have built during my tenure on the board have been invaluable,” Conrad said. “When I joined the board seven years ago, I was the Lakeland Linder International Airport director, and my professional capacity was much different running a city department versus my position now running a nonprofit. Being a member of the CFDC and on the board during that transition allowed for professional continuity and engagement that has assisted in my new capacity with ACE and SUN ’n FUN.” 

Outgoing CFDC board Chair David Shepp of The Southern Group praised Conrad. “Gene is a dear friend and a great leader. Gene is a visionary who has shown Polk County the opportunities that exist in aviation services. He also works hard every day to make that vision a reality. He runs a world-renowned airshow, engaging the next generation of aviation experts. Gene has led the CFDC with an infectious sense of humor. His determination helps to put Polk County at the top of mind for cutting-edge aviation technology.”

A highlight was learning from County Commissioner George Lindsey, he said. “His wisdom and knowledge of county government and business is unmatched, along with his ability to communicate and articulate complex issues.”

Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Conrad moved to Lakeland in January 2010 and served as the director of Lakeland’s airport for 12 years, overseeing rapid expansion and the change from a regional to an international airport. The economic impact of Lakeland Linder International Airport increased dramatically during that time, from about $350 million to nearly $2 billion, including the annual SUN ’n FUN expo.

The Aviation Factor

Conrad’s biggest success combined his time on the board and his job as director of Lakeland Linder.  

“When I moved to Polk County in 2010 the aviation industry as an economic driver for Polk County was recognized once a year when the annual SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo came to town,” he said. “Today, Aviation and Aerospace is a targeted sector for the CFDC. It generates nearly $2 billion in economic impact annually for Polk County.” 

He listed some successes:  

• “We are home to world-class aerospace education facilities that are unmatched with two Central Florida Aerospace Academy campuses, one in Lakeland and one in Winter Haven. 
• There are also “two high school flying clubs attached to our academies, the Lakeland Aero Club and Aspiring Aviators Club.” 
• “The Florida Air Museum and Skylab Innovation Center hosted over 3,800 students from around Polk County on field trips last year.” 
• “Traviss Career Colleges Airframe and Powerplant Program at Lakeland Linder and its new Air Traffic Control Program at Bartow Executive Airport round out an impressive offering for our young people to prosper via aviation and aerospace.” 

“I am proud to have been part of the team that has helped foster this dynamic industry and opportunities in Polk,” he said. 

The Future

The CFDC will continue to play a big role in the county and its future, Conrad said.  

“The dynamics of our local economy are ever changing, which makes the economic development arena very challenging,” he said. “Fifteen years ago, we were coming out of the Great Recession. Polk County was hungry for development at all levels. Fast forward to today. We have been one of the fastest-growing counties in the state and the country for year. Now, we are challenged with managing the growth. The ability of the CFDC board to manage the existing dynamics of our growth will be a challenge for some time. But I know that the board’s steady hand and acumen will be valuable in helping guide decisions.”

As Gene Conrad rolls off the CFDC Board of Directors, his visionary leadership and passion for aviation have left a lasting imprint on Polk County’s economic landscape. From advancing the county’s aviation sector to helping steer the CFDC, Gene brought strategic insight, contagious enthusiasm, and a collaborative spirit to everything he touched. His legacy is reflected in a stronger, more diverse economy and in the next generation of aviation talent rising through the ranks. While his chapter with the CFDC board may be closing, his impact will continue to soar for years to come.