GAINESVILLE, Fla., Apr. 12, 2026 –The Gainesville Alachua County Regional Airport Authority (GACRAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ferdinand Paul Mehrlich, III as the new CEO of Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV). Mehrlich was most recently the executive director of aviation at Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK) where he has served since January 2020. He started in his new role at GNV on April 12, 2026.
Mehrlich’s appointment comes after a comprehensive nationwide search to replace outgoing CEO Allan J. Penksa, who has retired after 18 years in the role. The GACRAA Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution confirming Paul’s appointment March 26.
Ferdinand Paul Mehrlich, III, A.A.E., ACE, IACE is the new CEO of Gainesville Regional Airport
“I am honored to be named the next CEO of the Gainesville Regional Airport and to continue building on the proud legacy set by Allan Penksa,” said Mehrlich. “Having spent my career leading commercial service and general aviation airports through operational modernization, capital transformation and organizational growth, I recognize the magnitude of the many future opportunities before us in this exciting region, while acknowledging the momentum, dedication and focus that preceded it. GNV and North Central Florida present a dynamic and thriving area for me to continue in my quest to provide decisive leadership, strategic clarity, and further elevate this great regional airport into a thriving regional asset that connects its community to the rest of the globe. My family and I look forward to our life in Alachua County.”
Mehrlich’s exposure to aviation began early. His grandfather, Boyd Winfree, was a part of the design team at North American Aviation that created the XB-70 Valkyrie, a design for a never used nuclear strike bomber that could fly at Mach 3.
Growing up in Provo, Utah, Paul’s first airport job was at a small municipal airport in his hometown refueling airplanes. He studied at Utah Valley University, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation in 2008 While holding a license as a commercial multi-engine pilot, Paul’s desire to serve his nation led to his enlistment in the United States Navy. However, while stationed at officer training school in Newport, Rhode Island, Paul sustained an injury that would end his military career. He was honorably discharged from the military with a National Defense Service Medal.
Mehrlich brings more than 16 years of aviation leadership experience across both general aviation and Part 139 commercial service airports, including Dallas Love Field/Dallas Executive Airport, Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, and Texarkana Regional Airport.
He holds a Master of Business Administration in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) through the American Association of Airport Executives. Known for transforming airport operations and delivering complex capital programs, he previously served as Executive Director of Texarkana Regional Airport, where he led a $49 million terminal project, implemented a 20-year master plan, and achieved record passenger growth. His leadership has earned multiple state and national honors, reflecting his commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and community impact.
About Gainesville Regional Airport
Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) serves North Central Florida through all facets of aviation: commercial airlines, general aviation, military operations, medical missions and air cargo. Located in Gainesville, Florida, just minutes away from the University of Florida, GNV provides a close, convenient and competitively priced “gateway” to the Heart of Florida. The airport normally operates 16 daily departures on American Airlines and Delta Airways with nonstop service to the international hubs of Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas Fort Worth and Miami, providing access to 341 destinations around the world in one stop. GNV is served by a full-service fixed base operator, University Air Center (UAC). With more than 440 part- and full-time employees and tenants at the airport, GNV has an annual economic impact on North Central Florida of $556 million. In 2025, 574,725 commercial passengers flew in and out of GNV. For more information, please visit flygainesville.com
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