John “Lites” Leenhouts To Become Ambassador For Org

Enthusiasts throughout aviation may have noted the change over the last decade in the longtime summer getaway SUN n' FUN.

Each year, it's seen improvements all around to the point of becoming one of the top contenders for the best aerospace expo around. Instrumental to its transformation and expansion has been CEO John "Lites" Leenhouts, President and CEO of Sun n' Fun. While under his leadership, the organization saw growth and security, building a foundation that could thrive even in the locked-down 2020 economy. His 11-year tenure as CEO will come to an end after Sun n' Fun 2022, with Lites retiring from his presidential role and transitioning to an ambassadorial one to promote the Aerospace Center for Excellence, the Florida Air Museum, and the expo. 

According to CFO Tracy Neal, he was vital to nurturing the organization to what it is today, saying "he jumped right in and helped us transform from a Not-For-Profit living on a line of credit to a Not-For-Profit able to survive the COVID pandemic. He has guided the team through major improvements across the entire campus, including our latest addition of the Ramus SkyLab Innovation Center. He has forged bonds with volunteers, donors, and students that will be remembered for years to come.”

Personnel at the expo say he led a seismic shift in the culture there, bringing 27 years of experience as a naval aviator and 11 at Northrop Grumman, he helped bring dynamic leadership to the org and empower personnel to accomplish their tasks without micromanagement. Affiliates in the industry will miss him greatly, noting his devotion to aviation and aerospace in the Lakeland area. 

“Lites’ has been a driving force and a tremendous advocate for the significant growth of the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, and the development of ACE along with the youth aviation education programs produced by ACE,” said Gene Conrad, Lakeland Airport Director. “We will miss Lites’ passion and energy here at the airport, but we know he will continue to be a staunch advocate and cheerleader for all things Lakeland Linder International Airport and ACE. We wish him all the best and much success in his next chapter.”

When asked what led to all his successes, Lites stated, “Can-do spirit and total team effort on the part of Board, Staff, and Volunteers…it has truly been an honor to serve alongside them in our adventurous journey for this noble cause.” He went on to say, “Of all the wonderful accomplishments that I have been privileged to be a part of while here, the most rewarding experience has been observing average kids populating our ACE/SNF campus and over a very short period of time evolving into competent, capable, and focused young men and women who have become good citizens with bright futures.” 

FMI: www.flysnf.org