CEO Search is Underway at Space Florida
Space Florida has begun its CEO search following the retirement announcement of Frank DiBello. The state’s aerospace finance and development authority held a special Board of Directors meeting last week to announce a nationwide search process for a new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The meeting, led by Space Florida Board of Directors Chair Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, set Monday, May 1 as the deadline to accept applications.
“We’re looking for a visionary leader who can build on the strong foundation that Frank DiBello has established at Space Florida.”
Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez.
The search for a new President and CEO is being led by Chair Nuñez, Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, and Space Florida Board Members Sonya Deen-Hartley, Rodney Cruise, and Mori Hosseini.
“We’re looking for a visionary leader who can build on the strong foundation that Frank DiBello has established at Space Florida,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez (pictured, below). “Florida has a storied history in the aerospace sector, and we believe that the right person can help us build on that legacy and take it to new heights.”
CEO Search Comes at a Time of Rapid Growth of Florida's Space Economy
The CEO search committee begins its work during a time when the commercial space industry is growing and expanding by the day. Since 2007, Space Florida alone has had a $5.9 billion economic impact on the state and, beginning in 2023, Space Florida projects to have a $1.1 billion annual economic impact.
With the process and committee members in place, the search for a new President and CEO is officially underway. The next President and CEO will be tasked with solidifying Florida’s dominance as the leading global hub for space technology, research, manufacturing, commercial launch, and exploration. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leadership and a deep understanding of Florida’s expansive aerospace industry.
“I am grateful to have had the privilege of working in the space industry for more than 50 years, and I am incredibly thankful to have served with a great team, multiple business-savvy Boards, supportive legislatures, and with the leadership of Governor DeSantis and Lt. Governor Nuñez over these past four years,” said Space Florida president and CEO Frank DiBello when he announced his June 30 retirement last month. “Together, we have made Florida the leading global hub for space technology, research, manufacturing, and exploration. I am confident Space Florida will build upon the solid commercial space industry in the state and take it to new heights. Florida will be the principal global entry point to space and the leading enabler for the space economy in the years to come.”
Space Florida was created in 2006 to strengthen Florida’s position as a global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration, and commerce. The organization supports Florida’s growing space industry and serves as a partner to connect potential businesses interested in expanding or opening in Florida with opportunities for growth.
(Source: Space Florida news release. Images from file)