CAPE CANAVERAL, FL (August 25, 2011) – Earlier this month, the new Space Florida Board of Directors held their first meeting of the 2011-2012 fiscal year at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza hotel.
During the board meeting, Space Florida’s 2012 budget and numerous other projects were approved for the coming year. The meeting was held in conjunction with Enterprise Florida, due to the fact that the two organizations work closely together and now share many of the same board members. During the 2011 Florida legislative session, SB2156 (an economic development reorganization bill) was passed that included provisions which altered the membership of Space Florida’s board. Statute now states that Space Florida “shall be governed by a 12 member independent board of directors which consists of the members appointed to the board of directors of Enterprise Florida, Inc.” Six members of this board are appointed by Governor Rick Scott, three by Senate President Mike Haridopolos, and three by House Speaker Dean Cannon.
Space Florida’s board members are:
– Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, Co-Chair
– Jay Beyrouti, President, Monicarla, Ltd.
– Ron Campbell, Director, The Seminole Companies
– Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz, Partner, Broad and Cassel
– Debra Duvall, Partner, Water Pointe Realty Group
– John Falconetti, President, Drummond Press
– Danny Gaekwad, CEO, NDS USA Information Technology & MGM
– Adam Hollingsworth, CEO, Parallel Infrastructure, LLC
– Chris Kise, Partner, Foley Larner
– Fred Leonhardt, Senior Partner, Gray Robinson PA
– Don Phillips, Managing Director, Phillips Development and Realty
– Hal Valeche, President, York Street Capital Advisors
– Phil Waller, Vice President, MWH Americas, Inc.
In addition to its new Board, Space Florida will also have an Industry Advisory Council to aid in its governance. This 15 member advisory council is appointed by the Governor and will be made up of Florida residents with expertise in the space industry. Specifically, the following areas of expertise will be reflected in the members that make up this Council: human space-flight programs, commercial launch, organized labor, other aerospace-related industries, and an alternative energy enterprise with potential for aerospace applications. The advisory council shall elect a member to serve as the chair of the council. This chair will serve ex-officio on the full board of Space Florida.
About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.
