Space Florida Begins Search for New President and CEO

EXPLORATION PARK, Fla.—April 11, 2023— Space Florida, the state's aerospace finance and development authority, held a special Board of Directors meeting today 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. Space Florida’s current President and CEO, Frank DiBello, recently announced his retirement, effective June 30. For those interested in the position, a portal to upload a resume, cover letter, and references is now available at www.spaceflorida.gov/transition."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. "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."

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.

The 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 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.

The search committee will accept applications for the position until Monday, May 1, 2023. Interested candidates can find more information and apply on the Space Florida website, www.spaceflorida.gov/transition.

###

Media Contact
‍Anna Alexopoulos Farrar
954.647.7059
‍afarrar@spaceflorida.gov

‍About Space Florida
‍Space Florida is where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off. As that state’s aerospace finance and development authority, Space Florida brings a mix of unrivaled experience, unmatched financial tools, and unbeatable location to the table by providing critical business financing opportunities for the aerospace industry, managing infrastructure investment in the state’s spaceport system, and facilitating research and development, workforce, education, and investment programs. Visit www.spaceflorida.gov for more information.