Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello Announces Upcoming Retirement After 14 Years Leading the Organization

EXPLORATION PARK, Fla.—Today, Space Florida’s President and CEO Frank DiBello notified the Board of Directors of his decision to retire, effective June 30, 2023. In the coming months, the Space Florida Board of Directors will launch a nationwide search for the next president and CEO of the organization, with Mr. DiBello assisting with the process for his successor. DiBello has served as the leader of Space Florida since May 2009 and has been a key part of Florida’s exponential growth in the commercial space industry following the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011.

“Serving as the Chair of the Space Florida board for the past 4 years, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Frank every day, and I can tell you there is no one more passionate about the space industry in our state. While we will miss him dearly, we wish him well in his retirement,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “After serving for 14 years as the leader of the agency, we also know that Frank has had a tremendous influence on the culture of Space Florida from top to bottom. I look forward to working with Frank and the entire Board to launch a nationwide search for a successor that will continue to lead our state in the space 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. “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.

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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.