Frank DiBello Appointed by U.S. Department of Commerce

Space Florida’s Frank DiBello Appointed by U.S. Department of Commerce DiBello to Join Investment Advisory Council Exploration Park, Fla. (August 15, 2019) – Today, Space Florida is proud to announce the appointment of Frank DiBello, President and CEO, to the United States Department of Commerce Investment Advisory Council. The 25-member Council will provide advice and counsel to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on how government policies and programs affect the nation’s ability to attract and facilitate business investment from U.S. and international firms, with focus on advancing the United States as the best place to for business to operate, grow, succeed and create value.

Joining DiBello are senior executives from a host of forward-thinking industries in Energy, IT, Advanced Manufacturing and Consumer Products, each representing sophisticated and innovative enterprises well suited to helping the Department understand the potential and opportunities for improving US economic well-being through trade and investment. DiBello’s appointment to the Committee is recognition of the importance of that the key markets, technologies, and investment areas represented on the Council are, to helping set priorities for the future.Space has been identified by the Administration and the Commerce Secretary as a technology and market priority for this country, and the Department of Commerce in particular, will play a key role in evolving a world leading Commercial Space Industry for the U.S. Also joining DiBello on the IAC to advocate for the interests of Commercial Space will be Dan Hart, President and CEO of Virgin Orbit.

As the $414 billion global space market continues to expand, with some projections showing the international space economy will reach into the trillions of dollars by 2040, the State of Florida is poised to support continued U.S. leadership in space.  Space Florida plays a key role in that leadership! Florida is a global leader in commercial space, and the Cape Canaveral Spaceport remains the most active orbital launch site in the world, hosting 20 successful launches in 2018, with that number projected to increase exponentially in the next few years.

“I am pleased to see that Secretary Ross recognizes the importance of Florida and role of the space marketplace in growing this nation’s future. Frank DiBello is an outstanding appointment with a deep commitment to the commercial space industry. His extensive knowledge on growing this component of the U.S. economy will catapult Florida and this nation’s competitiveness on the global stage,” said Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez.

‍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 and spaceport development authority, 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

Press Contact:
‍Sara Shell
321-730-5301 x221
‍sshell@spaceflorida.gov