Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Selection Committee, Space Florida Board Unanimous In Decision

During a one-topic Board of Director's teleconference Thursday, Florida Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp and the Space Florida Board of Directors unanimously voted to name Frank DiBello as the permanent President and CEO of Space Florida, the state's agency for aerospace economic development.

"The space industry is critical to Florida's economy and as a consequence deeply impacts the well-being of all citizens of Florida," noted Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp who serves as Space Florida Co-Chairman of the Board. "I am proud of the Board's decision to pick Frank DiBello who has demonstrated his outstanding leadership during his tenure as Interim President. Through his leadership, we can continue to ensure Florida is the number one place in the world for the aerospace industry by aggressively attracting a diversity of space-related businesses that will utilize and expand Florida's world-class aerospace workforce."

DiBello, who has served as the interim President of the organization since Steve Kohler's resignation in May, was one of more than 250 applicants for the position. The Selection Committee was assisted by the internationally-respected search firm Korn/Ferry International.

Frank DiBello

"I am energized and grateful to the Lt. Governor, the selection committee and to the Space Florida Board of Directors for choosing me to lead Space Florida at such an important time for the State and the industry," said Frank DiBello, President, Space Florida. "Together with our mission partners - NASA and the Air Force, as well as the commercial industry partners that over the past four months have expressed enthusiastic interest in doing business in Florida - we will work hard everyday to maintain and grow a robust and healthy space industry in Florida."

The appointment of DiBello to the position will take affect immediately.

FMI: www.spaceflorida.gov