Space Florida names Brevard VP

Space Florida issued this statement on Monday:

Space Florida is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Mark Bontrager as vice president of spaceport operations for the growing aerospace economic development organization.

In this role, Mark will lead the development of the organization's spaceport holdings. Specifically, he will serve as a key resource in the development of Launch Complex 36, two multi-vehicle launch pads located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Earlier this year, the U.S. Air Force announced a formal intent to lease the complex to Space Florida for build out of a commercial pad by the end of 2010.

In addition to managing the development of LC-36, Bontrager will also be responsible for managing other Space Florida holdings on Florida's East Coast, including LC-46, LC-47, the Shuttle Landing Facility/Hangar, Space Life Sciences Laboratory (SLSL) and both Space Florida Brevard County campuses.

Mark will also focus on strengthening Florida's overall position in the global aerospace industry by working with business development to attract new businesses into the area and strengthen relationships with current aerospace players across the state.

"Mark has an impressive career in the United States Air Force and a keen understanding of their processes when it comes to space exploration and launch," noted Space Florida President Steve Kohler. "His proven record of leadership in military space launch will serve as a key asset to our organization's growth and success."

Bontrager has more than 20 years of expertise in the U.S. Air Force. Prior to joining Space Florida, he served as a colonel and commander of the 45th Mission Support Group at Patrick Air Force Base, which provides critical support to military space launch operations as well as commercial, NASA and ballistic missile launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Colonel Bontrager also served as chief of the Assured Access Operations Division at Air Force Space Command at Peterson AFB, Colorado.

Mark holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of Florida, a Master's of Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Masters in Airpower Art and Science from the School of Advanced Airpower Studies at Maxwell AFB in Alabama.