During a teleconferenced meeting from Tallahassee, the Space Florida Board of Directors unanimously approved Frank DiBello, a space industry consultant from Cocoa, as the organization's interim president.The next scheduled board meeting is June 24 at Kennedy Space Center, where the board will set guidelines for the official search for a new president. DiBello's appointment was for 90 days.
Former President Steve Kohler resigned the $175,000 per year job May 6 under pressure from Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, who chairs the board of directors. Kohler had been questioned about hiring lobbyists with personal connections under no-bid contracts.
Appointed in October 2006 by then-Gov. Jeb Bush, Kohler directed 27 employees in an effort to strengthen Florida's position in the space industry. With a "build-it-and-they-will-come" philosophy, Kohler's innovations were criticized when viable partners failed to materialize. He also drew fire for questionable lobbying contracts.
A Florida resident for six years, DiBello has more than three decades of experience in the aerospace, satellite and launch industries. He formerly operated a venture capital company that invested in the space industry.
"What I've got to do is get the organization focused and moving forward with everybody’s sleeves rolled moved up," he said.
DiBello said he hopes to be considered for the position permanently. He will begin his duties as soon as Space Florida attorneys make certain there is no conflict due to the consultant contract he now has with Space Florida.
According to state guidelines, the new president should be selected within 60 days. He or she is required to have 10 years of managerial experience in the national and international aerospace industry and a thorough knowledge of United States aerospace industry with respect to global competitiveness.
2 comments:
I met Frank a couple of times while working on the Space Coast--Space Florida could not have picked a better person for these times. Back now in Texas, I hope Floridians realize how fortunate they are to have such an organization that will keep Florida number one in space access. And I hope Floridians realize their fortune in having state leaders, both in the Governor's Mansion and in the State Legislature, who continue to support Florida's space ambitions, even during tough times, in contrast to our national government's lack of space leadership.
Mr. DiBello is a fantastic pick by the the Governor. What is confusing is why he's being hampered by this 90 day interim thing. Is he just a place-holder? The Shuttle is ending without a 90 day interim status, why should we hinder the guy chosen to help us? This state made a great pick, now let's let the man get to work without all the POLITICS...his job will NOT be easy.
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