Rye, Harris to receive Kolcum Award

The National Space Club of Florida named Jessica Rye, senior manager of regional communications for ATK, and Scott Harris, anchor, Channel 13 News, as the 2009 Harry Kolcum Memorial News and Communications Award Winners.

Named for the late aerospace writer, who worked for Aviation Week & Space Technology, this award recognizes the contributions of professional journalists and communicators to inform the public about launch operations from the Cape. The award recipients will be recognized for their distinguished achievements at the Tuesday, monthly luncheon meeting. The event will be held at the Oceanfront DoubleTree Hotel, Cocoa Beach, at 11:30 am.

"Jessica and Scott have helped tell the story of the important accomplishments of the U. S. space program at Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center," said Mike Maier, National Space Club Florida Committee Chairman. "Their efforts are imperative in informing the public and maintaining support for an industry that is vital not only to central Florida but the nation. The Space Club is proud to acknowledge their achievements."



Jessica Rye currently serves as the Senior Manager of Regional Communications for ATK responsible for all aspects of communications in both Florida and Alabama. Prior to joining ATK, Jessica served as the Chief of External and Internal Communications for United Launch Alliance (ULA), the recently formed company that brought together The Boeing Company's Delta Programs and Lockheed Martin's Atlas Programs to provide expendable launch vehicles for U.S. government missions.

A political reporter with a solid news background, Scott Harris has worked in Central Florida during his entire career as a broadcast journalist and played a significant role in launching News 13.

His news concentration includes covering government and politics here at home and across the state and country. His knowledge of the local area and people gives viewers a valuable perspective. As News 13's political expert and anchor of the weekly political show, "The Agenda," Scott's interviews range from local mayors to national political figures.