About NSCFL

Headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast, the National Space Club Florida Committee (NSCFL) is a non-profit corporation composed of passionate individuals representing industry, government, the Department of Defense, regional educational institutions, and the public. These individuals share the same mission; increase public awareness of America’s aerospace programs.

With goals to promote awareness of the space program, sponsor educational initiatives, and recognize achievements by those inspiring individuals who have made impactful contributions to the space program in Florida, the NSCFL welcomes all of those who have a passion for the aerospace industry.

We work towards our goals by hosting a number of events each year that include topical luncheons, networking socials, Celebrate Space (a major evening event each October), and our annual signature event in April; the black-tie Kurt Debus Award Dinner.

The NSCFL is one of two regional committees of the National Space Club and Foundation in Washington D.C. with the other located in Huntsville, AL.

The NSCFL shares the same objectives that have guided the National Space Club and Foundation in Washington, D.C. since it was formed in 1958:

  • Promote America’s space leadership through conferences and other literary and educational means.
  • Stimulate the advancement of civilian and military applications of rocketry and astronautics and related technologies for the benefit of all mankind.
  • Bring together persons from the federal government, industry, educational institutions, the press and other walks of life for the exchange of information on rocketry and astronautics, and through them to inform the public at large.
  • Provide suitable recognition and do honor to organizations and individuals who have contributed to the advancement of rocketry and astronautics.

NSCFL Leadership

The NSCFL is managed by a Board of Directors made up of key leaders representing the Florida space community. Board members are elected by the membership to four-year terms, while the executive officers serve one-year terms. These elections take place at our Annual Meeting during the September luncheon, and all terms officially begin Oct. 1.

2023 Roster of Officers and Board Members:

Chairperson
Tara Miller

Vice Chairperson
Therrin Protze

Treasurer
Jim Niemes

Secretary
Clinton Hatcher

Thad Altman

Chris Angel

Jim Banke

Jack Blood

Kevin Brown

Edgar Campa-Palafox

Pat Carr

Melanie Chinnery

Karan Conklin

Carol Craig

Bill Cullen

Eddie Ellegood

Beth Fischer

Gabrielle Gardiner

Butch Gardner

Gerry Gleckel

Steve Griffin

George Hauer

Gordy Houser

Don Jennings

Dick Jolley

Tom Keller

Scott Kelliher

Dale Ketcham

Kevin Kimball

Tina Leighty

Brad McCain

Jim McCarthy

Jamie McLean

Pedro Medelius

Phil Mongan

Joy Mosdell

Jerry Moyer

Mark Nappi

Tom Niemeyer

Lee Pollard

Rich Pruss

Rob Quigg

Rob Salonen

Josh Saltsman

Wally Schroeder

Patty Stratton

Don White

Liaison

Suzy Cunningham/NASA

Jerry Porter/AF

Emeritus Board Members

Dick Beagley

Ernie Briel

Larry Clark

Jerry Jamison

Jim Kennedy

Adrian Laffitte

Dick Lyon

Joanne Morgan

Bob Sieck

Lee Solid

Roy Tharpe

Honorary Board Members

Patrick Gavin