About NSCFL
The NSCFL is a non-profit corporation composed of private individuals representing industry, government, the Department of Defense, regional educational institutions, and the public – all of whom share a commitment to increasing public awareness of America’s aerospace programs.
We do this by hosting a number of events each year that include topical luncheons (8 per year, approximately 250 per event), networking socials (2 per year, 200-300 per event), a major evening event in October (250 per event) and our annual signature event in April, the black-tie Space Heroes and Legends Award Dinner (200 per event). In the COVID environment, we hosted virtual topical events, with approximately 100 attendees.
NSCFL is also the major sponsor for Brevard Space Week, where we provide the majority of the expenses associated with bringing every sixth grader in public and private schools in the Brevard County School District to Kennedy Space Center in support of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) development. Approximately 7,000 students, teachers, and chaperones participate. Due to COVID, the in person event was limited, but the NSC still supported activities through a monetary donation.
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.
2024 Roster of Officers and Board Members:
Chairperson
Therrin Protze
Vice Chairperson
Tina Leighty
Treasurer
Clinton Hatcher
Assistant Treasurer
Jim Niemes
Secretary
Phil Mongan
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
Brad McCain
Jim McCarthy
Jamie McLean
Pedro Medelius
Joy Mosdell
Jerry Moyer
Mark Nappi
Tom Niemeyer
Lee Pollard
Rich Pruss
Rob Quigg
Rob Salonen
Josh Saltsman
Wally Schroeder
Patty Stratton
Constance Taddie
Don White
Mike Workman
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