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