At this signature fundraiser, LEAD Brevard will recognize the recipient of the 
2018 Rodney S. Ketcham Leadership Icon Award, Mr. David Brock,

Members of the Leadership Brevard Class of 2018 pose with Space Shuttle Atlantis

Leadership Brevard’s class 2018 session on November 16, 2017 was sponsored by the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with presentations and activities themed around innovation - a new idea, or more-effective device or process. Innovation can be viewed as the application of better solutions that meet new requirements, unarticulated needs, or existing market needs. (Wikipedia)

Phil Bryden, (LB 2012) Optimize Aerospace Corporation/Sierra Nevada and current member of the LEAD Brevard board of directors served as class session chair and welcomed our guests. 

Rodger Rees, (LB 2014) Deputy Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Canaveral Port Authority shared with the class portions of the new master plan guiding the growth and development at the port. Several class members noted in their evaluations their interest in learning about the Port and the strategic plans for what is coming in the future; and the history and lessons learned from the Port – vision and leadership regarding the future of Port and the planning process for future growth. As with most Leadership Brevard sessions, if the topic area of the day is not a part of your current sphere of influence, there tends to be a knowledge gap that the program strives to address. 

Rodger Rees (LB 2014), Canaveral Port Authority

Scott Colloredo, Deputy Director, Engineering Directorate, John F. Kennedy Space Center offered insights into NASA as a Multi-User Spaceport: From Vision to Reality and augmented his presentation with some pretty amazing facts – from the historical significance of KSC to the future plans for commercial launches and a return to the moon/journey to mars.  Thanks to Nancy Potts, (LB 2017) Senior Economic Development Manager, Spaceport Planning, Center Planning & Development Office for securing Mr. Colloredo and this presentation. “What an amazing asset our space program is to our community; I am amazed by its history and future”. “We are very lucky to live here on the Space Coast where so much innovation and science occurs on a daily basis; most people (as did I) take it for granted.”

Three of Brevard’s military installations were represented by Command Master Chief Tracy F. Kuchta, Naval Ordnance Test Unit; BOSN 4 David G. Ladomirak, Commanding Officer USCG Station, Port Canaveral and Chief Master Sergeant Michael D. Worden, Superintendent, 45^th Launch Group, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  The economic impact our military provides to our Brevard community is astonishing; “I thought the entire session was great; amazing how much the Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force do for the port and surrounding areas”;  “… I definitely did not have an appreciation for how much the military impacts Brevard”. 

KSC VC’s Heroes & Legends exhibit experience was a bonus during lunch as a self-guided tour opportunity as part of the day.

Therrin Protze, Chief Operating Officer, Delaware North, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex delivered a dynamic presentation that highlighted the new exhibits and attractions coming to the Center.  From tiles on the ground that create, store and transmit energy to the new interactive education center…stay tuned and put a trip to the Visitors Center on your ‘to-do’ list.   Here’s what several class members had to say:  “on a personal level the sheer sense of awe and inspiration from experiencing the exhibits was truly humbling and never gets old”; “I love to spread what I learn to family and friends; I loved spending time at the visitor center (KSC VC) I feel that even though I live here in North Brevard a lot of people around us forget about the Visitor Center and all the incredible things that it offers”; “the improvements and updates they have made and continue to make give me confidence that the attraction and education that the attraction brings will continue to challenge the Orlando parks”.

Dale Ketcham, (LB 1986) Chief of Strategic Alliances, Space Florida and a LEAD Brevard board member, brought his vast knowledge and enthusiasm for “space “to the class and offered an education about the work that happens both publicly and behind the scenes to attract commercial space operations to Brevard; he showcased the investments being made by partners like SpaceX, Blue Origin and One Web among others and the current and future value that brings to our community.  “The limitless advancements going on in the future of space.”; “I grew up following NASA’s shuttle program, so my favorite parts of the day were hearing Therrin talk about KSC VC and all the upcoming projects they are working on and Dale and Space Florida’s role in supporting the private space exploration companies.”; “My ‘new thinking’ is that there is much more going on from a commercial and economic development standpoint than most people realize; with the shuttle program closing down, I was concerned that Brevard County would no longer be a serious contender in the industry; what is happening here now at both the port and the spaceport is a testament to those who have ‘kept the faith’ and fought to bring new opportunities/companies to our area”.

LEAD Brevard Board of Directors (left to right): Phil Bryden (LB 2012) Optimize Aerospace Corporation/Sierra Nevada and Dale Ketcham (LB 1986) Space Florida.

A guided tour of the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit experience was another highlight of the day; the opportunity to be ‘with’ one of the only 4 shuttles on display (NY, VA and CA are your other options!) is an experience to be remembered…again and again. 

In keeping with Leadership Brevard’s (new) tradition, the group and Leadership Brevard alumni convened at the Playalinda Brewing Company- Brix Project for the “So-Social” sponsored  by Brendan McMillin, Cameron Law Firm, Delores Spearman and Sentry View Systems.  Thank you! 

Hey Alumni!  Save the date now to join the fun for the next So-Social in downtown Melbourne following the December 14^th session of Leadership Brevard, beginning at 5:30 PM.  Watch this space (your email) for more details soon.

We place special emphasis on making sure program graduates are offered a variety of avenues to stay informed and connected with fellow alumni.