KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL (January 9, 2012) – Today, Space Florida announces the hiring of Jim Kuzma as Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer (COO). Kuzma’s hiring is one of several organizational changes being initiated to help Space Florida create capacity for improved client responsiveness, better face a dynamic marketplace and take advantage of increased business development opportunities in the aerospace industry.
In his new role, Kuzma will be handle operations and client fulfillment functions, including Space Florida’s increasing responsibilities for aerospace facilities and infrastructure, spaceport operations, technology advancement, talent supply chain initiatives and education programs. Kuzma has more than 20 years experience in the U.S. Navy and most recently served as the commanding officer of the Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU) based in Cape Canaveral. He has also served as a division chief for the U.S. Strategic Command (Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Reconnaissance and Surveillance) in Washington DC, and as deputy director of operations for Submarine Forces out of Norfolk, VA. He holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Catholic University of America and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Complementing Kuzma’s focus on client fulfillment and operations functions, Mr. Howard Haug will continue to serve as Treasurer and Executive Vice President of Space Florida, and will shift focus to strengthening investment structuring and execution functions, as well as building greater capacity for financing and special projects for the organization. Haug will also focus on new leads and business development initiatives, as well as creating new financing instruments and opportunities. Haug previously served as Treasurer and CFO.
Concurrently, Denise Swanson has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President of Administration, managing all support functions for the company. Swanson previously served as the company’s Controller.
“This organizational realignment will enable us to dramatically improve client and market responsiveness as well as aide in building needed capacity for increased investment opportunities and infrastructure responsibilities,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “Jim Kuzma is an industry veteran and an extremely talented leader. We are pleased to have him on our team working with Howard and Denise.”
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About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.
