ROB LONG

PRESIDENT & CEO, SPACE FLORIDA, MERRITT ISLAND

Founded in 2006, Space Florida is the state's aerospace finance and development authority. With about 60 employees, Space Florida is charged with growing the industry. It invests in the state's spaceport system infrastructure and facilitates R&D, workforce and capital accelerator programs statewide. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, Long has led Space Florida since 2023. “With more than $500 million invested in spaceport infrastructure, $3 billion in completed aerospace deals, and a $6-billion project pipeline, Space Florida is a driving force in the state's aerospace economy,” Long says.

EDUCATION: University of Washington (BS), University of Colorado Colorado Springs (MS), U.S. Naval War College (MA), Air University (MPhil), The Eisenhower School (MS)

NOTABLE TREND: The aerospace industry is rapidly expanding. Advanced Air Mobility is reshaping how we move people and goods across communities. The low-Earth-orbit economy and proposed moon base are becoming a commercial marketplace requiring ground infrastructure and support systems, while driving new supply chains. Florida is positioned at the center of all of it.

DAILY RITUAL: I have recently become a firm believer in the power of adequate sleep to performance and have adjusted many aspects of my daily routines as much as possible.

IN MY DOWNTIME
“Fly fishing in the surf. I might not be very good at it, but nothing beats a quiet sunrise or sunset in the surf while searching for an elusive target.”