FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2026
Florida Space Innovation Center Announces Appointment of R3Doubt CEO Ryan Trine to Board of Directors
Southeast Volusia, FL — The Florida Space Innovation Center (FSIC) is proud to announce the appointment of Ryan Trine, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer and nationally recognized cybersecurity and technology leader, to its Board of Directors.
With more than two decades of experience in national security, secure communications, enterprise technology, and cyber resilience, Trine brings a critical perspective to FSIC as the organization advances Southeast Volusia’s role in Florida’s growing aerospace and innovation economy. Throughout his military career, he served in several highly selective leadership assignments, including at the Pentagon and as Executive Communications Warrant Officer to the Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), where he led secure communications supporting one of the Army’s largest operational commands.
“Ryan’s experience represents the future of innovation leadership,” said Erik Ahlgren, Board Chair of the Florida Space Innovation Center. “As aerospace, defense, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing continue to converge, cybersecurity and resilient digital infrastructure become foundational to long-term success. Ryan brings an extraordinary depth of expertise that will help position FSIC as a leader in these emerging industries.”
In addition to his distinguished military service, Trine has led enterprise technology modernization initiatives, managed complex information technology programs, and advised senior leaders on cybersecurity, operational resilience, and risk management. His academic background in homeland security and computer science, combined with numerous industry certifications, reflects a career dedicated to advancing technology while protecting the systems that support national and economic security.
As FSIC expands partnerships across aerospace, defense innovation, workforce development, education, and emerging technologies, Trine’s leadership will strengthen the organization’s efforts to build a resilient innovation ecosystem that attracts investment, develops high-skilled talent, and creates lasting economic opportunity throughout Southeast Volusia.
FSIC continues to assemble a diverse Board of Directors composed of leaders from government, education, business, defense, and technology who share a common vision of establishing Southeast Volusia as a premier hub for innovation and the future of Florida’s space economy.
The Florida Space Innovation Center proudly welcomes Ryan Trine to its Board of Directors and looks forward to the expertise and leadership he will bring as the organization continues to shape the next chapter of innovation along Florida’s Space Coast.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2026
Florida Space Innovation Center Announces Appointment of Edgewater Mayor Diezel DePew to Board of Directors
Southeast Volusia, FL — The Florida Space Innovation Center (FSIC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Edgewater Mayor Diezel DePew to its Board of Directors, further strengthening the region’s commitment to cultivating forward‑thinking leadership as the space industry accelerates across Southeast Volusia.
Mayor DePew, elected in 2022 as the youngest mayor in Florida’s history, has quickly become a recognized voice for infrastructure modernization, environmental stewardship, and community‑centered growth. His work advancing stormwater improvements, environmental protection, and critical infrastructure reflects a results‑driven approach that aligns with FSIC’s mission to build a resilient, opportunity‑rich future for the region.
“Mayor DePew represents exactly the kind of emerging leadership Southeast Volusia needs as we prepare for the growth driven by the space industry,” said John Joaquin, Founder of the Florida Space Innovation Center. “His energy, perspective, and commitment to the people of our region will help ensure that the opportunities ahead translate into real benefits for residents, businesses, and future generations.”
As FSIC expands partnerships across education, workforce development, aerospace innovation, and regional planning, Mayor DePew’s experience and community‑driven approach will strengthen the organization’s ability to support smart, sustainable growth.
FSIC’s Board of Directors continues to bring together leaders from across Southeast Volusia who share a common goal: building a thriving space‑powered economy that enhances quality of life, attracts high‑value careers, and positions the region as a statewide leader in innovation.
FSIC proudly welcomes Mayor Diezel DePew and looks forward to the contributions his leadership will bring to the future of Southeast Volusia.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2026
NEWS RELEASE
Florida Space Innovation Center Appoints School Board Member Jessie Thompson to Board of Directors
Southeast Volusia, FL — The Florida Space Innovation Center (FSIC) announced today that Jessie Thompson, a member of the Volusia County School Board, has been appointed to its Board of Directors. Thompson will serve as an education and community representative, helping ensure FSIC’s programs align with the needs of students, families, and educators across Volusia County.
FSIC Founder John Joaquin said Thompson’s appointment strengthens the organization’s commitment to building a regional talent pipeline and expanding opportunities for local youth.
“Jessie brings deep experience in public education and a strong understanding of what families and teachers need to help students succeed,” Joaquin said. “Her perspective ensures FSIC’s work remains grounded in community priorities while we build pathways into Florida’s rapidly growing space and aerospace economy.”
FSIC, headquartered in New Smyrna Beach, is a regional initiative focused on expanding Florida’s participation in the space sector, developing STEM talent, and supporting innovation-driven economic growth. The center partners with industry, higher education, and civic organizations to create programs that prepare residents for high-wage careers in aerospace, robotics, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Thompson’s appointment provides a direct bridge between FSIC and the district’s educators, administrators, and community partners. It also reinforces FSIC’s commitment to transparency, public oversight, and ensuring that its initiatives reflect the values and priorities of Volusia County residents.
FSIC will announce additional board appointments in the coming weeks as it prepares for its inaugural board meeting in September.
About the Florida Space Innovation Center (FSIC)
The Florida Space Innovation Center is a regional initiative based in New Smyrna Beach dedicated to advancing Florida’s space economy, developing STEM talent pipelines, and supporting innovation-driven economic growth. FSIC partners with industry, education, and civic organizations to create opportunities for residents and strengthen Volusia County’s position in the state’s expanding aerospace sector.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2026
Florida Space Innovation Center Launches on Historic May 25 Anniversary to Ensure Southeast Volusia Shapes Its Own Future
New Smyrna Beach, FL — The Florida Space Innovation Center (FSIC) launches today on a date of profound significance in America’s space story. On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy delivered his “Urgent National Needs” address, setting the moonshot in motion and transforming Florida’s Space Coast into a global center of innovation.
Sixty‑five years later, FSIC launches on this same date to honor that legacy and to ensure that Southeast Volusia has a voice in shaping the next era of space‑driven growth. FSIC begins in New Smyrna Beach, rooted in the values and aspirations of the community that initiated it — but it is intentionally designed to scale across the region and ultimately benefit the entire state of Florida.
“May 25th has always symbolized what happens when a nation chooses to take ownership of its future,” said John Joaquin, speaking on behalf of FSIC. “Today, Southeast Volusia makes its own declaration. We are stepping forward to shape our future with intention, not leaving it to outside interests or shifting market forces.”
“After years working in California’s aerospace sector, I moved home to New Smyrna Beach and hoped to contribute to Florida’s growing space industry,” said Erik Ahlgren, aerospace engineer and FSIC founding leader. “But the overwhelming majority of opportunities in the sector required long commutes to the Cape or Orlando. I’m not alone in this. There are countless engineers, technicians, and innovators living here who want to build their careers close to home. FSIC exists for people like us. It brings the industry closer to Southeast Volusia so talent doesn’t have to leave the community to participate in the space economy.”
For decades, communities near the Cape have been influenced by cycles they did not control—real estate markets, developer priorities, political turnover, and industry swings. FSIC represents a different path: a permanent civic infrastructure designed to give residents representation, stability, and a seat at the table as the space economy accelerates.
A Proven Foundation for Florida’s Future
FSIC is built on approaches that have already delivered measurable results in other regions. It draws on the coordinated innovation model that propelled the quantum ecosystem in the Washington, D.C. area and the structured talent and industry strategy that reshaped Osceola County’s semiconductor sector. These proven frameworks demonstrate how communities can organize, align partners, and attract major outside investment — and FSIC adapts these lessons to Florida’s rapidly expanding space economy.
Three Core Benefits for Florida Stakeholders
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Ecosystem Building & Convening Power - FSIC aligns schools, employers, civic organizations, and industry partners around shared priorities—reducing fragmentation and accelerating progress.
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A Platform for Significant External Funding - By demonstrating readiness, coordination, and long‑term strategy, FSIC positions Florida to compete for federal, philanthropic, and private‑sector investment at a scale individual organizations cannot secure alone.
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Closing Gaps in Workforce, Talent, and Innovation - FSIC strengthens the talent pipeline, supports innovators, and helps local companies grow—ensuring Florida has the skilled workforce and innovation capacity required for the next generation of space and technology industries.
A Future Built with Intention
“The space economy is accelerating, and our community deserves more than a front‑row seat — we deserve a voice,” Joaquin said. “FSIC is about stewardship, representation, and building a future that reflects who we are and what we value.”
With today’s launch, FSIC begins the work of establishing community‑driven priorities, building transparent frameworks for engagement, and creating durable structures that ensure Southeast Volusia remains represented as opportunities expand. What starts in New Smyrna Beach is designed to grow with the region, strengthen the Space Coast, and contribute to Florida’s long‑term leadership in the space economy.
About the Florida Space Innovation Center (FSIC)
The Florida Space Innovation Center (FSIC) is a community‑driven civic infrastructure initiative founded in New Smyrna Beach and designed to strengthen Southeast Volusia’s role in the rapidly expanding space economy. Built on proven regional‑innovation models, FSIC aligns partners across education, industry, government, and community organizations to create a coordinated ecosystem that supports talent development, innovation, and long‑term economic resilience.
FSIC’s mission is to ensure that local values, local voices, and local priorities shape the opportunities emerging around the Space Coast — while building a scalable framework that benefits the broader region and the State of Florida. Through strategic convening, ecosystem building, and the pursuit of significant external investment, FSIC works to close critical gaps in workforce, talent pipelines, and innovation capacity.
Media Contact:
Erik Ahlgren
Communications Leader
Florida Space Innovation Center
info@fsic.space
