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CAPE CANAVERAL - Retired astronaut Winston Scott was selected Tuesday to be executive director of the Florida Space Authority Board, officials said.
Scott will replace Ed Gormel, who retired in April, as head of the board that works to expand and diversify the state's space-related businesses through economic and academic development programs.
Scott completed three space walks and two shuttle missions during his seven years as an astronaut. He also was a Navy pilot for 27 years and has served as a senior-level administrator at Florida State University since 1999.
"His impressive career as a NASA astronaut, naval aviator and ranking university administrator have more than prepared him to lead Florida's space industry at a particularly challenging time in history," said Gov. Jeb Bush in a statement.
The Florida Space Authority is overseen by the governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development.