Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast Honors McInnish, De Freese During Annual Meeting

By  //  February 7, 2023

EDC BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

During the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast 2022/2023 Annual Meeting on February 1,  the EDC awarded the EDC Volunteer of the Year award to Dr. Duane E. De Freese, Executive Director of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program. Above, EDC Secretary Todd Pokrywa, right, presents the award to former Brevard County Commissioner Curt Smith, who accepted the award on behalf of De Freese.

Launching a Legacy, unveiled the findings from Phase I – Discovery of Mission Space Coast: One Voice-One Brand, the official unified branding initiative for Florida’s Space Coast.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – During the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast 2022/2023 Annual Meeting on February 1,  the EDC awarded the Thomas E. Gamble Excellence in Education for Economic Development Award to William McInnish, Brevard Career Technical Education instructor at Eau Gallie High School; and the EDC Volunteer of the Year award to Dr. Duane E. De Freese, Executive Director of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program.

The EDC’s 2022/2023 Annual Meeting, Launching a Legacy, unveiled the findings from Phase I – Discovery of Mission Space Coast: One Voice-One Brand, the official unified branding initiative for Florida’s Space Coast.

“The EDC and Brevard County draw strength from community leaders such as Bill and Duane,” said EDC President and CEO Lynda L. Weatherman.

“When thinking about the legacy we will leave, I can’t think of two people that better epitomize what it means to make an impact on the community and leave a legacy that will last for generations to come. Thank you both for your contributions to Brevard’s economic future.”

The Thomas E. Gamble Excellence in Education for Economic Development award is presented to an individual who has improved the field of education and the way students are served. Recipients have made a long-standing, consistent, and highly valued contribution to further educational programs supporting the talent pipeline for industry on the Space Coast.

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EDC Treasurer Linda Stout, left, presents William (Bill) T. McInnish with the Thomas E. Gamble Excellence in Education for Economic Development Award

McInnish is known for his steadfast passion and dedication to his students. Through his vision and dedication, he led the establishment of the Aviation Fabrication and Assembly program at Eau Gallie High School, which became the first in the nation to award high school students with a National Aerospace/Aircraft Assembly certification.

This certificate enables students to work as entry-level aircraft technicians, a key asset in building the local talent pipeline.

McInnish is a veteran after 22 years with the Coast Guard performing Search and Rescue and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Brevard Public Schools with a cumulative 27 years of technology and CTE teaching experience.

“As a CTE instructor, my job is easy – get students off their parent’s payroll and onto a manufacturer’s payroll,” shared McInnish.

“In the eight years I have been at Eau Gallie High School, I have been fortunate to have seen many of my completing graduates go on to amazing careers at SpaceX, Blue Origin, United Launch Alliance, Piper Aircraft, L3Harris, Collins Aerospace, and now Lockheed Martin. Many students complete Engineering degrees and move into the Aerospace Industry.”

“The EDC and Brevard County draw strength from community leaders such as Bill (McInnish) and Duane (De Freese),” said EDC President and CEO Lynda L. Weatherman.

ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

The EDC’s Volunteer of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for the betterment of the Space Coast.

Dr. Duane De Freese has been a champion of ocean and coastal conversation in Florida. As an EDC volunteer, De Freese has led several Indian River Lagoon boat tours for EDC Investors and board members, providing key education to these community leaders on the importance, challenges, and opportunities associated with this key economic driver. In addition, he has worked with the EDC on a number of projects.

“Duane is a true advocate and diligent leader in our community, providing his time to not just the EDC but countless organizations throughout the Space Coast. It is a true honor to present him with this award,” said Todd Pokrywa, president of the Viera Company and EDC secretary, while presenting the EDC Volunteer of the Year award.

To learn more about the winners and the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast Annual Meeting, visit SpaceCoastEDC.org/launchingalegacy.

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