WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the witnesses for a Space, Aeronautics, and Related Sciences Subcommittee field hearing on Preparing for the Workforce Transition at Kennedy Space Center, scheduled for Monday June 23, 2008, at 9:00 a.m., at the Cape Canaveral Port Authority. The witnesses are below. Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) will preside.

The hearing will examine issues surrounding the retirement of the Space Shuttle and the transition to the new Orion/Ares system. Specifically, this hearing will focus on workforce related challenges at the Kennedy Space Center and analyze potential solutions to mitigate the transition’s effects on the community.

Preparing for the Workforce Transition at Kennedy Space Center
Space, Aeronautics and Related Sciences Subcommittee
Date: Monday, June 23, 2008
Time:  9:00 a.m.
Location:  Canaveral Port Authority, Commission Room, Port Canaveral Maritime Center Offices, 445 Challenger Road, Port Canaveral, Florida

Witnesses:
Panel I
The Honorable Michael D. Griffin, Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

            Accompanied by:

Mr. William H. Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Mr. Doug Cooke, Deputy Associate Administrator, Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Panel II
Ms. Lynda L. Weatherman, President and CEO, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast

Mr. Steve Kohler, President, Space Florida

Ms. Lisa Rice, President, Brevard Workforce Development Board, Inc.

Mr. Randy Berridge, President, Florida High Tech Corridor Council