Aviation management alumnus brings creative edge to Melbourne Airport.

As a self-professed marketing nerd who currently serves as assistant director of marketing here at Florida Tech, I have the opportunity to meet – and work with – a lot of creative, inspiring people.

People like aviation management alumnus Rob Himler. During his time at Florida Tech, I was lucky enough to work with Rob in the marketing department and I can tell you, he’s basically a renaissance man. There was no project you could throw at him that he wouldn’t completely knock out of the park. So when he landed an internship at MLB, I was equally devastated and ecstatic. In essence, this was his dream job, so my sadness was quickly replaced with joy and pride as I knew how lucky the airport was to have him.

During his internship, Himler managed to make himself indispensable to the airport, bringing a whole new perspective to their marketing, communications and social media strategy. I was not surprised when he was offered a full-time position.

Recently, I had the chance to hang out with him at the Orlando Melbourne International Airport. As part of my Leadership Brevard Class (2017 – the best class ever!), MLB graciously hosted all 60 of my classmates and gave us a behind the scenes tour of the airport. And of course leading the charge was Himler. He was a very knowledgeable and confident guide and really understood the value the airport brought to Melbourne and our economy. He also orchestrated social media moments throughout the day, including a once-in-a-lifetime group photo opportunity on the runway as well as a really fun mannequin challenge.

I also had the opportunity to chat with him about his new position.

“My job has brought many opportunities, the biggest one being able to work for 2015 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient, MLB Executive Director Greg Donovan, A.A.E. I find myself fortunate to learn from the best in the industry, showing me the type of aviation professional I aspire to be.”

Himler graduated from Florida Tech with a B.S. in aviation management in 2014 and then went on to complete his M.S.A in airport development and management in 2015.

“Ever since I can remember I have been an aviation geek,” Himler said. “The moment that took it to new heights was when my uncle, who is paralyzed from the waist down, took me to a fly-in breakfast in his Cessna 172. It was my first flight in the cockpit and I was in charge of the brakes. Needless to say, I was hooked on the adrenaline, view and pancakes.”

To say that he loves his job is an understatement. If you bump into him at the Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB), expect to be approached with a beaming smile and contagious enthusiasm for our hometown airport.

“As Airport Communications Coordinator at Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB), I am always looking back on my experiences at Florida Tech. The hands-on industry projects and countless leadership experiences have helped prepare me to create comprehensive marketing campaigns, introduce innovation communications systems and overcome daily industry challenges.”

I am continually impressed by this guy. His passion for his job and ability to see and take advantage of new opportunities inspires me. If you want to check out what he’s up to, follow MLB on Instagram @flymlb and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FlyOrlandoMelbourne/.

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