Salonen Reappointed to CareerSource Board

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has reappointed Robert Salonen, Florida Tech’s director of government affairs and strategic partnerships, to the statewide CareerSource Florida Board of Directors, the governor’s office announced.

Salonen was first appointed to the board in 2021.

At Florida Tech since 2014, Salonen has consulted with elected officials, government agencies, and industry to facilitate plans and partnerships with the university’s principal offices and worked to connect Florida Tech’s talent development capabilities to government and industry interests.

Before coming to Florida Tech, Salonen was director of business development for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast and co-founder of a successful, Melbourne-based medical business. He currently serves as vice-chair of the board for Circles of Care, Inc. and is a member of the Civilian Military Community Relations Council and the executive committee for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.

Salonen earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and his master’s degree in public administration from Florida Tech. He earned his Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credentials through the International Economic Development Council and is a plankowner of the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Weapons System Ashore.

In addition to Salonen, Gov. DeSantis also announced the appointments of Ryan Goertzen and Darcy “D.C.” Reeves and the reappointment of Joe Marino, Melvin “Mel” Ponder, Laurie Sallarulo, and Rep. Dana Trabulsy.

CareerSource Florida is the statewide workforce policy and investment board. Partners include the Florida Department of Commerce, 24 local workforce development boards and 100 career centers throughout Florida. The workforce network helps connect businesses with the talented workforce and training needed to succeed and grow in Florida.