Alex Kelly Joins Florida Defense Support Commission
Gov. Ron DeSantis named the new Pensacola State College president to the state's military-base advocacy panel.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in People
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Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Alex Kelly, who became President of Pensacola State College on October 19, is joining the Florida Defense Support Commission. Kelly previously ran FloridaCommerce from 2023 until this fall.
Why it matters
The Commission works to protect 20 Florida military installations and directs grant funding to communities near those bases, making its membership relevant to defense-dependent regions across the state. Kelly's appointment links state economic development leadership with military base support.
The Commission has 13 voting members, and it protects 20 Florida military installations. Its grant program awarded $82,000 for backup natural gas at NAS Pensacola and $275,000 for a land purchase near NAS Whiting Field.
The players
Ron DeSantis
Ron DeSantis is the Governor of Florida, who makes appointments to the Florida Defense Support Commission.
Alex Kelly
Alex Kelly is a Florida education and economic development leader who previously headed FloridaCommerce.
Tom Wright
Tom Wright is a Florida state senator who chairs the Florida Defense Support Commission.
Florida Defense Support Commission
The Florida Defense Support Commission is a direct-support organization of FloridaCommerce that advocates for the state's military installations.
The details
Kelly was hired as Pensacola State College president by unanimous trustee vote in September, succeeding Ed Meadows, who is retiring at the end of the year. The Commission is a direct-support organization of FloridaCommerce, and Commerce Secretary or a designee serves as its nonvoting Executive Director; Sen. Tom Wright chairs the panel.
Timeline
September 2026: Pensacola State College trustees unanimously hired Kelly as president.
October 19, 2026: Kelly began as President of Pensacola State College.
December 1, 2026: The Commission's Chair rotates between Senate and House appointees.
People
The appointment places Alex Kelly, who previously led FloridaCommerce, on the Florida Defense Support Commission, a direct-support organization of that same agency. The Commission has 13 voting members and oversees support for 20 Florida military bases.
Communities near Florida military installations may see continued grant funding for infrastructure and land projects directed through the Commission. Pensacola State College students and staff will work under new leadership following Kelly's start on October 19.
The takeaway
Leadership appointments that cross state agencies and education institutions can shape how military-base support and workforce planning are coordinated. Readers following Florida policy may watch how Kelly's dual roles develop.
What happens next
The Commission's Chair rotation between Senate and House appointees is scheduled for December 1.
Further reading
For more on Florida leadership changes, see Florida People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
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