EDC Breakfast: Aerospace & Aviation, in partnership with Evolve Learning from Leaders Series

Description

Join us for an exciting discussion on Florida's next economic frontier. At this Economic Development Council Breakfast, hear from regional aerospace and aviation industry leaders to explore how Northeast Florida can strengthen partnerships, attract new investment and prepare the next generation for careers in one of the world's most dynamic industries.

Featured speakers:

Matt Chesnut | Vice President of Business Development | Space Florida

Matt Chesnut serves as Vice President of Business Development for Space Florida, where he leads efforts to attract, retain, and expand aerospace, aviation, and space-related investments throughout the state. Since joining Space Florida in 2018, he has worked closely with domestic and international companies, economic development organizations, airports, seaports, and local governments to leverage Space Florida's financing, infrastructure, and development capabilities to support strategic business growth and investment in Florida.

Prior to joining Space Florida, Matt served as Vice President of Business Intelligence and Operations for Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, and as Director of Economic Development for the City of Titusville. Earlier in his career, Matt served as City Manager for Maryville, Mo., overseeing municipal operations and community development programs.

Matt holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Nebraska–Omaha and a Bachelor of Science degree in Government from Northwest Missouri State University. He is a Certified Economic Developer  through the International Economic Development Council and has spent more than two decades advancing economic development, business expansion, and strategic investment initiatives.

Kim Kendall | State Representative | District 18 

Kim Kendall is the current State of Florida House Representative for District 18.  Her career includes working as a FAA air traffic controller and owning two dry cleaners. She has been happily married to Kelly for 30 years and has two adult children that attended St. Johns County schools. Before moving to St. Johns County in 2001, Kim grew up with three generations of family members in Northeast Florida. Kim has been a strong advocate for the military. As a military dependent, she grew up on Naval bases from Guantánamo Bay, Cuba to Subic Bay, Philippines. It was that upbringing that has motivated her to hold positions like the Vice President of Public Relations for the St. Augustine-Palm Coast Navy League. As a proud Seminole, Kim graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations.

Caitlin Lewis | Manager for State and Local Government Relations and Legislative Affairs | Northrop Grumman

Caitlin Lewis is the Manager for State and Local Government Relations and Legislative Affairs for Northrop Grumman for Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Missouri. She is the primary governmental affairs contact, managing company interactions with state and local government agencies, executive branches, and elected officials in this region.

Caitlin joined Northrop Grumman in July 2025, bringing with her years of state legislative affairs and public policy experience. Prior to joining the company, Caitlin was a land use and development attorney for a small law firm in Brevard County while serving as the executive director for a regional pro-business political action committee. Caitlin held previous roles as a senior manager of government affairs for the Canaveral Port Authority, legislative aide in the Florida Senate, and manager of state affairs for the American Society of Interior Designers. She also served as an assistant state attorney working for the State Attorney’s Office in the 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida.

Caitlin obtained her juris doctorate from Barry University in 2016. She completed her bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in political science from Florida State University in 2009. 

This Economic Development Council Breakfast is part of the Evolve Learning from Leaders Series, an informative speaker series created to spark conversations that strengthen business networks and elevate industry leaders across the region. 

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Sustaining Sponsor one (1) Quarterly Breakfast: $2,500 or for the Series at $8,500.

• Three (3) reserved VIP seats per event
• Welcome remarks from the stage during event
• Recognition from podium during event
• The company logo prominently featured on event promotions- website, event signage, program, and visual display
• Recognition on social media

Capital Sponsor one (1) Quarterly Breakfast:  $2,000 or $5,500 for series.

• Two (2) reserved VIP seats per event
• Opportunity to place promotional materials at registration table.
• The company logo prominently featured on event promotions-- website, event signage, program, and visual display
• Recognition on social media

Growth Series Sponsor one (1) Quarterly Breakfast: $1,500 or $3,500 for the Series.

• Two (2) reserved seats
• Recognition from podium during event
• The company logo prominently featured on event promotions-- website, event signage, program, and visual display
• Recognition on social med

Economic Development Council programs help business and community leaders elevate their network and expand opportunities. The programs feature discussions from industry experts and political leaders on issues that impact the St. Johns County business environment, providing access to expertise for a variety of industries and needs.