Therrin Protze, chief operating officer for Delaware North at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, was honored with the National Space Club Florida Committee’s Space Heroes and Legends award on April 19 at the organization’s annual awards dinner.
This prestigious award recognizes significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts by an individual. Nominees must meet several criteria to be considered for the award, including items such as making significant contributions to the space industry through either technical achievement, education or the management of aerospace related activities, and being actively engaged in community service as an advocate and supporter of space.
Protze received the award in recognition of his achievements and leadership for Delaware North and the visitor complex. In the award ceremony program, National Space Club Florida Committee Vice Chairperson Tina Leighty shared the following:
Therrin’s influence can be felt throughout the park and will continue to inspire visitors to the Space Coast for years to come. He is an advocate for this community and walks the walk when it comes to integrity and promoting positive outcomes for everyone around him. He is an inspiration and a champion for his workforce, his community, his company and his family.
Since joining Delaware North in 2006, Protze has also held leadership roles in the company’s Gaming and Parks and Resorts divisions.
“I’m so proud and grateful to see Therrin Protze recognized in this way. The respect Therrin has for NASA, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the space program and the local community is at the center of what he does every day,” said Scott Socha, group
president of Parks & Resorts, Australia and Travel. “He represents the best of Delaware North and we’re grateful for his leadership.”
Protze is the third Delaware North team member to be honored with this award, joining Rick Abramson, former chief operating officer of Delaware North and the visitor complex, and Darlene Koenig, who served as vice president of business development and partnerships at the visitor complex. The awards dinner was held at the visitor complex, and attended by Protze’s family, Delaware North colleagues and National Space Club Florida Committee members and supporters.