U.S. National Science Foundation Florida Semiconductor Engine Appoints Dr. Ron Piccolo of UCF As Interim CEO
Posted on: September 29, 2025
Kissimmee, Fla., September 26, 2025 – Dr. Ronald F. Piccolo of the University of Central Florida (UCF) has been appointed Interim CEO of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Florida Semiconductor Engine (the Engine). He will lead efforts to position Florida as a national leader in the advanced semiconductor packaging industry.
Dr. Piccolo also serves as Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives in UCF’s College of Business. With a distinguished career in leadership, strategic planning, and organizational behavior, Dr. Piccolo has held senior academic and administrative roles at both UCF and Rollins College. He is recognized as one of the most highly cited leadership scholars since 1990 and brings deep expertise in innovation strategy and cross-sector collaboration to advance the Engine’s mission.
“Our objectives are clear: technology innovation, job creation, and economic development. The Florida Semiconductor Engine exists to foster regional collaboration — coordinating, convening and leveraging the assets across our state to drive innovation and, ultimately, sustain long-term economic growth.” – Dr. Ronald F. Piccolo, Interim CEO, Florida Semiconductor Engine
In this role, Dr. Piccolo will join university leaders from other engines, fostering a collaborative partnership between academia and the semiconductor industry. The Florida Semiconductor Engine extends its appreciation to the University of Central Florida for its outstanding partnership and leadership. UCF acted quickly to support the Engine during this leadership transition, offering one of its own senior leaders to step into the role of Interim CEO. This collaboration underscores the university’s commitment to developing a robust semiconductor ecosystem in Florida and enhancing the state’s position in the globally competitive industry.
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Florida Semiconductor Engine aims to transform the U.S. semiconductor industry through advanced and specialty packaging by fostering collaborative research and translational innovations, developing a world-class technical workforce, and driving regional economic prosperity. To learn more about the Engine, please visit www.semiconductorengine.org.
