The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO), an Institute of the University of South Florida (USF), is pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Michael Kahle as Director.
Captain Kahle brings more than 25 years of distinguished leadership in national security, crisis management, and interagency collaboration. Most recently, he served as Sector Commander for the United States Coast Guard, Sector St. Petersburg, where he led over 2,600 personnel and oversaw all maritime law enforcement, port security, and regulatory operations along Florida’s Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay region.
Recognized for his operational agility and strategic foresight, Captain Kahle directed multi-agency responses to major hurricanes and pioneered the nation’s first federally approved cybersecurity annex to a regional Area Maritime Security Plan. His experience extends to building public-private partnerships through his service as a Secretary of Defense Executive Fellow, collaborating with senior executives across leading U.S. companies to integrate commercial innovation and business agility into national security and research initiatives.
Captain Kahle’s proven ability to lead cross-sector collaborations, navigate complex regulatory environments, and champion innovation aligns seamlessly with FIO’s mission to expand ocean access, advance workforce development, and promote interdisciplinary research. His expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and organizational transformation will play a vital role as FIO and USF continue to grow their research enterprise and impact.
The university also extends its gratitude to Dr. David Naar for his dedicated service as interim director.
Please join FIO and USF in welcoming Captain Kahle as director.
About the Florida Institute of Oceanography
The Florida Institute of Oceanography is an Institute of the University of South Florida and a Consortium that consists of 34 members across the state. Established by the Florida Board of Governors, FIO provides support and shares marine science resources between the state’s universities and private, nonprofit marine research entities. FIO operates the R/V Western Flyer, R/V Weatherbird II, R/V Hogarth and the Keys Marine Laboratory in Layton, Florida. Learn more at fio.usf.edu.