Mississippi Enterprise for Technology Expands Leadership with New Board Members
Stennis Space Center, MS — The Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET) has announced the appointment of four dynamic leaders to its Board of Directors: Michael Grasso, Co-Founder and CEO of The Lumber Manufactory, Inc.; Christa Alexander, President and CEO of Arriva, a Fail Family Company; Jimmy Stringer, Director of Government Affairs for Camgian; and Will Todd, President and Founder of Icebreaker Strategies, LLC. This expansion reflects MSET’s ongoing commitment to driving innovation and fostering economic development in Mississippi’s aerospace, defense, and technology sectors.
“We are excited to welcome these accomplished leaders to our Board of Directors, representing diverse industries and regions,” said Davis Pace, President and CEO of MSET. “Diversifying the geographic footprint of our leadership was an important priority, as it allows us to better represent and serve communities across Mississippi. Their leadership will not only help MSET strengthen connections across the state but also enhance our efforts to foster innovation, attract investment, and create high-wage jobs statewide.”
About the New Board Members
Michael Grasso – Co-Founder and CEO, The Lumber Manufactory, Inc.
Michael Grasso is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Lumber Manufactory, Inc., a company focused on timberland management and lumber production. He has a background in management and executive roles across various technologies and sectors. Most notably the aerospace, defense, and space industries. A Philadelphia, PA-native, Michael holds a degree from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service.
Christa Alexander – President and CEO, Arriva, a Fail Family Company
Christa Alexander brings extensive experience in rural telecommunications and policy advocacy to the MSET board. A fourth-generation leader in her family’s century-old business, Christa has dedicated her career to ensuring small-town communities thrive through robust broadband access. She has held numerous leadership roles in industry organizations, including serving as past president of the Broadband Association of Alabama and Mississippi, and as a director on the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services Board. In 2020, she was recognized as NTCA’s Grassroots Advocate of the Year for her efforts in shaping rural connectivity policy. She holds a bachelor’s degree and J.D. from the University of Mississippi.
Jimmy Stringer – Director of Government Affairs, Camgian
Jimmy Stringer is the Director of Government Affairs for Camgian, headquartered in Starkville, MS. Prior to joining Camgian, he spent more than a decade in Washington, DC, supporting the Mississippi delegation on both sides of the Capitol. Jimmy is a Jackson, MS-area native and holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University. He lives in Starkville with his family.
Will Todd – President and Founder, Icebreaker Strategies, LLC
Will Todd is the President and Founder of Icebreaker Strategies, LLC, a government relations and business development firm based in Washington, DC. Prior to founding Icebreaker, he served as Principal at Cornerstone Government Relations, and spent 13 years on Capitol Hill, serving late-Senator Thad Cochran and the Senate Appropriations’ Defense Subcommittee. Will’s expertise in federal business development and policy will strengthen MSET’s efforts to connect Mississippi companies with national opportunities. A north Mississippi-native, Will holds degrees from the University of Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Georgetown University. He lives in Alexandria, VA, with his wife and two children.
These new board members will support MSET’s strategic initiatives to strengthen partnerships across industry, academia, and government to position Mississippi as a leader in aerospace, defense, and technology innovation.
About MSET:
Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET) is a state-chartered Public-Private Partnership, established to leverage federal assets, including NASA’s Stennis Space Center and the state’s research universities, to recruit, retain, and grow high-wage jobs in Mississippi. As a catalyst for economic development, MSET focuses on strengthening the aerospace, defense, and technology sectors through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and advocacy. By connecting businesses with the resources and expertise needed for success, MSET fosters an environment of growth, collaboration, and opportunity, positioning Mississippi as a leader in the nation’s space and technology industries.