Staff

Davis Pace

President and CEO

Davis Pace serves as President and CEO of Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET), a state-chartered non-profit organization located at NASA’s Stennis Space Center. At MSET, Davis works to grow SSC, the Gulf Coast, and Mississippi. Davis is a nationally recognized leader in the development of the state’s aerospace and defense community through MSET’s relationships with NASA, the Navy, the Mississippi Development Authority, and Mississippi’s R-1 universities. Since taking over at MSET in 2021, Davis has overseen the development and growth of the state’s first aerospace and defense industry trade association, the Aerospace and Defense Alliance of Mississippi, or ADAM, and an annual Symposium focusing on aerospace and defense technology and manufacturing in the state.

Prior to MSET, Davis spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C., on and off Capitol Hill, with a focus on technology, telecommunications, and cybersecurity issues. While on Capitol Hill, he served as senior staff for the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) under Ranking Member Michael McCaul (TX), where he managed the emerging technologies, telecommunications, space, and cyber portfolio. In this role, he successfully led the effort to incentivize leading-edge technology development and manufacturing in the United States and led the charge to reorganize the U.S. State Department’s standards setting, cyber security, and emerging technology initiatives.

Previously, he served as Legislative Director to former-Rep. John Ratcliffe (TX) preceding his cabinet-level appointment as Director of National Intelligence. In this role, Davis spearheaded critical reforms in cyber defense at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and information systems. Davis also served as Legislative Director to Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX), and Counsel to then-Republican Study Committee Chairman Mark Walker (NC).

In 2024, Davis was appointed to serve as the inaugural Chairman of the Aerospace and Defense Alliance of Mississippi’s Board of Directors and is a member of the prestigious American Enterprise Institute’s Leadership Network. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi and a juris doctorate from the Mississippi College School of Law. He lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with his family where he is a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, in Gulfport.

Kristina Dalon

Facilities and Operations Manager

Kristina serves as our Facilities and Operations Manager. She is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University where she majored in Information Technology. Kristina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience providing customer service. Before joining MSET, she maintained an active client base and quickly became highly recommended and respected for her work ethic and service.

In her spare time, Kristina enjoys spending time with her husband and two baby girls, Italian mastiff, and two cats. She also enjoys spending time with her family and competing in family game night competitions.

Ashley Trice

Receptionist

Ashley serves as a Receptionist at Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET), where she provides front-office and administrative support to the MSET team, tenants, and visitors at NASA’s Stennis Space Center. She assists with day-to-day office operations, event registrations, communications, and other administrative tasks that help keep the MSET office running smoothly.

Before joining MSET, Ashley served six years in the United States Navy as a Cryptologic Technician Interpretive (CTI), specializing in Arabic. Her military experience provided her with a strong background in communication, organization, and working in fast-paced environments. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Space Studies with a concentration in Astronomy and has a strong interest in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and space exploration.

In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her miniature dachshund, Cookie, cooking, gaming, working on puzzles, and spending time with family. She also enjoys learning about science and finding ways to combine her love of learning with her interest in space.