Mississippi State University Executive and Leadership Team

Mitch Moser, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Ad, Business Strategy at Mississippi State University, oversees the financial planning and strategic resource management for the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension Center. Moser directs the budgeting process for professional development training and consulting services to ensure long-term sustainability. By analyzing the financial performance of Lean Manufacturing workshops and maintenance reliability programs, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Ad, Business Strategy optimizes cost structures for maximum impact. This role involves developing business models that support the delivery of advanced engineering tools to manufacturers. Mitch Moser collaborates with other leaders to align financial investments with the university's mission of fostering industrial growth. Through meticulous fiscal oversight, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Ad, Business Strategy ensures that all operational finance initiatives remain robust. Ultimately, Moser secures the financial health required to sustain high-quality technical support for the manufacturing sector.

Mark Keenum, the President at Mississippi State University, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution, including the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension Center. Keenum champions the university's commitment to providing technical expertise and operational optimization for manufacturers. By setting institutional priorities, the President ensures that resources are directed toward high-impact areas like Industry 4.0 training and Lean Manufacturing. This role involves engaging with industry leaders and government officials to promote the university's role in regional economic development. Mark Keenum oversees the alignment of academic research with practical industrial needs, ensuring that consulting support remains relevant and effective. Through strong leadership, the President fosters a culture of innovation and excellence across all departments. Ultimately, Keenum drives the university's mission to help companies grow and prosper, solidifying the institution's status as a leader in manufacturing support.

Roy Ruby, the Interm President at Mississippi State University, maintains operational continuity and upholds the strategic mission of the university during this leadership transition. Ruby oversees the ongoing activities of the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension Center, ensuring that technical services and professional development training continue without interruption. By managing institutional stability, the Interm President supports the delivery of engineering tools and on-site project support to manufacturers. This role involves coordinating with the leadership team to sustain momentum in Industry 4.0 and Six Sigma initiatives. Roy Ruby ensures that the university's commitment to the manufacturing industry remains a top priority throughout the transition period. Through steady guidance, the Interm President preserves the quality of consulting support and educational programs. Ultimately, Ruby secures the foundation for continued growth and prosperity for the university and the industrial partners served by the institution.

Jane Donaldson, the President, Central Branch (South) at Mississippi State University, directs the regional operations and service delivery for the southern manufacturing sector. Donaldson oversees the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and maintenance best practices within the local industrial base. By managing the regional branch, the President, Central Branch (South) ensures that manufacturers receive tailored engineering tools and on-site project support. This role involves building strong connections with local businesses to identify specific needs for professional development training and operational finance consulting. Jane Donaldson coordinates with the main campus to bring advanced Industry 4.0 workshops to the southern region. Through localized leadership, the President, Central Branch (South) drives product and process improvement initiatives that directly benefit the regional economy. Ultimately, Donaldson ensures that the university's technical expertise is accessible and impactful for manufacturers operating within the southern territory.

Dalton Niederhaus, the Interfraternity Council President at Mississippi State University, leads the student leadership organization that fosters community engagement and professional development. Niederhaus coordinates initiatives that align student activities with the university's broader mission of service and excellence. By managing the council, the Interfraternity Council President facilitates opportunities for students to participate in professional development training and community outreach programs. This role involves organizing events that promote leadership, responsibility, and collaboration among the student body. Dalton Niederhaus works with university administration to ensure that student initiatives support the overall institutional goals of growth and prosperity. Through active leadership, the Interfraternity Council President enhances the student experience and prepares participants for future roles in the professional world. Ultimately, Niederhaus contributes to the vibrant campus culture that supports the university's commitment to academic and industrial success.

Steve Parrott, the Chief Information Officer at Mississippi State University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting advanced engineering research and manufacturing outreach. Parrott oversees the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, ensuring that data systems remain robust for the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension Center. By managing complex network architectures, the Chief Information Officer facilitates seamless communication between academic researchers and industrial partners. This role involves implementing secure, scalable platforms that support professional development training and Six Sigma certification programs. Through the deployment of cutting-edge software, Parrott optimizes operational efficiency across the university's technical service units. The Chief Information Officer maintains alignment with broader institutional goals by providing reliable technological foundations for all consulting support activities. Ultimately, Parrott secures the digital integrity required for high-level product and process improvement initiatives throughout the manufacturing sector.

Thomas Broadus, the Chief Marketing Officer at Mississippi State University, architects the outreach strategy for the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension Center. Broadus drives awareness of Lean Manufacturing workshops and maintenance best practices among regional industrial manufacturers. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer identifies opportunities to expand the reach of professional development training and consulting services. This leadership role involves crafting messaging that highlights the value of engineering tools and operational finance expertise provided by the university. Broadus coordinates with internal departments to ensure consistent branding across all educational and consulting platforms. Through targeted communication campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer increases engagement with the manufacturing community, directly supporting the growth of local businesses. Ultimately, Broadus strengthens the market position of the university by effectively articulating the impact of technical services on product and process improvement.

Nicolas Harris, the Chief of Staff at Mississippi State University, manages internal operations and coordinates strategic initiatives for the university leadership. Harris facilitates communication between the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension Center and broader institutional stakeholders to ensure operational alignment. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff enables the efficient delivery of engineering tools and on-site project support. This role involves overseeing cross-functional projects that integrate Lean Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 training into the university's service portfolio. Nicolas Harris monitors the execution of key performance indicators to maintain high standards in consulting support and professional development. Through rigorous project management, the Chief of Staff optimizes resource allocation across various manufacturing outreach programs. Ultimately, Harris drives organizational effectiveness, ensuring that all technical services contribute to the prosperity of the manufacturing industry in Mississippi.

Lee Weiskopf, the Chief of Staff & Director, Government Relations at Mississippi State University, manages external policy engagement and internal strategic coordination. Weiskopf aligns the objectives of the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension Center with state and federal manufacturing priorities. By fostering relationships with policymakers, the Chief of Staff & Director, Government Relations secures support for initiatives focused on product and process improvement. This role involves navigating the regulatory landscape to facilitate the expansion of Industry 4.0 training and Six Sigma certification programs. Lee Weiskopf ensures that the university's technical expertise remains a central component of regional economic development strategies. Through proactive advocacy, the Chief of Staff & Director, Government Relations creates opportunities for increased funding and collaboration with industrial partners. Ultimately, Weiskopf strengthens the university's influence, ensuring that manufacturing services remain vital to the state's industrial growth.

Timothy Griffin, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Director, Special Projects at Mississippi State University, leads the implementation of specialized technical initiatives within the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension Center. Griffin manages the deployment of advanced engineering software and data analytics tools used in product and process improvement projects. By overseeing unique, high-impact projects, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Director, Special Projects ensures that manufacturers receive cutting-edge support for Industry 4.0 transitions. This role involves integrating complex technical solutions into existing training frameworks, such as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing workshops. Timothy Griffin coordinates with internal teams to troubleshoot technical challenges and enhance the delivery of consulting services. Through the execution of these special projects, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Director, Special Projects drives innovation across the university's service offerings. Ultimately, Griffin ensures that technical capabilities remain at the forefront of industrial advancement.