Pablo Diaz, Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership; Patrick Sullivan (Chair), Mississippi Energy Institute; John McKay, Mississippi Manufacturers Association; Justin Hall, Marshall County Industrial Development Authority; Dr. Robin Parker, Central Mississippi Planning and Development District; Cody Spence – East Central Community College; Mac McIlwain, Raytheon Technologies; Scott Waller, Mississippi Economic Council; Dr. Courtney Taylor, AcclerateMS
Recently, AccelerateMS recognized four individuals and groups for their outstanding contributions to Mississippi’s workforce efforts.
Awardees were Cody Spence, Director of Career and Technical Education at East Central Community College; South Central MS Works; Justin Hall, Executive Director of the Marshall County Industrial Development Authority; and Frankie Adair, Site Executive for the Forest Consolidated Manufacturing Center (CMC) within Raytheon, a business of RTX.
The awards were presented at the 2025 MS Horizons Workforce Strategy Symposium, which drew nearly 500 individuals from across the state. Representatives from state government, K-12 and higher education, business and industry, and elected officials participated in panel discussions, keynote sessions, and educational forums on topics related to aligning Mississippi’s policies and practices to strengthen the state’s current and future workforce.
“Strengthening Mississippi’s workforce for today and tomorrow is a vital priority,” said AccelerateMS Executive Director Dr. Courtney Taylor. “These awards highlight the innovation, dedication, and collaboration needed to unlock new opportunities, foster growth, and build a more resilient workforce across the state.”
This year’s trophies were a true Nissan Canton team effort. Jason Bradshaw (Stamping Tool & Die) created the CNC program for the wire EDM machine, which Ken Map used to precision-cut each trophy’s main body from a single aluminum block. David McWilliams (Paint Master Trainer) polished the distinctive center coins, while Rusty Thornton and Scott Basden (Workforce Development) used a CNC mill to cut precise pockets and engrave the coins. The result showcases Nissan Canton’s craftsmanship, precision, and collaboration.
The Instant Impact Award was given to Cody Spence, Director of Career and Technical Education at East Central Community College, helped secure approximately $2 million in funding through AccelerateMS, which has been crucial in elevating CTE programs across multiple disciplines. As a result, students and communities alike have benefited from significant enhancements in Automotive, Diesel Technology, HVAC, Collision and Repair, and Electrical Technology programs. These improvements have created expanded pathways to skilled employment and long-term career success, which are critical in rural Mississippi.
The Workforce Program of the Year, South Central MS Works, led by Dr. Robin Parker, is administered by the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District and connects Mississippians with great jobs and employers with top talent. Serving 17 counties, the program plays a vital role in strengthening the region’s workforce and driving economic growth.
Earlier this year, AccelerateMS awarded over $4 million for them to lead the Mississippi Reconnect Program. With the goal of training over 900 individuals, the program aims to strengthen the region’s workforce by providing short-term training aligned with industry needs, in collaboration with Build Mississippi, Hinds Community College, Holmes Community College, and employers to create pathways to sustainable employment.
The Workforce Champion of the Year was given to Justin Hall, Executive Director of the Marshall County Industrial Development Authority. Hall had a critical role in the historic private sector investment from the new joint venture between Accelera, Daimler Truck, and Paccar, since named Amplify Cell Technologies, in January 2024. This transformative project in Marshall County is a corporate investment of at least $1.9B and will create nearly 2,000 jobs, marking a bold step forward for the region’s economic future. Hall was a driving force from the earliest stages—coordinating local and state stakeholders, facilitating critical site negotiations, and ensuring the community’s infrastructure and workforce plans aligned with the project’s ambitious timeline.
Thanks to his relentless advocacy, collaborative spirit, and deep commitment to the community, the new factory is set to begin production in 2027, positioning Mississippi further as a national leader in advanced manufacturing.
The Kaizen Spirit Award was given to Frankie Adair, the Site Executive for the Forest Consolidated Manufacturing Center (CMC) within Raytheon, a business of RTX. She leads a site of 850+ employees and is responsible for a broad portfolio of electronic warfare and tactical radars, including programs such as Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band, Advanced Airborne Sensor, Silent Knight Radar, and APG-79/APG-82 Radars.
Adair, an electrical engineer and U.S. Air Force veteran, has over 18 years of operations and engineering experience with Raytheon. Adair, a staunch supporter of workforce development initiatives, partners regionally and statewide to ensure a ready workforce for Raytheon as well as other local companies. A true partner, Adair has been an advocate for workforce development, challenging internal and external norms, helping to create a culture of doing what it takes to provide high-value pathways to the next generation of workers.