The Mississippi Technology Alliance launched the Innovators Hall of Fame in 2008 to celebrate the achievements of some of our state’s brightest minds. The individuals and companies recognized here represent excellence in innovation and technology in Mississippi.

In its second year, the Innovators Hall of Fame Awards Gala recognized Jim Barksdale as the recipient of the Mississippi Innovators Legends Award. An entrepreneur, philanthropist and technology innovator, Jim Barksdale played a significant role in revolutionizing three industries:
air express, cellular phone and Internet communications.

The 2009 inductees are trailblazers who have demonstrated excellence in innovation and technology and represent the very best of Mississippi. .

Our inductees include:

Fred Carl, Founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking Range Corporation;

Fred Haise, NASA Astronaut and Aerospace Executive, and;

Dr. James Hardy, University of Mississippi Medical Center physician and pioneer in organ transplant surgery.

You can learn more about these exceptional individuals on the pages of this website. We hope you will be inspired by their stories.