The Executive Director is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. He operates under the general guidance of the Board and is responsible for conducting the business activities of MIST. The position is currently held by Dr. Wayne Woodhams.

Dr. Woodhams has 39 years of experience in the aerospace industry, centered on the development and management of aerospace engineering systems, projects and programs. Responsibilities have steadily increased, beginning with design of electronic systems, advancing through engineering project and program management, extending to corporate-level management, and culminating in the formulation and execution of global strategic plans for multifaceted public, private and academic entities.

Prior to joining MIST, Dr. Woodhams served as Deputy Executive Director of the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority, where he was responsible for program development and management, finance and contract management, business development, operations, political liaison and Government relations.

Dr. Woodhams holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering, a Master of Business Administration and a Ph.D. in Engineering Management. He holds concurrent appointments as ODU Visiting Assistant Professor of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Space Flight Academy, Inc.