Meet Davis Pace
Davis Pace is a government relations attorney helping aerospace, defense, advanced technology, and economic development organizations navigate Congress, federal agencies, and state policy. As Special Counsel in Jones Walker’s Government Relations Practice Group in Washington, D.C., he advises clients on legislative strategy, regulatory policy, public-private partnerships, and government funding opportunities.
Before joining the firm, Pace served as President & CEO of the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology at NASA Stennis Space Center, supporting more than $700 million in aerospace and defense investment. Earlier, he spent over five years on Capitol Hill, including as professional staff on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Legislative Director for Congressman John Ratcliffe. He works at the intersection of industry, government, academia, and the military—helping clients turn regional strengths into federal priorities.
What are some of your favorite memories at UM?
Some of my favorite memories at Ole Miss revolve around the relationships I built—both in the classroom and beyond. Academically, I was fortunate to have professors who challenged my thinking, sharpened my communication skills, and prepared me for a career in government, law, and economic development. Outside the classroom, I found community through student organizations, campus events, and weekends in the Grove, where friendships were formed that have lasted well beyond my time in Oxford. The culture of Ole Miss fosters a strong sense of belonging, and that’s something I still carry with me today.
Some of my favorite memories at Ole Miss revolve around the relationships I built—both in the classroom and beyond. Academically, I was fortunate to have professors who challenged my thinking, sharpened my communication skills, and prepared me for a career in government, law, and economic development. Outside the classroom, I found community through student organizations, campus events, and weekends in the Grove, where friendships were formed that have lasted well beyond my time in Oxford. The culture of Ole Miss fosters a strong sense of belonging, and that’s something I still carry with me today.
What has been your career/educational path since graduation?
After graduating, I pursued a law degree, which opened doors to work in government and public policy. My career has taken me from Capitol Hill, where I worked on federal policy and ran a congressional campaign, to leading a state-chartered public-private partnership focused on growing Mississippi’s aerospace, defense, and technology industries. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to build coalitions, advocate for economic development, and play a role in shaping Mississippi’s business landscape—all experiences that were shaped by the foundation I built at Ole Miss.
After graduating, I pursued a law degree, which opened doors to work in government and public policy. My career has taken me from Capitol Hill, where I worked on federal policy and ran a congressional campaign, to leading a state-chartered public-private partnership focused on growing Mississippi’s aerospace, defense, and technology industries. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to build coalitions, advocate for economic development, and play a role in shaping Mississippi’s business landscape—all experiences that were shaped by the foundation I built at Ole Miss.
What do you think is the value of your liberal arts degree for your career and life?
A liberal arts education teaches you how to think critically, communicate effectively, and adapt to new challenges—all skills that are invaluable in any career. My degree gave me the ability to analyze complex issues, craft persuasive arguments, and engage with people from all backgrounds. In government, law, and economic development, success often comes down to how well you can connect ideas, navigate different perspectives, and build consensus. Ole Miss prepared me for that in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time but have come to recognize throughout my career.
A liberal arts education teaches you how to think critically, communicate effectively, and adapt to new challenges—all skills that are invaluable in any career. My degree gave me the ability to analyze complex issues, craft persuasive arguments, and engage with people from all backgrounds. In government, law, and economic development, success often comes down to how well you can connect ideas, navigate different perspectives, and build consensus. Ole Miss prepared me for that in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time but have come to recognize throughout my career.
How did you find the path to your major as an undergraduate?
I was drawn to a major that would allow me to develop strong writing, reasoning, and advocacy skills—something that would prepare me for law school and, ultimately, a career in government and policy. Ole Miss provided the right environment to explore those interests while giving me the flexibility to take courses that broadened my perspective.
I was drawn to a major that would allow me to develop strong writing, reasoning, and advocacy skills—something that would prepare me for law school and, ultimately, a career in government and policy. Ole Miss provided the right environment to explore those interests while giving me the flexibility to take courses that broadened my perspective.
Why study at 番茄社区?
Beyond the academic reputation, Ole Miss offers a truly unique experience. The combination of world-class faculty, a supportive community, and a network of alumni who are deeply invested in the success of students creates opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re interested in law, business, government, or any other field, the skills and relationships you build here will open doors for years to come.
Beyond the academic reputation, Ole Miss offers a truly unique experience. The combination of world-class faculty, a supportive community, and a network of alumni who are deeply invested in the success of students creates opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re interested in law, business, government, or any other field, the skills and relationships you build here will open doors for years to come.