Mike Forster

Mike Forster is an experienced business leader and technology advocate currently serving as the Board Chair at Briye, a position he has held since July 2019.1 Prior to becoming Board Chair, he briefly served as the CEO of Briye from January to July 2019.1

Professional Background

Forster has a diverse career spanning several decades and industries:

Technology and Innovation:

• He is actively involved in promoting technology in Mississippi through initiatives like the Mississippi Coding Academies, MS CodeWorks, and Innovate MS.1
• Forster has been a Member of the Board of Directors at Innovate Mississippi since May 2014 and served as Chairman of the Board from May 2016 to May 2019.1

Business Leadership:

• Currently, he is the President of ForMing AgRotors, Inc., a family business providing aerial herbicide application services.1
• Forster held executive positions at several technology companies, including:
  • Managing Director at Internet Capital Group (1998-2006)
  • CEO and Chairman of CommerceQuest (2004-2006)
  • Senior VP of Worldwide Field Operations at Sybase (1995-1998)
  • President and CEO of MicroDecisionware, Inc. (1993-1995)

Corporate Experience:

• He worked at IBM, rising to the position of Division Vice President (1986-1988).1
• Forster also served as President and GM of International Operations at Prime-Computervision (1988-1993), based in Munich, Germany.1

Community Involvement

Forster is actively engaged in local community development:

• He has been the President of the Louisville-Winston County Airport Authority since June 2012, overseeing significant infrastructure improvements and investments.1

Education

Mike Forster holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University, which he obtained between 1960 and 1964.1

Through his various roles and initiatives, Mike Forster has demonstrated a commitment to technological advancement, business leadership, and community development, particularly in Mississippi.