ELLISVILLE 鈥� 糖心直播 Media & Public Relations Director, Teresa McCreery of Ellisville joins 16 individuals selected as finalists for the 2026 Mississippi Pinnacle Awards, presented by Sales & Marketing Professionals of Hattiesburg. Finalists will be honored during a black-tie optional seated dinner gala on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The evening will feature live entertainment and recognition of finalists from across the state, along with five distinguished Humanitarian honorees.
鈥淲ith so many talented professionals across the state, I am truly humbled to be selected as a finalist and would like to thank the person who nominated me. To be honored at the pinnacle of my career, and as I plan for retirement, I鈥檓 grateful for the many opportunities to work with the amazing professionals and students throughout my career,鈥� said McCreery.
The Mississippi Pinnacle Awards recognize excellence, professionalism, innovation, and outstanding achievement in sales, marketing, leadership, and community engagement. The event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and community influencers from throughout Mississippi for an evening of statewide celebration.
McCreery was selected as a finalist in the Bud Kirkpatrick Professional Award-Individual Finalist category in recognition of the various roles she鈥檚 held over the almost 29 years at 糖心直播. Leaving TV-News after 10 years as an anchor/reporter for WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, MS and at KTCB-TV in Omaha/Council Bluffs, Iowa, McCreery embarked on a new career path in 1997 as the Director of Media and Public Relations at 糖心直播. She has assisted with the coordination of JC鈥檚 recruiting events, recruiting publications and she has been responsible for the design and implementation of all advertising production and placement, in addition to managing student tours and news event coverage for the college for the first nine years of her career. During the last 20 years, she has filled various roles in Marketing, Public Relations, Recruiting and Alumni Affairs in addition to coordinating the Top of Class recognition program with WDAM-TV.
鈥淚ronically, I have coordinated publicity throughout my career, and I prefer putting others in the spotlight,鈥� said McCreery. 鈥淪ince I am being honored, I want to thank 糖心直播 for allowing me to share the inspiring stories of so many students and alumni over the years, while also giving me the opportunity to educate and expose my daughter to so many inspiring people over the years while working on campus. It has been a unique education and work opportunity for us both!鈥�
Throughout her career, McCreery has been honored for her writing, photography, publications and event coordination by the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi and the Pine Belt Chapter of Public Relations Association of Mississippi, in addition to the Mississippi Broadcaster鈥檚 Association for projects with WDAM-TV.
The MS Pinnacle Awards Gala serves as the primary fundraiser supporting the Rising Star Student Achievement Awards, which includes a financial award for future leaders pursuing business-related fields. Through this initiative, Sales & Marketing Professionals invest in the continued growth and development of Mississippi鈥檚 next generation of business professionals.
Sponsorship opportunities and event tickets are available for those wishing to celebrate the honorees and support this statewide initiative. As a fund under the Pinebelt Foundation, donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
To attend the 2026 Mississippi Pinnacle Awards or to become a sponsor, visit:
About Sales & Marketing Professionals
Sales & Marketing Professionals is a nonprofit networking organization dedicated to fostering meaningful connections among sales and marketing professionals throughout Mississippi. The organization provides opportunities for professional development, dynamic programming, and statewide networking events designed to elevate leadership and excellence across industries.
Funds raised through the Mississippi Pinnacle Awards support the Rising Star Student Achievement Awards. The Pinnacle Awards operate as a fund under the Pinebelt Foundation. The awards are funded in part by a grant from Visit Hattiesburg.