Statewide awards honor excellence in marketing, events, business, and community leadership
Mississippi’s top sales and marketing talent took center stage April 14 as 40 finalists were recognized at the 2026 Mississippi Pinnacle Awards. Hosted by Sales & Marketing Professionals of Hattiesburg (SMP), the gala brought together professionals from across the state. The event was held at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center and drew a sold-out crowd of more than 300 attendees.
2026 Mississippi Pinnacle Award Winners
Overall Mississippi Pinnacle Award
Biloxi, MS — Biloxi Shuckers
Bud Kirkpatrick Professional Award
Hattiesburg, MS — Martha Allen (Extra Table)
Bernice Linton Outstanding Event Award (Tie)
Starkville, MS — Starkville Derby (Not pictured)
Greenville, MS — Delta Hot Tamale Festival
Jan Lacy Small Town Event Award
Laurel, MS — Dr. Katrina Cox and Cast (The Color Purple, Laurel Little Theatre)
Charlie Holt Business Award
Ridgeland, MS — Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter
Humanitarian Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jackson, MS — James Meredith
Oseola McCarty Community Impact Award
Taylorsville, MS — Southern Pine Electric
Rising Star Student Achievement Award
Mississippi Gulf Coast — Demi Johnson
Evelyn Gandy Women’s Leadership Award
Covington County, MS — Marie Shoemake
Vernon Dahmer Community Engagement Award
Shannon, MS — Teresa Roberts
“The Mississippi Pinnacle Awards continue to showcase the remarkable talent, innovation, and community impact happening across our state,” said Event Chair Michael Marks.
The Mississippi Pinnacle Awards serve as the primary fundraiser for the Rising Star Student Excellence Fund, supporting high school and college students pursuing sales, marketing, and related fields.
Application for Rising Star: https://forms.wix.com/f/7382093718859285233
Donate to the Rising Star Fund: https://www.salesandmarketingprofessionals.org/donate
For more information, visit www.salesandmarketingprofessionals.org
