The Pine Belt News recognizes the 2026 class of 20 Under 40. Read about Chloe Rouse Armstrong here and see the special section publishing on January 29 to read about all of this year's honorees.
Chloe Rouse Armstrong has spent over 13 years as a videographer, capturing the stories that make up the heartbeat of Hattiesburg. Currently the Associate Director of Multimedia Storytelling for the University of Southern Mississippi, Chloe says, “Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to work with dedicated leaders, visionaries, and community members who are making a difference. From local campaigns and state initiatives to nonprofit fundraisers, healthcare awareness projects, educational efforts, and nationally recognized strategic marketing campaigns across industries, each experience has given me a chance to contribute in a small way to work that truly matters.”
When asked about her exceptional personal qualities, Chloe says, “I’m most proud of authenticity and empathy. I can’t sit comfortably in a room if someone is off to the side alone. I’m naturally drawn to people who might feel overlooked, and I make it a point to bring them in. Whether I’m conducting an on-camera interview or at an event, my goal is always the same: to ensure people feel seen, valued, and welcome. Those qualities guide not just how I work, but who I am.”
A recent success involved a video series that too her all the way to New York to film interviews with women in the publishing industry. The series had the goal of helping the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection team reach a million-dollar matching initiative, which they did.
Chloe is heavily involved in the United Way of Southeast Mississippi and enjoys volunteering for Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center, Edward’s Street Fellowship Center, and The Children’s Center for Communication & Development. She got her start in multimedia as a photographer and staff writer for Hattiesburg Publishing and says, “Even being nominated for a recognition in the publication that gave me my start feels like a full-circle moment!”
