Partnership ambassadors represent a cross-section of our diverse business sector. They assist and support the Partnership in many ways. Examples include helping to host Business After Hours sessions and other events, participating in ribbon cuttings, welcoming new members into the Partnership, and conducting member visits during May Member Appreciation Month.
How to Become an Ambassador
The Partnership accepts applications each fall for new ambassadors. Click the link below to nominate someone or to apply and fill out the information in the form.
Current Ambassadors
Adrienne R. Morris

Adrienne R. Morris
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?I enjoy interacting with so many people in this community. I also enjoy sharing information with people who are not familiar with Starkville. I love seeing businesses thrive too!How long have you been an ambassador?I think that I became an ambassador in 2016 or 2017. Time flies when you’re having fun!What is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?I love Downtown at Sundown and any other events happening to connect with other people in the community.
Alden Thornhill

Alden Thornhill
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?Promoting our amazing people and businesses to the world!How long have you been an ambassador?1 yearWhat is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?Plan events that promote our amazing community and people… like the nation's largest wiener dog race.
Bart Williams
Brian McCaskill

Brian McCaskill
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?Serving the community with my fellow ambassadorsHow long have you been an ambassador?11 yearsWhat is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?Grab dinner with the family during a ballgame weekend while watching all the business going on….
Caroline Gillentine

Caroline Gillentine
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?My favorite thing about being an ambassador is the camaraderie we share. It is so beneficial to be able to share triumphs and struggles with people who want to help you win, and to cheer friends on well.How long have you been an ambassasdor?I joined the team in January 2023What is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?All of it! Ball Games, spending time on campus with our kids on bikes and scooters, enjoying local events like the community market, business after hours, Touch-A-Truck, and worshiping with our beloved church family. Starkville is the BEST place to call home.
Christina Reynolds

Christina Reynolds
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?My favorite thing about being an ambassador is welcoming new businesses and people in Starkville. We love supporting the town and people who live in Starkville.How long have you been an ambassasdor?Since January 2023What is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?I love attending all of the Mississippi State sporting events. It is a great time to see everyone enjoying all that Starkville has to offer.
Cory Lucius

Cory Lucius
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?I love the relationships that are developed within the ambassador program as well as meeting the various people in the business community. It’s fun watching Starkville grow.How long have you been an ambassador?8 yearsWhat is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?I love early Saturday morning drives to Proof Bakery with my wife for coffee and treats. Can’t be beat!
Jason Ryder

Jason Ryder
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?Being able to meet new business owners and promoting the Starkville communityHow long have you been an ambassador?15 yearsWhat is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?I enjoy visiting our local restaurants with friends. I also enjoy MSU athletic events.
Jay Cook

Jay Cook
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?Being a part of the overall Starkville community and involvement with events around town. Having the opportunity to connect with people and businesses coming to townHow long have you been an ambassador?9 yearsWhat is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?Attending any MSU sporting event and enjoying local musical events
Jessica Mitchell

Jessica Mitchell
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?Having the opportunity to support and encourage local businesses and experience the incredible sense of community that Starkville has to offerHow long have you been an ambassador?4 yearsWhat is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?Attending all of the local events and MSU baseball games
Lateshia Harris Butler

Lateshia Harris Butler
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?Being able to meet people and welcome new business owners to my great hometown of Starkville. It’s an absolute joy seeing their excitement when we attend their ribbon cuttings. It has been amazing to see the growth of the ambassador program over the years.How long have you been an ambassador?Almost 9 years! It has been amazing to see the growth of the ambassador program over the years.What is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?Attend sporting events with my family.
Mac Smith

Mac Smith
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?Meeting people who start a business or expand and the fellowship of the ambassador groupHow long have you been an ambassador?Less than 1 yearWhat is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?Attending local events and spending time with others
Matt Bowen

Matt Bowen
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?Getting to see new businesses open in our community and getting to support our growing list of thriving businesses. It is also awesome to be a part of such a wonderful team!How long have you been an ambassador?2023What is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?Watching baseball ad Dudy Noble Field
Megan “Danielle” Atchley

Megan “Danielle” Atchley
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?It is so hard to pick one! It is the ultimate joy to connect with and support local businesses within the Starkville community through ribbon cutting ceremonies. Additionally, greeting and socializing with residents of Starkville through UnWine Downtown, PumpkinPalooza and the Farmer’s market can’t be beat!How long have you been an ambassador?2 yearsWhat is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?Enjoying all of the parks with our kids, MSU sporting events, runs and bike rides on our accessible trails, and participating in all of the fun festivals with our friends like King Cotton Crawfish and UnWine Downtown. There is just so much to do!
Melissa Rogers

Melissa Rogers
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?The opportunity to be among the first to welcome a new business to the community brings me great joy! As a business owner myself, I remember how much I appreciated feeling supported in the early days of business.How long have you been an ambassasdor?4 years.What is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?My favorite thing to do in Starkville is simply to walk Downtown with my husband and children, exploring shops, enjoying the night lights, and visiting with community members who are also walking. We have such a family friendly community
Nina Welch Wofford
Pat Lane

Pat Lane
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?Being surrounded by all of these people who love Starkville as much as I do.How long have you been an ambassador?I have been an ambassador from the beginning.What is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?Trying to convince people to move to Starkville and MSU to love it as much as I do!
Stephanie Arnett

Stephanie Arnett
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?Promoting and supporting entrepreneurs who are passionate about their craft, and contribute to Starkville’s economic growthHow long have you been an ambassador?2022What is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?Restaurant hopping! Apps at one, meal at another, dessert at another, and drinks at the last.
Terry Long
Tindall Morrison
Toby Lee Steed, Jr.
Whitney Wofford
William Pochop

William Pochop
What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?I love meeting new people and having an opportunity to connect them with our people.How long have you been an ambassador?3 yearsWhat is your favorite thing to do in Starkville?My favorite thing to do in Starkville is to go for a walk Downtown with my wife and kids and visit our local shops, cafes, and restaurants.