Maxine Greenleaf, vice president for marketing and communication, has been selected as a statewide finalist for the 2026 Mississippi Pinnacle Awards, presented by Sales & Marketing Professionals.
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.
“It is the purpose behind the work that makes what I do worthwhile each day,” said Greenleaf. “Storytelling is the essence of this profession, and giving voice to institutions that have provided generations of support and opportunity for our communities is what drives me. Historically Black Colleges and Universities have long been a source of hope and excellence, and I consider it a privilege to amplify that story. I am grateful to the many individuals that have shaped my career and inspired me to pursue excellence at every institution I have had the honor of serving.”
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.
Greenleaf was selected as a finalist in the Individual category in recognition of having dedicated more than 18 years to advancing higher education marketing and communications, making history as the only professional to have led the communications and marketing function at all three of Mississippi’s public four-year HBCUs — Alcorn State University, Jackson State University, and Mississippi Valley State University.
Under her leadership, Alcorn State’s Marketing and Communication team earned more than 20 international, national, and state awards in a single year, including a 2024 Platinum MARCOM Award in the Strategic Communications Category for the Always Alcorn brand campaign.
Her strategic approach to public relations and storytelling has produced measurable results, including improving Jackson State University’s overall positive media tonality by 22 points and assisting in a 12% increase in student enrollment over three years at Mississippi Valley State University.
Beyond the campus, Greenleaf has a deep commitment to community leadership, having served as president of the Rotary Club of Greenwood, as an assistant governor for Rotary District 6820, and currently as a board member for Leadership Greater Jackson and a member of the Public Relations Society of America Counselors to Higher Education Executive Committee.
The gala also 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 invests in the continued growth and development of Mississippi’s next generation of business professionals.
Event tickets are available for those wishing to celebrate Greenleaf and support this statewide initiative.
To attend the 2026 Mississippi Pinnacle Awards, visit salesandmarketingprofessionals.org/2026mspinnacleawards
