Corporate Staff

Joe Albright is the CEO and Board Chair of Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition, Inc. and has extensive experience mentoring leaders in both the government and corporate sectors.

CEO

Janie Albright has been active in the pageant world for over 50 years, including Miss America Pageant Volunteer of the Year, Director of the Miss Milan Scholarship Pageant, and mentor.

Chief Of Staff

Dr. Colene Trent is the Executive Director of the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition, a tenured Associate Professor of Economics at Union University, and a lifelong supporter of the Miss America Organization.

Executive Director

Belinda is a 30-year mortgage veteran who has been recognized as a top producer and National top producer. She is married to Joey and has two sons. She is active in her community and serves as CFO/Treasurer of the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, and Membership Chair for the Grove’s Women Club.

CFO

Paul is a partner at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. He represents a range of clients in complex cross-border public and private M&A transactions. Paul’s has particular experience in the chemical, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors.

Corporate Legal Advisor

Nita serves as VP of Internal Controls and State Auditor with over 30 years of experience in business management, accounting, tax, and audit. She is a native of South Mississippi and currently resides in White House, Tennessee.

VP of Internal Controls

Deborah is from Jackson, Tennessee. Her Miss Tennessee Competition involvement spans over 40 years.

Phil Shirley is a Certified Technology Specialist with 35+ years of experience in the Entertainment, Television, Sports, Educational, Concert, Corporate Conference, Pageant and Live Event industries.

Middle TN Field Director

Tommy Whitwell has been involved in the Miss America Organization for over 45 years and has been honored with the Prestigious Director of the Year and Legacy Award. He is passionate about his work with the Miss Tennessee Scholarship organization.

Director of Sponsorships

Sharon Russell Hopson is a graduate of Memphis State University and is currently employed by Adoration Home Health. She participated in the Miss Tennessee pageant as Miss Memphis State and Miss Libertyland, and has traveled to over 30 countries and 5 continents. She and her husband Tom reside in Greeneville, Tennessee with 3 sons and 5 grandchildren.

East TN Field Director

David Ashley Trent is a singer/songwriter and worship leader from Jackson, Tennessee who has written and produced four full-length Contemporary Christian albums and serves as a lead worship pastor for Englewood Baptist Church.

Talent Director