The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael McCray as Public Relations and Cultural Development Specialist. McCray brings extensive experience in cultural tourism promotion, strategic communications, rural and community economic development to this newly configured role.
During his tenure with the city, McCray achieved several notable milestones:
- Successfully coordinated the Delta Food Expo & Cultural summit, featuring nationally acclaimed speakers and connecting Pine Bluff with state heritage and tourism officials,
- Secured county authorization for the DRB Blues & Wellness Plaza restroom facilities,
- Established partnerships with the American Alliance of Museums and identified three local institutions with accreditation potential,
- Promoted the recruitment of a culinary innovation hub for downtown Pine Bluff, and
- Authored strategic op-eds promoting Pine Bluff’s culinary initiatives and downtown revitalization efforts.
“Michael’s proven track record in cultural development and strategic communications makes him an
ideal fit for this position,” said Sheri Storie, Executive Director of the Pine Bluff Advertising and
Promotion Commission. “His ability to build strategic partnerships, generate positive media coverage,
and create meaningful cultural programming will be invaluable as we work to enhance Pine Bluff’s
tourism profile and economic vitality.”
During his tenure with the city, McCray achieved several notable milestones, including successfully coordinating the Delta Food-Expo & Cultural Summit, featuring nationally acclaimed speakers (JBF Award-winning Chef Brandon Chrostowski, and Quantia Fletcher, American Alliance of Museums) and connecting Pine Bluff with state heritage and tourism officials; securing county authorization for the DRB Blues & Wellness Plaza restroom facilities; established partnerships with the American Alliance of Museums and identified three local institutions with accreditation potential; promoted the recruitment of a culinary innovation hub for downtown Pine Bluff, generating statewide press coverage; and authored strategic op-eds promoting Pine Bluff’s culinary initiatives and downtown revitalization efforts.
“I am honored to join the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission and excited about the
opportunity to amplify Pine Bluff’s unique cultural assets and tourism potential,” said McCray. “Pine
Bluff has an incredible story to tell—from our rich musical heritage along the Delta Rhythm & Bayous
corridor to our emerging culinary scene and historic museums. I look forward to working with the A&P
Commission team to showcase these assets and attract visitors to our community.”
McCray brings a distinguished background in arts, culture, and community development to his new role.
He currently serves as Vice Chair of the James Beard Foundation’s Awards Ethics Committee, overseeing
standards for the nation’s most prestigious culinary awards. He is also the co-founder and managing
director of the Whistleblower Summit & Film Festival in Washington, D.C., which was recognized as
“Best Festival” for innovation in Arts, Film & Culture by FestForums in 2019.
His extensive professional experience includes leadership roles with the Presidential Empowerment
Zone Initiative, where he oversaw a $40 million federal community development program, and account
management positions with leading Arkansas multi-cultural advertising and marketing firms including
The Design Group and Advantage Communications.
McCray holds a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center, an MBA in Finance from
Howard University, and a Master of Arts in Producing Film, Video and Television from American
University. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Florida A&M University.
In his new role, McCray will focus on enhancing Pine Bluff’s public relations efforts, developing cultural
programming that drives tourism, and strengthening partnerships with local cultural institutions, state
tourism officials, and community stakeholders.
