Tishomingo County Ambassadors
Meet your 2025-2025 Tishomingo Ambassadors:
Sandra Ray
My name is Sandra Ray! I am a mama of 2 sweet little kiddos & a wife to an amazing, hard working man.
I am born & raised in Iuka, MS… with a short hiatus to live in Tishomingo for 3 years but have finally made it back to Iuka a few months ago!
I am a photographer (Sandra Ray Photography), bounce house business co-owner (Ray Company Event Rentals) & also help manage our local hardware store (Triple D’s Hardware & Supply).
In between all of the chaos that being a mom, wife, business owner x2, & full time employee. I truly have grown to love the outdoors! We, as a family, enjoy exploring local places like Tishomingo State Park, Scruggs Bridge, & any other trails / sights we can find. My kids actually LOVE Crows Neck Boat Ramp, as crazy as that sounds, they call it their “most favorite place to explore”.🤣
We also LOVE a good farmers market. They have grown so much since starting back up & we visit just about every Friday!
I look forward to working as an ambassador for Tishomingo County and cannot wait to see where this takes us.
Melissa Patterson
I’m so excited to be a Tishomingo County Tourism Ambassador because this county truly feels like home. Although I moved around north ms as a child, Tishomingo County is where my roots have grown deep. I even moved to the Florida beaches in my early adult years, yet still came back here when I was ready to make a home.
As a mom of three and someone who loves exploring local backroads, hidden gems, and small businesses, I’ve come to appreciate how special Tishomingo County really is. To me, being an ambassador isn’t just about pointing out places on a map—it’s about sharing the stories, the friendly faces, and the sense of belonging that make our county unique.
I’m thrilled for the chance to help others discover the same beauty and heart that draws me in year after year—and to show why Tishomingo County is a place you don’t just pass through, but truly connect with.
Cindy Pounders
My name is Cindy Pounders, and I’ve spent most of my life in Tishomingo, where my family has deep roots. I currently work at Northrop Grumman and recently earned my Associate’s degree in Business and Operations Management. I’m now pursuing both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I’m a proud mom to one son and enjoy painting furniture, bass fishing, and cheering on Ole Miss Football. I’m excited for this new adventure and look forward to shining a light on all that makes our county great!
Janette Burrus
My name is Janette Burrus I’m a mother of four boys and a preschool teacher. I’m incredibly honored and excited to have been selected as a tourism ambassador. I’m passionate about community, culture, and connection, and I truly believe that every place has a story worth telling. Being chosen for this opportunity means a lot to me, because I get to represent not only where I’m from but the people, places, and experiences that make it special.
I’ve always enjoyed connecting with others, whether it’s through sharing hidden gems in our town, recommending favorite local spots, or celebrating the diversity that makes our community so unique. I love capturing memories, creating excitement, and helping people see the beauty in what’s around them sometimes even in places they’ve passed by every day.
I’m looking forward to shining a light on what makes our area unforgettable. I want to be a voice that brings energy, pride, and authenticity to the role whether through storytelling, photos, or simply connecting with people one-on-one. Most of all, I’m excited to show others that when you explore with an open heart, there’s always something magical to discover.
Tiffany Huggins
Hello, I am Tiffany Huggins, and I am married to Jay Huggins. We have three children, whom I am homeschooling, and we are expecting our fourth child in August. For the past two years, as a family, we have participated in the annual 1,000 Hours Outside challenge, spending most of our time enjoying the outdoors in Tishomingo County. We also love to travel, camp, geocache, and eat at our favorite local restaurants. In addition to being a homeschool mom, I serve as the president of the North Mississippi Homeschool Community Co-op, a homeschool co-op established in Tishomingo County in 2023. Having grown up in Tishomingo County and now raising my children here, I am excited to serve as an ambassador, sharing the local gems and family-friendly activities with others.
Shelby Smith
I’m beyond excited to serve as a Tishomingo County Ambassador! I was born and raised right here in Belmont, where I still live today with my husband and our three children. At 29 years old, I’ve spent my whole life loving this area of Mississippi and all the people who make it feel like home. As a reporter for the Tishomingo County newspaper and a photographer, I’ve always had a deep love for telling the stories of our people and places—both through the written word and behind the camera lens. There’s something truly special about our little corner of Mississippi, and I find joy in capturing its charm, character, and community spirit. Whether I’m covering sporting events in Belmont, snapping photos of a local festival, or writing about the folks who make a difference, I love using my talents to showcase all the things that make Tishomingo County feel like home. Being an ambassador is just another way I get to support and uplift the community I’m proud to be a part of.
Lora Green
Though I’ve only lived in Tishomingo County for a little over a year, it already feels like home. I’m a pianist, tutor, and educator, and I stay active in the community through my small business and my involvement at Grace United Methodist Church. My husband and I are raising our three kids here, and we love making memories together — whether we’re enjoying the water at Eastport, cheering on the Pride of the Tribe on Friday nights, supporting TCHS e-Sports, or watching baseball at Woodall Park. I’m still discovering all the beauty and history this area has to offer, and I’m excited to share it with others.
William Farris
Hello Tishomingo County!
My name is William Farris, and I’m a proud graduate of Tishomingo County High School with a deep love for the place I call home. I’m currently attending the University of North Alabama, where I’m pursuing a double major in Culinary Arts Management and Hospitality & Events Management. I have a passion for cooking, creativity, travel, and all things Disney! I also have a strong appreciation for the arts. As an Ambassador, my goal is to help promote travel to our beautiful county. From our amazing local food to our state parks and the Tennessee River, we truly have it all!
