Awards

GEORGE & ANNA KIERSEY McLean Award for Philanthropy

CREATE Founder George McLean believed that by joining together, communities could cultivate leaders who would make a difference for us all. Whether through supporting early childhood education, granting scholarships, developing leadership training programs, or enhancing college and career readiness, promoting leadership in communities is key to the long-term success of a region. George McLean served as a great example of what exceptional leadership can accomplish. He believed that each of us has the responsibility to help raise the level of all people in our communities. This vision for a vibrant and growing Northeast Mississippi would not have happened without his persistent, tireless leadership.

The McLean Award for Philanthropy is given to honor those individuals, families, and corporations that exemplify CREATE Founders George and Anna Keirsey McLean’s spirit in charitable giving. It recognizes the extraordinary leadership of people and organizations working to improve the quality of life in our community and our region.

McLean Award for philanthropy recipients

James Hugh Ray
community affiliate Award

To recognize the efforts of community affiliates, Journal, Inc. established the James Hugh Ray Community Affiliate Award. James Hugh Ray was a community hero and made many valuable contributions to our region and to the CREATE Foundation. He was instrumental in CREATE’s establishment, serving as its legal architect and advisor. He was a loyal board member for many years.

Affiliate of the Year award recipients

JAck Reed, Sr. Northeast Mississippi Community leadership Award

In January 2016, we lost Jack Reed, Sr. – a special leader who achieved an unparalleled record of service to our region.  Jack was a founding board member of the CREATE Foundation and served as its chairman.  He was also one of the original members of the Commission and served as its chairman.  As a way to perpetually remember this great regional leader, the CREATE Board established the Jack Reed, Sr. Northeast Mississippi Community Leadership Award.  It is presented annually at our State of the Region meetings to individuals who have demonstrated vision, integrity, and a commitment to excellence over an extended period of time.  Each recipient of the award will be given the opportunity to recommend the disbursement of $2,000 to charities of their choice from the Jack Reed, Sr. Community Leadership Endowment Fund at CREATE, which was established by a special dividend of $50,000 from Journal, Inc.

Jack Reed, Sr. Award recipients