The Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM-DFW) has named Sherree Pence as the recipient of the 41st annual Silver Award of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Silver Award of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to a media professional in Dallas/Fort Worth who is above reproach both in regard to the hiring and promoting of women and promoting and benefitting the media business; directly contributes to the community at large; has made a direct, positive impact on the DFW media community; solely represents a commitment to excellence and whose accomplishments are an example to others in the media and business community.
The trajectory of Sherree Pence’s career is one filled with persistence, courage, grace, and integrity. From small town girl to female entrepreneur, Sherree has woven a life that is both awe-inspiring and admirable.
Sherree began her career in 1999 as Ad Sales Manager for the North Texas Daily. With her ‘can do’ attitude she bolstered revenue for the college paper to record levels and managed a small team of associates. Upon graduation she was hired by Daum Outdoor where her passion for advertising continued to grow.
Sherree’s path eventually led her to WFAA (Tegna) in 2001 as an account executive. At the time, experience in television sales was a prerequisite for employment at Tegna, but Sherree’s fearless determination and salesmanship skills convinced leadership she was destined for the role. True to form, Sherree’s meteoric rise in the company from top salesperson to Local Sales Manager was both merited and lauded. As a manager at WFAA she confidently led her team giving countless hours to help each member grow and achieve success. During her tenure she was recognized multiple times as a Presidential Award Recipient and admitted into the prestigious Presidential Circle.
After 15 years propelling Tegna and her team to excellence, Sherree made the decision to create her own agency, Pence Media, under the same principles for which she had established her professional reputation at Tegna. Since 2016, Pence Media has made its mark in the advertising industry boasting over $100 million in billings. Sherree’s dedication to her clients combined with a solid work ethic has earned her a reputation of excellence, transparency, and loyalty. She believes in creating true partnerships between the agency, vendors, and client that allows for mutual respect among the parties. She has a gift for aligning the goals of each to create wins for all.
Whether mentoring, training or directly hiring women, Sherree has continuously proven that she enthusiastically supports the advancement of women in the industry. She has made a concerted effort to invest in the careers of women by looking for potential and investing in the person.
Neither age nor experience is a deterrent. She sees possibilities and recognizes an individual’s gifts then wholly throws her support behind them providing them with every opportunity to grow and shine.
Sherree’s contributions to not only the industry, but also to the promotion of women in this industry is beyond reproach. She is a generous, successful, fearless, and driven businesswoman who has built an unblemished career on her integrity and hard work while successfully balancing her role as an entrepreneur, mother, cheer coach, dance mom as well as a friend to many. She is a champion of women (and men), and many can attest to the positive impact she has made on their lives and careers.
With the same enthusiasm that she gives to business, Sherree is also a huge advocate for the community. Her philanthropic efforts mirror her generous spirit as she has championed organizations such as DREAM Fund and the North Texas Food Bank, not to mention local 4H competition. She is passionate about giving back and finds ways to align with causes that promote greater good. She is the energy force that gets things done as she is both a doer and a fighter.
Sherree has been a staunch supporter of The Alliance for Women in Media for over 20 years. She served as a past President as well as Gala Co-Chair and was actively involved in promoting and supporting the organization as well as raising awareness of AWM within the community. She attended the National Alliance for Women in Media conferences and received national awards for the highly successful AWM Awards of Excellence Gala which had the distinction of being one of the country’s top fundraisers. Throughout the years she was honored numerous times as outstanding Agency Executive and Local Sales Manager and more recently as Agency Principal of the Year.
Sherree has repeatedly proven that achievement is based on standing firm in your principles and adhering to a strong moral code. She celebrates the wins of her clients and team with an enthusiastic heart and considers each relationship a true partnership. It is not just a numbers game. She is in it for the long haul helping to propel not just her clients, but her team to extraordinary growth. She is a living testament to how to balance a woman’s many roles and demands with both grace, strength, and humility.
Sherree celebrates 19 years of marriage to her husband and business partner, Geoff, this year with whom they share two beautiful daughters, Devin (10) and Kennedy (7). Her secret to maintaining her Energizer Bunny lifestyle and indomitable drive includes a cold Celsius and copious amounts of protein bars. Catch her if you can!
The 41st Annual Dallas Area Alliance for Women in Media Awards of Excellence Gala recognizing Sherree Pence and top DFW media professionals will be held Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, at the Dallas Hyatt Regency Hotel. For more information about the gala, go to https://allwomeninmedia-dfw.org/events/41st-annual-awm-dfw-awards-of-excellence-gala
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