Michael Nevills Named First STARS Award Recipient of 2025

Main Street Murfreesboro is proud to celebrate one of the City’s most talented storytellers and newly named STARS Award recipient—Michael Nevills, Television Station Manager for the City of Murfreesboro.

Michael was honored at this month’s City Council meeting as the first STARS (Succeed Through Attitudes Reflecting Service Excellence) recipient of 2025. The STARS program recognizes employees who go above and beyond their regular duties to provide exceptional service to both internal and external customers.

Main Street Executive Director Sarah Callender nominated Michael for his outstanding work on the 40th Anniversary Documentary, which celebrates downtown revitalization through the Main Street Murfreesboro program.

What began as a simple idea became a heartfelt and historic visual tribute to the transformation of our Public Square. Michael took the lead on the entire project:
- He secured City permissions
- Collaborated with Main Street to develop the storyline
- Conducted one-on-one interviews with community leaders from both past and present
- Researched historic photographs
- Captured present-day and nighttime footage of downtown
- And produced a polished, professional film worthy of a major anniversary milestone.

The final product honors a time when businesses, local government, and citizens worked together to breathe new life into the heart of Murfreesboro—a message that still resonates today.

Michael’s career is marked by decades of service and a long list of accolades in the communications and public service industry.

Telly Awards (7-time Winner, most recently in 2024):
- Stones River National Battlefield
- The House Still Standing
- 2020 Celebrate Christmas TV Special
- Outdoor Murfreesboro Promotional Video

NATOA (National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors):
- 4 Awards of Excellence
- 1st Place Honors for:
  - Celebrate Christmas TV Special
  - Linebaugh Library programs and promotions
  - City Services promotional videos

3CMA (City-County Communications & Marketing Association):
- PSAs for:
  - Park Smart
  - Don’t Litter
  - Murfreesboro 2035

Beyond these high-profile recognitions, Michael is also known internally as the trusted voice behind many of the City’s Human Resources infomercials.

Michael’s story is one of growth, talent, and longevity. He first joined the City in 1996 as a part-time Video Production Assistant, and after a few years away, returned in 2008 as a Video Journalist. His continued growth led to promotions including:
- Communication Specialist (2012)
- Multi-Media Producer (2016)
- Television Station Manager (promoted in November 2024)

Those who have worked with Michael can attest—he doesn’t just do his job; he elevates it. He brings integrity, curiosity, and professionalism to every story he tells.

Sarah Callender nominated Michael for the STARS award and wrote the following about her working relationship with him:

“Michael collaborated with the downtown community to create the 40th anniversary documentary about the revitalization movement through the Main Street Murfreesboro program.

He took the lead in obtaining permission from the City to create the documentary and then worked with Main Street to develop an execution plan. Michael was a joy to work with—his work ethic and dedication to service excellence are second to none.”

As the City of Murfreesboro continues to grow and evolve, it is the work of dedicated individuals like Michael Nevills that ensures our history is honored, our present is documented, and our future is inspired.

Congratulations, Michael, on your well-earned recognition as a STARS Award recipient—and thank you for your continued service to the City and Main Street Murfreesboro.