Tressa Bush is a freelance journalist, media producer, and community leader with a deep passion for storytelling and historical preservation. Based in Chestnut Mound, Tennessee, she has built a career that blends broadcasting, tourism development, and event management, using her skills to engage communities and bring history to life.
As the founder of the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS), Tressa has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Tennessee’s rich history, particularly Tennessee’s role in World War II U.S. Army field training exercises, known as the Tennessee Maneuvers. Under her leadership, the nonprofit has grown into a major educational initiative, organizing large-scale living history events that attract visitors nationwide. Her fundraising, event planning, and volunteer coordination expertise has made SCHTS a vital part of Tennessee’s cultural tourism landscape.
Before launching SCHTS, Tressa worked as a producer, writer, and editor for Wilson County Television (WCTV), where she developed original programming, managed social media, and handled live broadcasts. Her work at the Wilson County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau further sharpened her ability to market local destinations, while her time as a reporter for Tennessee Crossroads and other major news outlets gave her a platform to share compelling stories about the people and places of Tennessee.
Her journalism career includes award-winning work at the Carthage Courier, where she earned two Tennessee State Press Awards for feature writing. With a degree in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University, she has spent years refining her ability to connect with audiences through video, print, and digital media.
