The Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC) will honor the careers of Texarkana-raised entertainment industry professionals, Clay Mills and Ben McGinnis.  From Emmy nominations to international acclaim, both have carried the heart of this community onto the world’s most prestigious stages. Their stories remind us that the arts inspire, connect, and open doors to endless possibilities.

On March 21, 2026 at the TRAHC ArtSpace, guests will experience an evening that captures the glamour of Hollywood and the excitement of Broadway while honoring the transformative power of the arts. As a fundraiser, this event supports TRAHC’s mission of growing community and people through the arts.

“These two honorees are not only talented and doing exciting work in the arts and entertainment field, but it’s a fun juxtaposition of Broadway and Hollywood.  East coast and West coast.  NYC and LA.  And, one graduated from Texas High School, one from Arkansas High School – so both states are represented in this year’s honorees.” TRAHC Executive Director Jennifer Unger said. “For the party, expect the unexpected. As a creative organization, we will be letting the creative juices flow. There will be some usual party features, like live music, great food and a party atmosphere, but there will be some interactive experiences as well as surprise and delight moments. You don’t want to miss out. It promises to be the party of the year!” 

Sponsor packets for this event are available. Invitations and tickets will be made available in January. Please contact artsinfo@trahc.wpenginepowered.com or call 903.792.8681 for more information. 

Clay Mills 

According to his bio, Mills discovered his love of performance and leadership in his role as Drum Major of the Texas High School Tiger Marching band. He earned a BA in Music Performance with minors in Political Science and History from Centenary College of Louisiana. Currently, Mills works in New York as a talent manager at The Katz Company, where he represents artists working across television, film, theater, and digital platforms. His diverse roster includes celebrated performers, influential content creators, and cultural changemakers.

“Texarkana has always nurtured creativity, sending artists of all kinds into the world to do extraordinary things. I’m proud to be one of them, and to receive this recognition. Our creative future depends on investing and preserving the arts. At a time when funding is being stripped away, we must stand together to keep these programs alive. The arts are not a luxury, they are the heartbeat of our communities, and it’s up to us to protect them,” Mills said. 

An Emmy-nominated producer, Mills earned a 2022 New York Emmy Award nomination for Swipe Monster, which also drew acclaim on the international festival circuit. His producing credits include the Bistro Award–winning album Kim David Smith: Live from Joe’s Pub. He has produced live performances at 54 Below, Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, and the long-running, globally toured Kevin Smith Kirkwood Is Classic Whitney: Alive!, which recently marked its tenth anniversary.

Ben McGinnis

While getting his degree in Radio – Television – Film from the University of Texas at Austin, Ben McGinnis got his start in the entertainment industry during his senior year, interning for Ridley Scott’s production company, Scott Free Productions and The Ellen Degeneres Show.  Following graduation, Ben then started on his current path as a creative producer working alongside Writer, Executive Producer, and Showrunner Ronald D. Moore, first serving as writers’ assistant on Battlestar Galactica and Caprica for the SyFy Network. At Moore’s Tall Ship Productions, he served as Moore’s assistant for many years before becoming a producer on Outlander on Starz and For All Mankind on AppleTV+.  As part of the company’s deal with 20th Century Studios, he developed projects for Disney+, Hulu, and FX. 

“Growing up in Texarkana set me on my current path in production.  From stunt videos with friends around the neighborhood, to numerous weddings, weekly services at First United Methodist Church, and aerial footage at Helicopters Southwest with Don Ruggles, I was always filming something around town. At Arkansas High, Razorback TV became my favorite class, where we produced a daily newscast, as well as various live events and sports for the school.  One project that stood out was the annual Halloween show, when we got to write and produce a horror short film.  While the final product was funnier than it was scary, I still learned the power of narrative storytelling and cemented my goal of becoming a creative producer.” McGinnis said.

In 2021 and 2023, Ben accepted two Creative Arts Emmy Awards for Outstanding Interactive and Emerging Media Program as lead producer on For All Mankind’s additional content.  Currently, back under Tall Ship’s deal with Sony Pictures Television, he is developing several projects and serving as Co-Executive Producer on For All Mankind and the upcoming adaptation of the hit video game series God of War for Amazon.