Madison Visionary Awards Finalists Announced

Community volunteers who shape Madison to be honored at annual awards ceremony

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The public has spoken, and Madison Visionary Partners (MVP) has announced the nominees for the fourth annual Madison Visionary Awards. The awards will honor community volunteers who make a meaningful impact in Madison, Alabama. Finalists have been selected in three categories: Community Volunteer of the Year, Philanthropic Business Person of the Year, and Youth Volunteer of the Year. MVP will also present Community Impact Grants totaling $12,000 to local nonprofits.

Why it matters

The Madison Visionary Awards highlight the important role that volunteers play in shaping the community. By recognizing outstanding individuals and businesses, the awards aim to bring more attention to the behind-the-scenes work that helps make Madison a thriving city. The awards also support MVP's mission of building a strong community of volunteers to bring new projects, events, and programs to Madison.

The details

The fourth annual Madison Visionary Awards ceremony will take place on March 25 at the Jackson Center. Finalists in the three award categories include: Community Volunteer of the Year - Trina Bishop, Crystal McBrayer, and Miranda Nichols; Philanthropic Business Person of the Year - Scott and Amy Edwards with Summit 7, and Eugene Jung with Champy's of Madison; Youth Volunteer of the Year - Blake Lugos, Kendall Lugos, and Joshua Macri. In addition to the awards, MVP will distribute $12,000 in Community Impact Grants to local nonprofits.

  • The Madison Visionary Awards ceremony will be held on March 25, 2026.
  • Ticket sales for the event will be open until March 18, 2026.
  • Limited sponsorships will be available until March 4, 2026.

The players

Madison Visionary Partners (MVP)

A community nonprofit organization that aims to support and enhance Madison, Alabama through fundraising, volunteer efforts, and community-building initiatives.

Christina Hearne

The Executive Director of Madison Visionary Partners.

Chuck Brand

The Chair of the MVP Board of Directors.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“One of the elements of Madison's success is its people, and MVP strives to honor the volunteers who work every day to build community in our city. We have many people doing good and, most often, they are the ones working behind the scenes.”

— Christina Hearne, Executive Director, Madison Visionary Partners (themadisonrecord.com)

“Madison's leaders have a vision for our community that MVP, along with other community organizations, can help bring to reality. Support for our mission is integral as we continue to grow as a city and a region.”

— Chuck Brand, Chair, MVP Board of Directors (themadisonrecord.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Madison Visionary Awards highlight the important role that volunteers play in shaping the community. By recognizing outstanding individuals and businesses, the awards aim to bring more attention to the behind-the-scenes work that helps make Madison a thriving city.