Scottsdale History Hall of Fame leadership inducts 6 into HOF
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The Past Presidents Council of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce honored six new inductees to the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame on Thursday, May 18.
The event was held at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch and presented by the Scottsdale Charros.
The 143 individuals and 29 organizations that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame over the past 28 years have had an immeasurable impact on the heritage and development of Scottsdale, representatives of the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame say.
These honorees have helped make this city one of the “best cities to live” in America, and this year’s induction ceremony celebrated six more individuals and organizations who have contributed to that legacy.
Mark Stanton, president & CEO of the Scottsdale Are Chamber of Commerce, echoes a similar sentiment.
“It is an honor to shine a light on the people and organizations that have made Scottsdale such an incredible place to live and do business,” he said in a prepared statement. “The outpouring of love and support at this event is truly a sight to see.”
The 2023 Scottsdale History Hall of Fame honorees are:
Sandy Bruner – Teacher, parish administrator and Scottsdale volunteer leader for over 50 years. Honor Ball Co-chair, Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak Trash to Treasures Chair, active in local political campaigns/national convention delegate. Champion of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West since its inception; docent and committee member.
Phil Carlson – Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO (1989-2002), Scottsdale Charro, Scottsdale Rotary Club President, Scottsdale Artists School Board Chair, LINKS Leadership Council, Arizona Humanities Council, Scottsdale/Paradise Valley YMCA board. An Episcopal Priest who served at St. Barnabas on the Desert.
Marion Kelly – Mayo Clinic Arizona Community Engagement Director. Diversity Leadership Alliance co-founder, Community Celebrating Diversity and Scottsdale Chamber board member. Scottsdale Leadership graduate and Frank Hodges Alumni Award recipient. Marion is highly regarded as a mentor, healthcare education leader, and accomplished opera singer.
Dr. James Schamadan – Scottsdale Memorial Health Systems President/CEO (1987-1992) and Administrator. Arizona Dept. of Health Services Director (twice) and ASU engineering professor. Physician with global expertise in emergency and flight medicine. Consultant to the Veterans Administration and Phoenix Hospital. Navy and Air Force veteran and pilot.
Parada Del Sol Parade – Inaugurated in 1951 by the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce as the Sunshine Festival, Parada del Sol was sponsored by the Scottsdale Jaycees from 1954-2009. Over the decades, Parada has included the parade, rodeo, Trails End party, and other events. Since 2010 the non-profit Parada del Sol Inc. and other community partners have carried on this beloved tradition as Scottsdale’s oldest signature event.
Scottsdale Airport – Opened in 1942 as Thunderbird Airfield No. 2 to train Army Air Corps pilots, the area has been home to a college technical trade school and the Seventh Day Adventist Thunderbird Academy. Scottsdale Municipal Airport opened at the site in 1967. Today it is the busiest single runway airport in the U.S., supporting business and tourism. It is a catalyst for the Scottsdale Airpark, ranked in the Top 3 employment centers in Arizona.
Scottsdale History Hall of Fame leadership inducts 6 into HOF
Also recognized as future history makers was the Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals, which is a membership of the Scottsdale Chamber. This group engages young professionals ages 23-39 with a focus on community service, volunteerism, and mentorship.
The goal is to bridge a gap between this demographic and the business and community leaders of Scottsdale, Chamber officials say.
Matt Benson, chair of the Scottsdale Chamber Board of Directors, says the rising your professionals are the next generation of local leaders.
“SRYP is the next generation working towards bringing about positive change within the Scottsdale community and we are all excited to see what the future holds as they continue to build upon the efforts of every History Hall of Fame Inductee past and present,” he said.
In the fall of 2023, the Past Presidents’ Council of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce will announce six new inductees into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame as well as the date and place of the 2024 celebration.
