The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, in proud partnership with Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Gilbert Independent/Independent Newsmedia, Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District, and the Town of Gilbert, is thrilled to announce the honorees for the 29th Annual Gilbert Community Excellence Awards! Presented by Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa, this annual signature event celebrates the individuals, businesses, and organizations that go above and beyond to make Gilbert an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.
These awards honor those who lead with heart, inspire change, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our community’s values across the platforms of business, education, volunteerism, and public service.
🏆 2025 Honorees
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce – Business Awards
- Spirit of Business Award: Landings Credit Union
- Visionary Award: Chief Michael Soelberg, Gilbert Police Department
- Leon Uhlhorn Chairman's Award: Christie Boutain, First Western Bank
Chandler-Gilbert Community College – Education Awards
- Faculty Member of the Year: Kimberly McGee, Program Director, Exercise Science
- Staff Member of the Year: Russell Luce, Director of Athletics
Gilbert Independent/Independent Newsmedia – Community Awards
- Beautification Award: Water Tower Plaza, Town of Gilbert Parks & Rec
- Geneva Clay Community Volunteer Award: Lisa Abelar, For Your Record
- Gilbert Young Hero Award: Zadi Perkins
Gilbert Public Schools – Education Awards
- Dr. Walter Delecki Educator of the Year Award:
- PRIMARY: Morgan Pardy, P.E. Teacher, Mesquite Elementary School
- SECONDARY: Stephanie Campbell, Band Director, Desert Ridge High School
- Mrs. Sharon Orr Support Staff of the Year Award: Mrs. Chen, Paraprofessional, Mesquite Junior High
- Mrs. Sheila Uggetti Volunteer of the Year Award: Marisa Andrade, Vice President of Mesquite High Football Booster Club
Higley Unified School District – Education Awards
- Educator of the Year Award :
- PRIMARY Margaret (Maggie) Silva 6th Grade ELA Teacher, Bridges Elementary School
- SECONDARY Taylor Vickers, 7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher, Cooley Middle School
- Support Staff of the Year Award: Ethan Haney, Paraeducator II SPED, Higley High School
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Rita Baldwin (Grandma Rita), Chaparral Elementary School
Town of Gilbert – Municipal Awards
- MunicipalEmployee of the Year: Melanie Dykstra, Volunteer & Community Resources Manager
- Municipal Volunteer of the Year: Steve Goldman, Gilbert PD Volunteer
- Tim Dorn Public Safety Award: Officer Emily King, Youth Engagement Office, Gilbert PD
- Administrative Support Employee of the Year: Debbie Dana, Executive Management Assistant
🎟️ Event Details
Join us in celebrating these incredible honorees at a special evening of recognition, networking, and community spirit. This event also includes our Taste of Gilbert Culinary Showcase, featuring delicious bites from some of our favorite Chamber Member restaurants & caterers —this is not to be missed!
📅 Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Gilbert
🎫 Reserve your seat today: Register Now
Let’s come together to celebrate what makes Gilbert truly exceptional — its people.