Nominations open for 2026 Madison Visionary Awards
MADISON – Residents can nominate deserving individuals in four categories for the 2026 Madison Visionary Awards.
Madison Visionary Partners or MVP will present its fourth annual Madison Visionary Awards to honor people who make the Madison community a great place to work, live and play, according to MVP Executive Director Christina Hearne.
“This community-building event is also MVP’s signature fundraiser so we can make a bigger impact in enriching the quality of life for the City of Madison,” Hearne said.
The 2025 award recipients were “an extraordinary group . . . who embody the spirit of service in our community. Their dedication, compassion and leadership continue to make Madison a better place for everyone,” Hearne said. “We’re also looking ahead. If you know a neighbor, volunteer, leader or organization making a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear their story.”
MVP will present awards in these categories: “Youth Volunteer of the Year,” “Philanthropic Businessperson of the Year,” “Community Volunteer of the Year” and “Madison Visionary of the Year.”
A nominee must live, work or both in the City of Madison and demonstrate volunteerism that directly impacts Madison’s civic pride. On the nomination form, listed activities cannot be associated with the nominee’s job description or duties. The nominee cannot receive any monetary or personal benefits from their involvement.
The nominee currently cannot serve on the Board of Directors for MVP.
The age of the Youth Volunteer of the Year can be 21 years old and younger. Nominees younger than 18 years old must have a parent or guardian’s permission to participate.
For Philanthropic Businessperson of the Year, the nominee is not required to live in Madison but should demonstrate a direct impact on the City of Madison through giving, volunteerism or both.
Nominees will agree to a profile in “Madison Living Magazine” and attend the awards luncheon on March 25, 2026. Nominations are open through Jan. 9, 2026.
These individuals are previous winners of Madison Visionary Awards:
• Youth Volunteer of the Year — Olivia Downs, 2023; Andrew Crocker, 2024; Marcus Butler, 2025.
• Community Volunteer of the Year — Elizabeth Servidio, Madison Senior Center, 2023; Sandy Weisner, Madison City Community Orchestra, 2024; Jim Chamberlain, Madison Greenways & Trails, 2025.
• Philanthropic Businessperson of the Year — Redstone Federal Credit Union, 2023; Alice Lessmann, Signalink, 2024; Bill Roark, Torch Technologies, 2025.
• Madison Visionary of the Year — Debbie Overcash, 2023; John Rankin, 2024; Marc Jacobson, 2025.
The presenting sponsor is ValleyMLS.com.
For more information, call 256-384-4358, email info@mvpmadison.org or visit mvpmadison.org/visionary awards.
