Nominees in four categories announced for 4th annual Madison Visionary Awards

MADISON – The public has spoken about its choices. Madison Visionary Partners or MVP has announced the nominees for the fourth annual Madison Visionary Awards.

The awards will honor community volunteers who shape Madison. The Madison Visionary Awards ceremony at the Jackson Center will start at 11:30 a.m. on March 25.

According to MVP Executive Director Christina Hearne, the following individuals are finalists for the awards:

• 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 at James Clemens High School, Kendall Lugos at James Clemens High School and Joshua Macri in home school.

“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,” Hearne said. “We have many people doing good and, most often, they are the ones working behind the scenes.”

“What better way to bring them in the spotlight than through these awards?” Hearne said. The March 2026 issue of “Madison Living Magazine” will feature the award finalists.

“We were thrilled by the community’s overwhelming response during the nomination process. The honorees represent an outstanding group of volunteers and businesses whose dedication continues to make a meaningful impact in Madison,” Hearne said.

These awards highlight a key element in MVP’s mis- sion as Madison’s community nonprofit. In addition to fundraising for large projects, MVP is also building a community of volunteers who want to bring small projects, events and programs to Madison, Hearne said.

“Madison’s leaders have a vision for our community that MVP, along with other community organizations, can help bring to reality,” Chuck Brand said. Brand serves as Chair of MVP Board of Directors. “Support for our mission is integral as we continue to grow as a city and a region.”

Another segment of the awards program will be the presentation of recipients of Community Impact Grants. MVP will disperse $12,000 to local nonprofits for programs and events that will benefit the Madison community.

“Any way we can enhance and support the nonprofit activity in Madison is going to be beneficial to the community. We have some great projects that are going to get funding,” Hearne said.

Tickets cost $50 and will be on sale until March 18. Limited sponsorships will be available until March 4. To purchase tickets, visit mvpmadison.org/visionaryawards.

For more information, call 256384-4358, email info@mvpmadison. org or christina@mvpmadison.org, or visit mvpmadison.org/visionary awards.