MADISON — Hosted by Madison Visionary Partners, the third annual Madison Visionary Awards honored volunteers and organizations that have made Madison one of the most desirable places to live in the country.
MVP Executive Director Christina Hearne said the organization’s mission is to help increase the quality of life for the residents of Madison.
“It’s exciting to honor those working to make Madison a better place. This is our annual awards where we celebrate some amazing people in the Madison community or those who live or work in Madison and give back to Madison,” she said. “We’ve got our Youth Volunteer of the year, our Community Volunteer of the Year, our Philanthropic Business Person of the Year, and also our Visionary of the Year. That is our big one.”
Unveiled at the end of the program, Madison Visionary of the Year award is a surprise to the recipient. The 2025 recipient, Marc Jacobson, was recognized for his decades of civic involvement and significant contributions to the Madison community.
Jacobson said he was not expecting the honor.
“It’s incredible and it was a big surprise,” he said. “Just to be recognized for the years of volunteerism and service, I don’t look for that kind of honor and recognition, but this is truly specia.”
The 2025 Madison Visionary of the Year also said there are volunteer opportunities for everyone.
“Find a place where you can give back and help the community be better, there are so many opportunities for you to find a meaningful way to give back,” said Jacobson.
Additional presentations included the The Youth Volunteer of the Year award to Marcus Butler, the Community Volunteer of the Year to Jim Chamberlain, and Philanthropic Businessperson of the Year to Bill Roark.
Youth Volunteer of the Year
A remarkable young individual who demonstrated his dedication through extensive volunteer work h, Butleras volunteered extensively with Nations Ford Community Church, Loaves and Fishes, Manna House, Monrovia Fire Department, and Shower Up. Last summer, he saw a gap in volunteer coverage at Madison Hospital and stepped up to fill every slot himself, dedicating over 150 hours to transport patients in the CT area.
Community Volunteer of the Year
Chamberlain is a long-time conservationist and the president of Madison Greenways & Trails. His tireless work documenting and preserving the beauty of Madison’s green spaces, including the Rainbolt Trail on Rainbow Mountain, has greatly contributed to the city’s growth and environmental awareness.
Philanthropic Businessperson of the Year
Roark, founder of Starfish Holdings and Torch Technologies, was honored for his commitment to community service, particularly through Torch’s volunteer arm, Torch in Action, which was recognized for its profound impact on local organizations.
MVP also awarded nine grants to area nonprofits. A total of $15,000 in grants were distributed as part of the 2025 Community Impact Micro-grants program.
The recipients include:
- Rocket City Modern Quilt Guild
- Still Serving Veterans
- Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy
- Madison Greenways and Trails
- Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Foundation
- e.We Foundation
- HEALS Inc.
- Heart of the Valley YMCA
- Madison City Schools
Each organization was celebrated for their contributions to improving the Madison community, with representatives from each group receiving a grant check during the ceremony.
“We are so proud to honor these incredible individuals and organizations who make Madison such a special place,” said Hearne. “Their dedication to improving our community through volunteerism, advocacy, and philanthropy is inspiring, and we are grateful for all they do to enrich the lives of Madison residents.”
For more information on Madison Visionary Partners visit www.madisonvisionarypartners.
Madison Visionary Partners (MVP) is a community nonprofit founded in 2014 by a group of community and business leaders. The nonprofit’s primary focus is garnering philanthropic support and collaborative partnerships for community projects with a mission to enrich the quality of life for the city of Madison.
