The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce’s Past Presidents Council honored six new inductees to the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch on May 18.

There have been 143 individuals and 29 organizations already inducted in the Hall of Fame over the past 28 years.

Mark Stanton, President & CEO of the Chamber, said in a press release, “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. The outpouring of love and support at this event is truly a sight to see.”

The 2023 Honorees were:

Sandy Bruner – Teacher, parish administrator and Scottsdale volunteer leader for over 50 years. She is also the Honor Ball co-chair, Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak Trash to Treasures chair. She is active in local political campaigns and is a national convention delegate. She is also a champion of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West since its inception as a docent and committee member.

Phil Carlson – Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO from 1989 to 2002, Scottsdale Charro, Scottsdale Rotary Club president, Scottsdale Artists School Board chair. He is on the LINKS leadership council, the Arizona Humanities Council and the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley YMCA board. He is also an Episcopal priest who served at St. Barnabas on the Desert.

Marion Kelly – Mayo Clinic arizona community engagement director. She is also a Diversity Leadership Alliance co-founder, a Community Celebrating Diversity and Scottsdale Chamber board member. She is also a 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 and CEO from 1987 to 1992 He is also an Arizona Department of Health Services director (twice) and ASU engineering professor. He is a physician with global expertise in emergency and flight medicine. He is a consultant to the Veterans Administration and Phoenix Hospital. He is also a U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force veteran and pilot.

Parada Del Sol Parade – Inaugurated in 1951 by the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce as the Sunshine Festival, the Parada del Sol was sponsored by the Scottsdale Jaycees from 1954-2009. Over the decades, the Parada Del Sol 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 the tradition.

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. The Scottsdale Municipal Airport opened at the site in 1967. It is a catalyst for the Scottsdale Airpark.

Also, the Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals, a group of Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce members, were recognized as future history makers. This group engages young professionals, ages 23 through 39, with a focus on community service, volunteerism, and mentorship. The goal of the organization is to bridge a gap between this demographic and the business and community leaders of Scottsdale.

Matt Benson, Chair of the Scottsdale area Chamber Commerce Board commented in a press release, “(Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals) 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”.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the highly anticipated video presentation of each of the inductees produced by Moorhouse Creative. All inductee videos can be viewed at youtube.com/ScottsdaleChamber.