Scottsdale recognized city employees and volunteers at its 2025 Employee & Volunteer Awards, honoring those whose work has contributed to municipal operations and community service. The event highlighted individuals and teams from different city departments, with nominations submitted by peers and selections made by a committee of past award recipients.
City Manager Greg Caton said, “Our employees continue to show what effective public service looks like. The work recognized in these awards highlights the skill, commitment and collaboration that define Scottsdale.”
Awardees came from various areas including water engineering, library services, adaptive recreation, public safety, and aquatics. Police Chief Joseph LeDuc received the Herb Drinkwater Award for his long-term leadership and involvement in regional boards focused on youth and crisis response. Human Services Supervisor Jonathan Montoya earned the Bill Donaldson Award for managing the city’s food bank transition while maintaining support for residents.
Volunteer coach Mich Thomas was honored with the William P. Schrader Volunteer Impact Award for his contributions to Adaptive Recreation and Special Olympics programs. Horacio Ventura of Solid Waste received the Unsung Hero Award after assisting a young driver off-duty, an act described as demonstrating “integrity, professionalism and a genuine commitment to serving others.”
The Cactus Aquatics Team was given the People’s Choice Award following their coordinated response during an emergency requiring CPR.
Other awards acknowledged staff efforts in core values such as dedicated service (Brian DeMeo), innovation (SPARK Project Team), teamwork (McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Project Team), diversity (Kelsey Lamper), integrity (Water Engineering Team), and continuous learning (Vista del Camino Staff).
Scottsdale operates under a council-manager form of government where policy decisions are made by elected officials who appoint a professional manager to oversee daily administration (official website). The city’s organization includes multiple departments handling services ranging from parks to public safety (organizational chart). Recognized nationally for its safety standards, Scottsdale ranks among the top 15 safest U.S. cities with populations over 100,000 (official recognition page).
Employees across Scottsdale continue to play a role in supporting the city’s blend of Western heritage, cultural activities, and modern infrastructure (official history page). This year’s award recipients reflect ongoing efforts to improve services for residents within one of Arizona’s largest municipalities.
“Our employees continue to show what effective public service looks like,” City Manager Greg Caton said. “The work recognized in these awards highlights the skill, commitment and collaboration that define Scottsdale.”
This annual recognition demonstrates how employee dedication supports key aspects of governance, community engagement, and operational excellence throughout Scottsdale.
