Scottsdale History Hall of Fame

Each year, the Scottsdale Chamber honors individuals, companies, and non-profits with induction into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame. Over the past 31 years, 155 Scottsdale leaders and 35 organizations that have contributed to the legacy of Scottsdale have been inducted.

Preserve The Future By Honoring The Past!

Friday, May 15, 2026

6:00-6:45pm Cocktail Reception

7:00-9:00pm Program & Dinner

Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort

5001 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

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About the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame

Induction into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame is one of the most distinguished honors presented by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. It recognizes the people, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that have made a lasting and meaningful impact on our city. Now in its 31st year, only 155 individuals and 35 organizations have been inducted, which speaks to the selectivity of the honor and the remarkable contributions required to be chosen.

Honorees are evaluated on three core pillars:

Community Service and Involvement

Inductees must have demonstrated at least ten years of meaningful involvement in Scottsdale. their work reflecting a consistent commitment to strengthening the community and contributing to its growth and vitality.

Leadership

Honorees are widely regarded as leaders and mentors within Scottsdale. Leadership is defined by the accomplishments they have achieved and by the influential roles they have held guiding organizations and community initiatives. Selection is based on impact rather than financial contributions.

Humanitarian Values

Inductees exemplify compassion, inclusivity, and a genuine ability to bring people together. They show care for individuals from all backgrounds and work effectively across groups to support and unify the community.

Selection Committee

An important and unique aspect of the Hall of Fame is the committee that selects each year’s honorees.

The selection committee is composed entirely of past Board Chairs of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. These individuals represent decades of leadership and institutional knowledge. Their involvement ensures that honorees are chosen by people who directly understand the history of Scottsdale having witnessed firsthand the passion and dedication given by those who contribute to making the city what it is today.

2025 Inductees

Abbie S. Fink

Abbie S. Fink, President of HMA Public Relations, has dedicated more than three decades to strengthening communities through leadership, volunteer service, and philanthropic impact. A longtime Scottsdale resident, Abbie has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, including past board chair of Scottsdale Leadership, where she earned the prestigious Frank Hodges Alumni Achievement Award. She currently chairs the Valley Youth Theatre Board of Directors, championing youth arts and education, and contributes her expertise as marketing committee co-chair at Congregation Beth Israel and as a member of the Common Sense Media Advisory Council. Abbie’s longstanding commitment to organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Florence Crittenton, and the Arizona Festivals and Events Association has earned her multiple community honors, including the YWCA Philanthropy Leader of the Year Award and the Junior League’s Valley Impact Award. Her enduring passion for service continues to shape Scottsdale’s cultural and civic landscape.

Chris Irish

Chris Irish has spent decades shaping Scottsdale’s civic, cultural, and environmental landscape through dedicated leadership and passionate community service. Currently the Director of Public Affairs at DC Ranch, Chris is a former executive director of Scottsdale Leadership and a recipient of the organization’s prestigious Drinkwater Award for her outstanding commitment to public service. A champion of the arts and sustainability, she has served as board chair for Keep Scottsdale Beautiful, Scottsdale Public Art, and Arizona Citizens for the Arts, guiding initiatives that elevated public art, protected community aesthetics, and expanded access to cultural experiences.

Chris continues her philanthropic impact through her work with The Women’s Collective, empowering women to grow in leadership, and through her service on the Family Promise board of directors supporting families experiencing homelessness. Known for her collaborative spirit and ability to build consensus, Chris’s enduring contributions have strengthened Scottsdale for generations.

Don Prior

Don Prior has dedicated a lifetime to public service and historic preservation in Scottsdale, leaving a profound impact on the city’s civic and cultural landscape. A former Scottsdale City Councilman, Don has long championed community engagement and thoughtful planning. His passion for preserving local history is reflected in his service as past president of both the Scottsdale Historical Society and the Central Arizona Historical Society, as well as his many years on the Scottsdale Historical Society Advisory Board. Don also led the Papago Trackers, the volunteer group committed to preserving the history of the Papago POW Camp.

Beyond historic preservation, Don served as a Scottsdale Planning Commissioner and contributed to the Scottsdale Town Enrichment Program committees and the Community Cable Corporation, helping shape the city’s future while honoring its past. His enduring leadership, stewardship, and commitment to community heritage make him a deserving inductee into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame.

David Smith

David Smith has devoted decades to strengthening Scottsdale through public service, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement. A former Scottsdale City Council member and the city’s Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, David championed transparent governance, responsible budgeting, and long-term financial planning. He further advanced civic involvement as chair of the Citizen’s Budget Review Committee, ensuring residents had a voice in shaping Scottsdale’s financial future.

Beyond government service, David has made significant philanthropic and cultural contributions. He is a dedicated Board of Trustees member and treasurer for Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, supporting the preservation and celebration of the American West. David and his wife, Diana, also strengthened the local business community as co-owners of Scottsdale Airpark News, a publication that highlighted Scottsdale’s growth and entrepreneurial spirit.

With a career rooted in integrity, public service, and civic pride, David Smith’s enduring contributions have helped shape Scottsdale into the vibrant community it is today.

Fiesta Sports Foundation

Fiesta Sports Foundation has been enriching Arizona’s communities for more than five decades, growing from the bold vision of nine founders who launched the state’s first college football bowl game in 1971. What began as a groundbreaking postseason matchup has evolved into one of Arizona’s most influential philanthropic and volunteer-driven organizations.

Based in Scottsdale, the Foundation engages thousands of volunteers annually to produce world-class events—including the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, the Rate Bowl, and beloved community traditions like the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade. These events not only bring unforgettable experiences to fans but also fuel the Foundation’s mission to strengthen communities across Arizona.

Through charitable giving, corporate partnerships, and year-round outreach, the Fiesta Sports Foundation has granted nearly $32 million in the past 14 years, supporting youth programs, education, and nonprofits statewide. With a legacy rooted in service, hospitality, and community pride, the Foundation continues to create life-changing impact on and off the field.

Scottsdale Fashion Square

Scottsdale Fashion Square has grown from a humble 1950s rodeo arena into one of Arizona’s most iconic destinations—anchoring downtown Scottsdale’s cultural, economic, and philanthropic life for more than six decades. Since its early days as an open-air shopping center, the mall has continually expanded, reimagined, and reinvested in the community it serves. Today, Fashion Square stands as the state’s largest shopping center and a key partner in Scottsdale’s civic and charitable landscape.

Beyond retail, Scottsdale Fashion Square has long supported local nonprofits, arts organizations, youth programs, and citywide initiatives that uplift residents and strengthen community vitality. Through partnerships, fundraising events, volunteerism, and in-kind support, the center has helped fuel Scottsdale’s growth while preserving its vibrant character. As a gathering place for millions, it has become a cornerstone for civic engagement, tourism, and community pride.

A true Scottsdale landmark, Fashion Square’s legacy is defined not only by luxury retail—but by decades of commitment to the people and spirit of Scottsdale.

Click Here to see all previous inductees into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame

Create A Tribute Message for Your Favorite Honoree!

Celebrate the remarkable achievements of this year's Scottsdale History Hall of Fame honorees by purchasing a Tribute Message! Whether you're congratulating a friend, colleague, or simply expressing your gratitude to the deserving inductees, a Tribute Message is a heartfelt way to show your support.

Your personalized message will be displayed on a rotating video message board before and after the event, ensuring that your sentiments are seen and appreciated by all. For only $100, you can make a meaningful contribution to this special occasion. Don't miss this opportunity to honor those who have made a lasting impact on you and on our community.

RESERVE YOUR TRIBUTE MESSAGE HERE