Scottsdale celebrated the people behind the city’s exceptional service Wednesday at the 2025 Scottsdale Employee & Volunteer Awards, recognizing individuals and teams whose dedication, innovation and compassion make a daily difference in the community. Employees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of previous award winners.

“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 year’s honorees represent every corner of the organization — from water engineering and library facilities to adaptive recreation, public safety and aquatics.

Below are the 2025 award recipients and highlights of their contributions.

Herb Drinkwater Award
Chief Joseph LeDuc – Police Department
Police Chief Joseph LeDuc was honored for his decades of leadership, community service and unwavering commitment to the Scottsdale community. LeDuc serves on several regional and statewide boards supporting youth, crisis response and individuals with intellectual disabilities. He is widely respected for his compassionate leadership and deep commitment to public service.

Bill Donaldson Award
Jonathan Montoya – Human Services
Human Services Supervisor Jonathan Montoya guided the city’s food bank through a major transition to a new facility while ensuring uninterrupted support for those in need. Under his leadership, the food bank expanded donations, strengthened partnerships, improved volunteer coordination and enhanced service delivery. His thoughtful and steady leadership reflects the spirit of former City Manager Bill Donaldson.

William P. Schrader Volunteer Impact Award
Mich Thomas – Adaptive Recreation
Volunteer coach Mich Thomas brings unmatched enthusiasm and heart to Scottsdale’s Adaptive Recreation and Special Olympics Bobcats programs. He coaches multiple sports, mentors new volunteers and uses his creative skills to celebrate athletes’ achievements. His commitment strengthens the program and the broader community.

Unsung Hero Award
Horacio Ventura – Solid Waste
Solid Waste Equipment Operator Horacio Ventura was selected by the City Council for an act of quiet compassion that embodies Scottsdale’s core values. After noticing a young driver struggling to repair a flat tire, Ventura stopped to help, guided the driver through the repair, completed the plug himself, and even paid for the air pump when the young man couldn’t. A resident later wrote to the city to share how much this simple act meant to her son.

Ventura’s selfless actions — performed off the clock, without recognition and purely out of kindness — demonstrate integrity, professionalism and a genuine commitment to serving others.

People’s Choice Award
Cactus Aquatics Team – Parks & Recreation
Employees across the city selected the Cactus Aquatics Team for their exemplary response during a life-threatening emergency. Their calm coordinated efforts to administer CPR and emergency care reflected exceptional training and dedication. Their professionalism earned praise from Scottsdale firefighters and heartfelt gratitude from the community.

Employee Values Awards

Scottsdale also honored employees and teams who demonstrate the city’s core service values.

Dedicated Service
Brian DeMeo – Facilities
Facilities professional Brian DeMeo was recognized for his exceptional work modernizing and maintaining the Civic Center Library. His craftsmanship, responsiveness and proactive approach keep one of Scottsdale’s most visited public facilities safe, functional and welcoming.

Thoughtful Innovation
SPARK Project Team – City Attorney’s Office & Information Technology
The SPARK project team modernized case management for the City Attorney’s Office by launching a real-time, automated and user-friendly platform that improves efficiency, transparency and customer service. Their work has transformed daily operations and set a new standard for public-sector innovation.

Collaborative Teamwork
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Project Team – Parks & Recreation and partner departments
The Railroad Park team delivered two major additions — the Roundhouse indoor playground and a new splash pad — through close collaboration among city departments and community partners. These enhancements expand year-round recreation opportunities and strengthen one of Scottsdale’s signature parks.

Value Diversity
Kelsey Lamper – Adaptive Services
Adaptive Services Operations Supervisor Kelsey Lamper was recognized for advancing accessibility and inclusion across the organization. She supported the development of Scottsdale’s refreshed ADA program, improved public engagement processes and ensured ASL interpretation for public meetings.

Accountable Integrity
Water Engineering Team – Scottsdale Water
The Water Engineering Team (WET) was honored for its commitment to ethical decision-making, technical excellence and responsible stewardship of Scottsdale’s water infrastructure. Their work supports critical projects, protects public health and ensures reliable service for residents and businesses.

Continuous Learning
Vista del Camino Staff - Human Services
Human Services staff received this year’s Continuous Learning Award for embracing new responsibilities, expanding their skills and strengthening support for residents facing hardship.

Team members learned complex grant requirements to launch the ADOH Flex Fund program, developing new skills in assessment, case management and financial assistance. Their efforts have already helped dozens of households remain stable and avoid homelessness.

At the same time, staff across Vista del Camino continued to cross-train, learning each other’s roles to better meet growing community needs — from supporting food bank operations to assisting with career services, recreation programs and crisis response.

Together, these employees demonstrate how a shared commitment to learning and adaptability can meaningfully expand the city’s ability to serve residents with care and expertise.

This year’s honorees demonstrate the depth of talent and commitment across Scottsdale’s workforce. Whether improving city systems, supporting residents, or responding in critical moments, their efforts continue to enhance the quality of service our community receives.