Chandler Photographer at the 39th Annual Chamber Community Awards
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The complete photo gallery from the 39th Annual Chandler Chamber Community Awards is available at the link below.
Denim, Diamonds, and a Room Full of Chandler’s Best
Every year, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce brings together the businesses, educators, nonprofits, and public servants who make Chandler one of Arizona’s most active communities. As the Chandler photographer covering this year’s event, Photo Fusion Studio had a front-row seat to all of it.
The 39th Annual Chandler Chamber Community Awards took place at Gila River Resorts and Casinos, Wild Horse Pass, under the 2026 theme: Denim and Diamonds. From the moment guests arrived in country-chic denim and western flair to the final group photo on stage, the evening delivered exactly what a signature awards night should.
The Denim and Diamonds theme was not just a dress code — it shaped the entire visual identity of the evening. Stage decor featured a giant diamond ring marquee, hay bales, a wagon wheel, and cowboy hats. The ballroom at Wild Horse Pass was dressed in blue and silver, and hand-blown glass trophies lined a sequined table waiting for this year’s honorees.
Guests arrived in everything from full western denim to black-tie glam with silver accents. The check-in line set the tone before the ceremony even started.
The evening was hosted by Terri Kimble, President and CEO of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, who leads one of the largest chambers in Arizona representing more than 172,000 employees. Andrea Marconi, 2026 Chamber Board Chair and Chair of Fennemore Craig’s business litigation group, joined Kimble in welcoming guests and guiding the program.
Co-emcee for the night was David Specht, a Chandler-based entertainer and entrepreneur who owns MicDropMania Comedy Club in downtown Chandler with his wife. A Chandler resident since 2001, Specht kept the energy moving throughout the evening with the kind of warmth that only comes from someone who genuinely calls the community home.
The 2026 event program – Chandler’s Most Dazzling Night.
The ballroom set for Chandler’s most dazzling night at Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass.
Denim & Diamonds set design – where western flair meets sparkle.
Guests share a laugh at check-in as Denim & Diamonds night gets underway.
Trophies and category cards for this year’s award lineup.
Denise McCreery of d’Vine Gourmet (in navy) with Cari Gililland and Logan Valentine of Copper Brim Hat Co.
Mike McClanahan of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the Denim & Diamonds backdrop.
Photo Fusion Studio’s Everardo with Denise McCreery of d’Vine Gourmet.
Photo Fusion Studio’s Everardo with his wife Nicole on Denim & Diamonds night.
Harvey Gibson of Landings Credit Union with his grandson at the Denim & Diamonds backdrop.
Photographed by Chandler photographer Photo Fusion Studio
Chandler Photographer Coverage: Every 2026 Honoree
This year’s award lineup spanned education, business, public service, and community impact. Here is every honoree from the 39th Annual Chandler Chamber Community Awards.
Education Awards
CUSD Support Staff of the Year — Amber Rogers
Amber Rogers has served Chandler Unified School District for eight years as Catering Sales Manager, coordinating district events and serving external community clients with consistency and professionalism. She was recognized as CUSD Support Staff of the Year, presented by Digital Realty.
CUSD Educator of the Year — Jaime Pagliarulo
Jaime Pagliarulo, known throughout the Conley Elementary community as “Coach P” or “Pags,” is a physical education teacher who brings energy and creativity to everything she does. She was named CUSD Educator of the Year, presented by Intel.
CUSD Administrator of the Year — Dr. Joe Walters
Dr. Joe Walters, principal of Hancock Elementary, has spent more than 40 years in education. Under his leadership, Hancock Elementary earned a prestigious A+ rating while building a culture of belonging and student success. He was honored as CUSD Administrator of the Year, presented by Digital Realty.
Chandler Red Apple Award — Kaylee Gengler
Kaylee Gengler, Assistant Head of School at BASIS Chandler, oversees a campus of nearly 1,200 students while making it a priority to know every student by name. She received the Chandler Red Apple Award, presented by Kovach.
Superintendent Recognition — Frank Narducci
Frank Narducci was recognized for 25 years of service to the Chandler community as principal, director, and assistant superintendent. Under his leadership, Chandler Unified School District’s Community Education Department was formed and schools earned national recognition including the National Blue-Ribbon Award. Sponsored by First Things First.
- Trophies and category cards for this year’s award lineup.
Amber Rogers is named Support Staff of the Year, presented by Digital Realty.
All smiles on stage during the awards presentation.
Community Foundation Scholarships
Jonathan Sanchez-Ortiz, Emily Nuno, and Peyton Schonscheck each received $2,500 scholarships toward studies at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, sponsored by Air Products.
Business Awards
Micro Business of the Year — Seth Tucker, Price Mortgage
Seth Tucker, senior loan officer at Price Mortgage and a Chandler native, was recognized for his commitment to helping families achieve homeownership and his deep involvement in the Chandler Chamber and Chandler/Gilbert YMCA. Presented by APS.
Small Business of the Year — Maple House
Maple House, a locally owned gathering place in downtown Chandler housed inside a restored 1940s home, was named Small Business of the Year. The coffee shop and community space has become a staple of the downtown Chandler experience since opening in 2022. Presented by BMO Harris Bank.
Medium Business of the Year — VB Cosmetics
VB Cosmetics, founded by scientist and entrepreneur Dr. Vivian Valenty and creator of the Dazzle Dry nail system, was named Medium Business of the Year. The company earned recognition from Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies of 2026. Presented by Fennemore.
Large Business of the Year — KAEKO
KAEKO, a Chandler 100 company since 2022 and one of Arizona’s top engineering firms, was named Large Business of the Year for its leadership in civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering. Presented by SRP.
Community and Public Service Awards
Ambassador of the Year — Harvey Gibson, Landings Credit Union
Harvey Gibson, Business Development Officer at Landings Credit Union, has been a familiar and dedicated presence in the Chandler Chamber community for nearly 23 years. He was recognized as Ambassador of the Year, presented by Landings Credit Union.
James R. Snedigar Public Service Award — Fire Chief Thomas Dwiggins
Fire Chief Thomas Dwiggins has served the Chandler Fire Department since 1998, rising from firefighter and paramedic to become the city’s fifth Fire Chief in 2016. A United States Air Force veteran and certified Chief Fire Officer, Chief Dwiggins was honored for a career built on leadership, service, and mentoring the next generation of first responders.
Standing Ovation Award — Chandler Education Foundation
For 40 years, the Chandler Education Foundation has worked to ensure students across Chandler have access to opportunities through scholarships, STEM programs, and community partnerships. The organization received the Standing Ovation Award, presented by VB Cosmetics.
Community Cup — Michelle Mac Lennan
Michelle Mac Lennan spent 27 years shaping the Chandler Center for the Arts into a cultural cornerstone of the community. As she retires in 2026, her legacy includes nationally recognized performances, artist residency programs, and a sustained commitment to accessibility and free community events. She received the Community Cup for her extraordinary contributions to Chandler.
Chamber Cup — Yoga’s Arc
Founded in 2018 by Kary and Robert Sinkule, Yoga’s Arc is a mobile-based yoga company with more than 100 instructors serving organizations across the Valley, including recovery centers, behavioral health facilities, and survivor support programs. Yoga’s Arc received the Chamber Cup, presented by Dignity Health.
Chandler Cup — Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College received the Chandler Cup, selected by Mayor Kevin Hartke and presented by the City of Chandler. CGCC partnered with Intel to launch the nation’s first Associate in Applied Science degree in AI and is one of only three community colleges in the country to offer a bachelor’s degree in the field.
Harvey Gibson of Landings Credit Union accepts Ambassador of the Year, presented by Landings.
The Chandler Education Foundation receives the Standing Ovation Award, presented by VR Cosmetics.
Yoga’s Arc – Kary and Robert Sinkule – accepts the Chamber Cup, presented by Dignity Health.
Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke presents the Chandler Cup on stage.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College receives the Chandler Cup, presented by the City of Chandler.
More Than Awards: A Full Evening of Community
The 39th Annual ceremony included more than the awards presentations. A game-show-style segment had guests guessing the value of the Hope Diamond and competing for prizes including a Scheels gift card. The evening closed with all honorees gathered on stage — a full-room moment that captured what the Chandler Chamber has built over 39 years.
A guest guesses $13.5 million for the Hope Diamond during the evening’s prize game.
A guest wins a Scheels gift card in the evening’s prize game.
Renée Richeson of Signarama Chandler wins a 2.5-carat diamond during the evening’s prize game.
Corporate Event Photography in the Phoenix Metro
Photo Fusion Studio is your go-to Chandler photographer for corporate events in the Phoenix metro. Since 2012, we have covered conferences, trade shows, galas, and awards ceremonies across Arizona. If your organization hosts a signature event, professional photography is the documentation that outlasts the evening.
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