We are pleased to announce our 2025 Chairman's Award and Member of the Year winners as part of the 22^nd Annual Success Awards. Congratulations to Kathy Chandler-Henry and Chris Baddick!  

Chairman’s Award

The Vail Valley Partnership knows a thing or two about stepping in to fill a need or lend a hand. That’s just what Kathy Chandler-Henry did when she was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Eagle Board of County Commissioners in 2013. More than a decade later, she bid farewell to the role, but her legacy lives on.

Chandler-Henry is a lifelong resident of Eagle and remains engaged in community endeavors. She is on the board of the Colorado River District and the Bureau of Land Management’s Advisory Council and was recently appointed to the Governor’s Water Quality Control Commission.

When it came time to select a recipient for this year’s Chairman’s Award, VVP Board Chair Mike Brown had an easy job. He noted, “I was very pleased to choose Kathy Chandler-Henry for the 2025 Chairman’s Award. During her distinguished time as an Eagle County Commissioner, Kathy exemplified service, leadership, and collaboration. And more than simply fulfilling her duties, Kathy has actively worked on behalf of the business community and their employees.”

Member of the Year

Chris Baddick, owner of Cooley Mesa Detailing and Dollar and Thrifty Car Rental, both in Gypsum, is VVP’s Member of the Year. Chris was shocked and honored when he learned about this award, which was chosen by Partnership staff. Chris noted he tries to come to work every day with intentionality, even if no one notices.

Chris Romer, Vail Valley Partnership CEO, was excited to honor Baddick with this award. “Our team at the Partnership is blessed to have so many active and engaged members. Chris Baddick is an active leader in the business community, invests in his staff members through various Vail Valley Works professional development programs, and is committed to community – all things that we value in our members.”

The Partnership’s Director of Programs, Anna Robinson, echoed Romer’s sentiments. “Chris Baddick was an easy choice for VVP Member of the Year because he truly understands the mission of the VVP, Vail Valley Works, and the “why” behind the work we do. His commitment to his staff’s personal and professional development is a model for others, and that’s where community vitality truly begins.”

22^nd Annual Success Awards & Community Celebration

Join us in congratulating these two individuals at the 22^nd Annual Success Awards & Community Celebration on Thursday, May 8 at the EagleVail Pavilion from 3 – 6 p.m. We will announce the winners in 10 additional award categories, including business of the year, nonprofit of the year, community impact, excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and new this year, innovation in the public sector. See the award finalists here.  

Tickets include food from the Full Belly and complimentary beer or wine. Get your tickets here.

The 22^nd Annual Success Awards recognizes businesses and individuals who have excelled over the past year and acknowledges their hard work and dedication as the best in the Vail Valley. These businesses and individuals play a significant role in driving the Vail Valley’s business community and economic growth. The Chairman’s Award, Member of the Year, and the new Innovation in the Public Sector Award are selected by VVP board and staff. The rest of the awards are voted on and selected by the previous year’s award winners.