Educators, first responders, business owners and community leaders were honored at “La Dolce Vista” on November 6. VUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Vista, CA. — The Vista Chamber of Commerce and the Vista Education Foundation honored 16 award recipients Friday night at the 15th Annual Heroes of Vista Awards, “La Dolce Vista,” held at the Optimist Club of Vista. The event celebrated excellence in education, public service, community and business.
The evening’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, went to Dr. Matt Doyle, Superintendent of the Vista Unified School District. Dr. Doyle has spent 36 years in public education and has led Vista Unified since 2019. Under his leadership, the district doubled its college and career pathway courses, more than doubled AP participation, and built partnerships including a fast-track bachelor’s pathway with CSU San Marcos and an EMT pathway with the City of Vista and Vista Fire Rescue.
Bill Hornung of Humble Pie Communications received the Nick Ljubic Chamber Champion Award, which honors the late Nick Ljubic, a lifelong Vistan and devoted Chamber champion. Hornung is the sixth recipient of the award.
The five business winners were revealed from the stage for the first time Friday night. Finalists were selected by the Chamber’s Executive Board, and winners were chosen by an independent panel of Chamber of Commerce CEOs from outside the region.
2026 Heroes of Vista Award Winners
Business Awards
- Businessperson of the Year: Donnell Hilliard, Kingdom Kutz
- Small Business of the Year: Lightweight Debris Removal
- Large Business of the Year: Dr. Bronner’s
- New Business of the Year: Gather Catering
- Non-Profit of the Year: Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
Education Awards
- Technology Educator of the Year: Daniel Guerzon, Explore, Video Productions and Artful Learning Coordinator, Roosevelt Middle School
- Art Educator of the Year: Jessica O’Donnell Macias, Visual Arts Teacher, Mission Vista High School
- Healthcare Professional of the Year: Blanca Rodriguez, Counselor and Community School Site Lead, Maryland Elementary School
- Classified Employee of the Year: Stephanie Ross, Cafeteria Lead, T.H.E. Leadership Academy
- Administrator of the Year: Myrna Gonzalez, Assistant Principal, Foothill Oak Elementary School
Community, City and Public Safety Awards
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Matt Doyle, Superintendent, Vista Unified School District
- Nick Ljubic Chamber Champion: Bill Hornung, Humble Pie Communications
- Military Veteran of the Year: Chief Master Sergeant Holly Kress-Hall, U.S. Air Force Reserve (Ret.)
- Firefighter of the Year: Firefighter/Paramedic Conor Frasher, Vista Fire Rescue
- Sheriff of the Year: Deputy Michael Rodriguez, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, Vista Station
- Excellence in Public Service Award: Jennifer Edwards, Theatre Technical Coordinator, City of Vista
Longevity Awards
The Chamber also recognized members celebrating milestone anniversaries of Chamber membership, including Palomar College (40 years), Shadowridge Owners Association (35 years) and Guajome Park Academy (30 years).
“Every one of these honorees shows what it means to be a true Vistan,” said Rachel Beld, Chief Executive Officer of the Vista Chamber of Commerce. “The teachers, first responders, business owners and volunteers we celebrated Friday are the reason Vista is such a special place. We’re grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate them with us.”
Heroes of Vista is a signature fundraiser for the Vista Education Foundation, which provides college scholarships to Vista students and funds grants for arts, technology and career programs in local schools. Proceeds also support the Vista Chamber Foundation’s Rising Star scholarships, Velocity Summer Internship Program and civic education work.
Watch the Winner Videos and View Photos
Each honoree was featured in a short video produced by Chris Ryan Video. All winner videos can be viewed at vistachamber.org/heroes.
Photos from the event can be viewed on the Chamber’s Facebook page. Photos by Maria Bowman and student photographers from Rancho Buena Vista High School.
The Chamber thanks its table sponsors and event partners, including Chris Ryan Video, ETS Productions, B&K Engraving and the Optimist Club of Vista.
About the Vista Chamber of Commerce We are a catalyst for business growth and champions for a stronger community. Learn more at vistachamber.org.
About the Vista Education Foundation – The Vista Education Foundation empowers the next generation of learners by providing college scholarships to deserving students and funding innovative programs in local schools, including grants for arts, technology and vocational training. Learn more at vistaed.org.
