29th Annual
HMCHA Pineapple Awards

For nearly three decades, the Huntsville/Madison County Hospitality Association (HMCHA) has recognized individuals who distinguish themselves through their outstanding professional accomplishments within the industry. At the 29th Annual HMCHA Pineapple Awards ceremony on January 29, 2026, the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) was honored to have one staff member recognized as an industry leader. 

Red Ribbon awards are presented annually to five industry professionals based on fellow HMCHA colleague nominations. Winners are selected based on their outstanding contributions directly benefiting tourism, their economic impact on the local community, and their development/improvement of projects and programs benefiting tourism. 

2026 Red Ribbon Award Winner - Travel and Tourism
Charles Winters | Executive Vice President

Since its inception in 1992, Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College (STS) has provided students with a curriculum designed to teach marketing techniques from all facets of the tourism industry. Upon completing the three-year Marketing College curriculum, students receive a Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) certification. HMCHA awards an STSMC scholarship each year to a tourism industry professional in destination marketing. The CVB is pleased that two of its staff members received these scholarships.

The 2026 HMCHA Officers and Board of Directors were inducted during the Pineapple Awards ceremony. Sharon Snell, CVB Director of Community Engagement, was sworn in for a third term.

Previous HMCHA Award Recipients

Pineapple Award | Brenda Martin, Board Member
Lifetime Achievement Award | Judy Ryals, President/CEO
Tourism & Travel Red Ribbon Award | Joel Lamp, Sports Development Manager
Community Service Red Ribbon Award | Erica Matthews, Tourism Sales Manager
STS Marketing College Scholarship | Hannah Wilkins, Social Media Manager
Pineapple Award | Judy Ryals, President/CEO
Outstanding Team Award | Visitor Information Assistants
Lodging Red Ribbon Award | Pam Williams, Tourism & Education Sales Manager
STS Marketing College Scholarship | Terry Winland, Visitor Center Manager
Travel & Tourism Red Ribbon Award | Jennifer Moore, Vice President of Tourism
Travel & Tourism Red Ribbon Award | Pam Williams, Tourism & Education Sales Manager

Previous HMCHA Board Members

Board Member | Sharon Snell, Director of Community Engagement
President | Charles Winters, Executive Vice President
President | Judy Ryals, President/CEO
President | Jennifer Moore, Vice President of Tourism
Vice President | Charles Winters, Executive Vice President
Board Member | Jennifer Moore, Vice President of Tourism
Board Member | Judy Ryals, President/CEO