Philip W. Bentley Jr. Honored with Distinguished Service Award; Plaza Renamed in His Honor

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber hosted its 90th Annual Membership Meeting today in the Von Braun Center Saturn Ballroom. During the event, in his last official act as Chair, 2025 Chamber Board Chair Jeff Samz presented the Distinguished Service Award to Philip W. Bentley, Jr.

The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor the Chamber bestows to an individual in the Huntsville/Madison County community. Samz said he selected Bentley for this award due to his lifetime of volunteer service, especially in the field of healthcare. Bentley has served on the Health Care Authority Board of the City of Huntsville since 1999, including 17 years as Chairman. The Authority is an 11-member volunteer board responsible for governing Huntsville Hospital Health System.

“In every endeavor, both professional and volunteer, Phil is generous, caring, and a rock of integrity,” said Samz. “His service to the community at large and quietly to individuals in need confirms his character. His family knows it, the organizations that he has invested his life in know it, and now the greater community should know it.”

Samz, who is President and CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System, shared an additional surprise with Bentley on stage. He revealed the Health Care Authority Board has decided to rename the Plaza Resource Center on Governors Drive as “Bentley Plaza” going forward.

Samz then officially handed the ceremonial gavel to Jami Peyton, who is the Chamber’s 2026 Board Chair. Peyton is founder & CEO of Canvas.

Steve Lerch was the keynote speaker for the luncheon. He is an award-winning international public speaker, consultant, and former Google executive. He shared a message about digital strategy, marketing, consumer behavior, and innovation.