In February, the Huntsville Madison County Hospitality Association (HMCHA) presented Brenda Martin, the City’s Community Affairs representative, with the prestigious Pineapple Award for her contributions to the hospitality sector. HMCHA hosts the annual Pineapple Awards ceremony to honor members who have exhibited outstanding achievement and professionalism in the hospitality industry.

Brenda began her career with the City of Huntsville in 1989 as the first African-American woman appointed to the Mayor’s Senior Staff. Representing the mayor on many occasions throughout their terms, she’s served under three mayors for 25 years. She served as the inaugural Director of Multicultural Affairs, for the City of Huntsville, Alabama. A position she held on the Mayor’s Senior Staff from 2008 until her retirement in 2013.

Under Mayor Battle’s, “One City, One Vision, One Huntsville” initiative, she served as the liaison to existing neighborhood associations and managed the development of new associations across the city. In this capacity, Brenda provided leadership in collaboration with Huntsville City and Madison County groups to enable all to be inclusive and representative of the numerous cultures that reside in the heart of the Tennessee Valley Region.

Mayor Battle asked her to return months after her retirement on a part-time basis to anchor a Public Affairs Government Program, “Inside Huntsville with Brenda Martin,” which is now in its tenth year. The program provides the citizenry with information regarding the mayor’s initiatives and outreach, city departments, city agencies, appointed boards, and community events that enhance the quality of life for all.

Brenda is active in professional and local community organizations. Since moving to Huntsville, she has served on more than 40 civic boards, committees, and authorities. The Madison County Women’s Political Caucus recognized her as a “Trailblazer.” She has been a member of the CVB Board of Directors since 2013.

HMCHA hosts the annual Pineapple Awards ceremony to honor members who have exhibited outstanding achievement and professionalism in the hospitality industry. The 28th Annual Pineapple Dinner & Awards Ceremony was held in the South Hall Ballroom at the Von Braun Center, with over 100 hospitality industry professionals in attendance.