Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce announces 2026 community award winners at annual gala

The Hilton Head Island–Bluffton Chamber of Commerce honored three individuals and two organizations at its 2026 Chamber Ball Awards, held February 7 at the Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa. These annual awards honor individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and commitment have helped shape the Lowcountry’s economy, culture, and quality of life.

This year’s honorees reflect a wide range of contributions, from preserving cultural heritage and protecting the natural environment to advancing healthcare access, community service, and philanthropic leadership.

Icon Award: Tom Barnwell
The Icon Award recognizes an individual who has made an indelible mark on the community and helped shape its future. This year’s recipient, Tom Barnwell, is a lifelong Hilton Head Island native whose leadership, advocacy, and stewardship have left a lasting legacy.

Born on the island in 1935, Barnwell has spent decades advocating for native islanders, preserving Gullah culture, and protecting the land and waters that define the Lowcountry. From testifying before Congress, to serving on President John F. Kennedy’s “To Fulfill These Rights” Committee, to standing against industrial development, his influence has been felt locally and nationally. As a co-author of Gullah Days and a respected community patriarch, Barnwell’s life’s work reflects a deep commitment to honoring the past while safeguarding opportunity for future generations.

Heritage Award: Volunteers in Medicine
The Heritage Award honors a nonprofit organization making a lasting, meaningful impact on the community and its residents. Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) receives this year’s award for its decades-long commitment to compassionate, accessible healthcare.

Founded more than 30 years ago by Dr. Jack McConnell, Volunteers in Medicine serves as a critical health and wellness safety net for the Lowcountry. Providing care through more than 20,000 patient visits each year across 26 specialties, VIM operates without government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of volunteer physicians, nurses, specialists, and community members. Through dignity-centered care, the organization strengthens families, supports the workforce, and eases the burden on emergency services, one patient at a time.

Pinnacle Award: The Riverstone Group & The Sea Pines Resort
The Pinnacle Award celebrates a business that exemplifies success, innovation, and a commitment to giving back. The Riverstone Group and The Sea Pines Resort are being honored for their leadership in philanthropy, environmental stewardship, and community investment. Built as the first eco-friendly community envisioned by Charles Fraser more than 60 years ago, the resort has welcomed generations of visitors and residents. It hosts the internationally renowned Harbour Town, the RBC Heritage presented by Boeing, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, and more.

Guardian Award: Dr. Jean Fruh
The Guardian Award honors an individual who has made a significant impact on preserving the Lowcountry’s natural environment. This year’s recipient, Dr. Jean Fruh, is being recognized for decades of environmental leadership and education. This is the inaugural year for this new award.

As Executive Director of the Outside Foundation and a South Carolina Master Naturalist, Dr. Fruh has helped connect thousands of residents and students to the waterways, marshes, and ecosystems that define the region. Through programs like Kids in Kayaks, nearly every local seventh grader has experienced hands-on environmental education, often forming a first and lasting connection to the Lowcountry’s natural resources. Her leadership in oyster restoration and conservation efforts continues a legacy of stewardship rooted in respect for the land and water.

Zonta Woman of the Year: Kristin Keller
The Zonta Woman of the Year Award, presented by the local Zonta organization as part of Zonta International, recognizes working women who demonstrate leadership, community service, and a commitment to improving the status of women and girls. This year’s honoree, Kristin Keller – a marketing representative at Palmetto Electric – exemplifies service through consistent, hands-on leadership.

Keller has served in leadership roles across numerous community organizations, including as Board President of the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association and as President of her Rotary Club, where she has led service initiatives and major fundraising efforts. A former member of the Leadership Hilton Head-Bluffton Board of Regents and an advocate for student success through Beaufort County School District committees, Keller has also shared her family’s personal story to raise awareness for heart health initiatives.

About the Chamber Ball
The Chamber Ball is one of the Hilton Head Island–Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s signature annual event, bringing together business leaders, nonprofit partners, and community champions for an evening of celebration and recognition. Proceeds support the Chamber’s mission to advance economic vitality, workforce development, and quality of life across the Lowcountry.

Representing over 1,350 member businesses, the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce serves as the collective voice for the business and tourism community, driving economic prosperity and enhancing the quality of life in the Lowcountry.

For over 65 years, the chamber has been integral to making Hilton Head Island and Bluffton exceptional places to live, work, and thrive. The chamber is a three-time National Chamber of the Year Award winner and holds 5-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a distinction achieved by less than 1.5% of chambers nationwide.

As the Designated Marketing Organization (DMO) for Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Southern Beaufort County, the chamber has earned accreditation from Destinations International, reflecting global excellence across 16 key disciplines.