Rey and Cynthia Almodovar honored in Huntsville

Rey and Cynthia Almodovar are known for their long, dedicated service to the Huntsville-Madison County area.

In recognition of the couple’s philanthropy, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber presented them with its Distinguished Service Award. The ceremony took place during the chamber’s 87th annual membership meeting.

The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor the Chamber bestows to a volunteer in the Huntsville/Madison County community.

“Rey and Cynthia are incredibly deserving of this honor,” said outgoing Chamber Board Chair Greg Brown. “Some who win this award are recognized for business leadership, some for their community service, and others for their life-long passions.

“Rey and Cynthia exhibit all of these attributes and so much more in all the ways they have given back and inspired others.”

The Almodóvars are longtime philanthropists, giving to many organizations including Kids to Love, the Huntsville Botanical Garden, the National Children’s Advocacy Center, and U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

Rey Almodóvar is co-founder and CEO emeritus of Intuitive Research and Technology, a world-renowned aerospace and defense company.

Also at the meeting, Brown, co-CEO and CFO of Brown Precision, passed the gavel to incoming Board Chair Lynn Troy. A Yellowhammer Woman of Impact, she is president and founder of Troy 7, which was recently acquired by Yulista.

The Chamber announced scholarships of $4,500 to each of the five area colleges: Alabama A&M University, Calhoun Community College, Drake State Community & Technical College, Oakwood University, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Larry Leopard, associate director, Technical of the Marshall Space Flight Center, was the featured speaker for the luncheon. He reviewed several key projects that made 2022 a banner year for the Marshall team, including the launch of Artemis I and the Space Launch System and the safe return of the Orion capsule.

Marshall was also involved in the launch of the James Webb Telescope,  supporting three Commercial Crew launches to the International Space Station and the DART mission to intercept an asteroid. He also discussed projects coming in the next few years.