Linda Rizzuto | 2025 May and Dr. A. Barnett Scott Service Award

Linda Rizzuto is a retired corporate leader and passionate community volunteer who has dedicated her life to service and advocacy. After graduating from Tennessee Technological University with a degree in Engineering Science, Linda embarked on a distinguished 35-year career at Procter & Gamble. She held various leadership roles, from manufacturing management and human resources to corporate project management and global systems training. Her career highlights include managing local and global projects and winning awards for her work on significant system and payroll transitions.

Driven by the belief that P&G's focus on improving lives extends beyond the workplace, Linda has channeled her corporate leadership skills into extensive community involvement. She currently serves as a board member for Leaders Education Foundation and has been involved with several additional organizations, including WRAP, Area Relief Ministries, Downtown Dogs Rescue, Imagination Library, and the Liberty Garden Conservancy Board. From 2016-2024, she was a leader for the all-volunteer group Blue Strong, which provides assistance and recognition to local law enforcement.

In addition to her extensive volunteer work, Linda's passion for community-building led her to take on another project. Working with the Community Foundation team, she spearheaded the relaunch of the 100 Women Who Care philanthropy group in 2024. Through her efforts to expand and reignite passion for the program, the group has flourished, granting $32,000 to local nonprofits since its relaunch. This initiative stands as a testament to her ability to mobilize others and create a significant, positive impact on the community she loves.

Linda’s commitment to service has earned her numerous accolades, including the Sterling Award as one of the top 20 influential women in West Tennessee and the Empowering Women Award from WRAP. She was also recognized as the Woman of Impact by the American Heart Association in 2023.

In her retirement, Linda enjoys traveling with her family, reading, and giving back to the community. She is married to Dave Rizzuto, and together they cherish spending time with their daughter Pam, son-in-law Daniel, and granddaughter Skylar. They keep family traditions alive through annual gatherings at the family lake house in Ripley, Tennessee.

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About the May and Dr. Barnett Scott Service Award

The 2011 Charity Gala was dedicated to long-time board member and past chairman of the board Dr. A. Barnett Scott. His involvement as volunteer, donor, visionary, and chairman helped move the Community Foundation of West Tennessee to many records, including reaching $15 million in assets during his term as board chair from 2005 – 2007. In 2008, he was honored with a Jackson Award for Community Service.

The Dr. A. Barnett Scott Service Award was established to honor Dr. Scott after his death in August 2011. Following his death, his wife, May Scott, was a dedicated volunteer and advocate for the Community Foundation and its work. She and her family attended The Charity Gala each year to help present the award and honor Dr. Scott's legacy. May passed away in April 2024, and the award name was changed to reflect both May and Dr. Scott's contributions to our community and our organization.

The Community Foundation staff and Board of Trustees wanted to honor their legacy by annually recognizing someone who selflessly served the Community Foundation and its programs. Each year, the staff selects a volunteer to be honored with this award at The Charity Gala.