Each year, VHA recognizes four incredible team members as the recipients of our Leadership Awards. The awards are an annual recognition program to further build and strengthen VHA’s culture of leadership excellence by recognizing individuals at all levels who demonstrate leadership skills and behaviors on a consistent basis.

We’re proud to feature Vicki MacCallum as 2026’s Leadership Award recipient in the category of Building Bonds that Matter. This award goes to team members who demonstrate strong active listening skills and truly get down to the heart of an issue. They have an eagerness to help others and create win-win situations and exemplify our commitment to care for each other as much as we care for client

As part of celebrating Vicki’s achievement, we asked her a few questions about  what it means to her.7

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As the winner of the Building Bonds that Matter category, can you tell me what building bonds that matter means to you?

Building bonds that matter is one of the key principles in my leadership philosophy and my personal mission, both strongly influenced by my faith. Leadership is a balance between modeling, teaching and motivating. Strengthening relationships with the people I lead makes this easier.  The team has to know I care about them as people and as workers before I can gain their trust to follow my lead.

What is it about your work that inspires you?

I am inspired to come to work everyday because I enjoy all of the people I work with.  The relationships that I have are the highlight of every day.  I enjoy helping others the  most and this job allows me to help people in project work, leadership tasks, and client care.

Can you tell us about an achievement that you’re proud of?

Anyone who knows me knows I am most proud of my family, but from a work perspective, I am proud of my achievements in developing a strong team in the west region that is built of many long standing VHA workers.  Our teamwork and support for each other enables us to adapt to change and continue to provide the services that our clients need.

How does what you do help make care better for our clients at VHA?

My current role allows me to support the operations in the west region.  Putting supports in place for the frontline workers is key to them being able to provide the best client care.  An example of this would be the navigation tool that the team developed that helps them show their clients who we are and how we can help them. Listening to the needs of the team and brainstorming together to develop solutions that work helps them provide better services to clients.

What advice would you give for others that are working on their leadership skills?

If you are working on your leadership skills, consider your own personal strengths and how you can leverage them into your leadership philosophy. You will need to include some skills that are a stretch, but your own strengths and passions will be what keeps you going.

Is there anyone that you would like to give a shout-out to and why?

I always like to give a shout out to Glenda Providence.  Working directly under her for many years has given me opportunities to learn and develop my leadership skills.  She has always encouraged me to be a little better today than I was yesterday.

Congratulations Vicki. We’re so proud of your achievements and honoured to recognize you as a Leadership Award winner.