"A leader taps into the fullest capacity in a group of people, paints a picture of what's possible and supports the team in making it come to life."— Tamara Vrooman

As Chief Executive Officer of Vancity, Tamara Vrooman harnesses the strength, breadth and diversity across Vancity to encourage growth and prosperity for the greater good. As the head of Canada's largest credit union, Tamara considers her role as a continuation of her career in public service as Vancity extends its financial success to facilitate positive social and environmental change.

As Deputy Minister of Finance for British Columbia from 2004 through mid-2007, Tamara also served as Secretary to the Treasury Board and CEO of the Public Sector Employers' Council. Among her achievements in that time, Tamara led the strategy development and implementation to successfully renegotiate 100 per cent of expiring collective agreements in the public sector without strike or mediation and led the Ministry to two AAA credit rating upgrades. Her role included overseeing the government's annual $100 billion borrowing and cash requirements and developing the government's $36 billion fiscal plan. Her prior portfolio was as Deputy Minister and Executive Financial Officer for the Ministry of Health where she balanced the budget and developed the Ministry's financial management plan.

Tamara pursued her post-secondary education at the University of Victoria, earning a Master of Arts in History in 1994 and a Bachelor of Arts, with Honors in 1991. Her accomplishments have been recognized with the 2007 Knowledge and Leadership Award from the Association of Women in Finance; inclusion on Canada's Top 40 Under 40™ and the 2003 Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for outstanding contributions to public service in B.C.

Tamara currently serves as a Board Governor of the BCBusiness Council, and is also a member of the Council's Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. She has recently been appointed to the Advisory Board of the Vancouver Board of Trade's Women's Leadership Circle, where she helps deliver programs, speakers, topics and other events that will help women feel more engaged with the Board of Trade and business community. Tamara also serves as a Board Director for the Conference Board of Canada, as well as an Advisory Board Member for the University of Victoria's School of Public Affairs. Tamara is chair of the Board of Citizens Bank of Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vancity.

Raised in Kamloops, Tamara lived for over 15 years in Victoria before moving to Vancouver and her position with Vancity. "A member like everyone else," Tamara, her husband and young son all belong to Vancity's Kitsilano Branch where the staff advise her on everything from financial planning to the West Side's best restaurants and  most popular playgrounds.