Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO of Vancity credit union, sees banking as being vital to the well-being of people while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the communities in which they live and work.

The interdependence of economic, social and environmental sustainability – the triple bottom line (TBL) – has informed her thinking. It ensures that the $27.4 billion in assets entrusted to Vancity by its members creates TBL impact.

Under Vrooman’s leadership, Vancity became the first carbon neutral financial institution in North America, the largest private-sector living wage employer in Canada and she tackled the shadow financial system by launching an alternative to predatory payday loans.

All of this was achieved while doubling the assets plus assets under administration and achieving the highest profits in Vancity’s history.

Vancity is internationally recognized for its values-based banking model. It was the first Canadian financial institution invited to join the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), an independent network of the world’s leading sustainable banks. As vice-chair, Vrooman is leading the development of the GABV’s long-term international strategy.

A significant part of Vrooman’s community leadership is focused on removing systemic barriers faced by women in the workplace. She has backed the Minerva Foundation’s Face of Leadership program since its inception, providing research funding and championing its work.

Vrooman’s input is sought by provincial and federal governments while internationally she has been invited by Pope Francis to share her views on the inclusive economy and by the Dalai Lama to discuss business values.