Employees From Across Our Footprint Gathered to Advance Leadership Skills and Form Relationships

Eighteen employees participated in Spring 2024 LEADS workshop.

May 03, 2024

2024 spring LEADS workshop attendees
From back to front, left to right: LEADS participants and facilitators: Amber Galou (facilitator), Ben Deede, Chuck Smith, Marisol Castro Aguilar, Carrie McInerney, Kevin Freeman, Charlie Townsend, June Peckingham, Tim Smith, Nick Scenna, Mark Heydt (facilitator), Carissa Burlakos, Abi Rudow, Kristen Bergassi, Amy Vaillancourt, Charlene Harper, Jennifer Napier, Krystal Modigell, Brandon McAdams, and Andrew Prezioso.


As a Core Value at VHB, learning and development is a foundational element that our culture and employee experience is built on. We’re dedicated to providing robust learning and leadership development opportunities to support our employees in growing personally and professionally.

Eighteen employees gathered at the Warren Conference Center & Inn in Ashland, MA, at the beginning of April for VHB’s semi-annual LEADS workshop. The workshop is designed to enhance leadership skills, foster personal growth, and build connections among colleagues.

VHB LEADS is based on the principle that leadership effectiveness begins with self-awareness and a true understanding of individual leadership impact. It focuses on linking VHB’s business goals and individual leadership priorities. The program also brings VHB leaders together from different parts of the organization to build relationships and form connections, strengthening our generational company and status as an employer of choice.​​

Over two days, the group spent time evaluating feedback results from their peers, managers, and clients, receiving coaching and participating in peer coaching, practicing communication styles, and spending time with VHB senior leaders.

“LEADS provided me with a great set of tools to communicate more effectively and further develop my team. I also thoroughly enjoyed having dedicated time to learn alongside other VHBers. The shared insights, expertise, and advice were amazing,” said June Peckingham, IT Program Manager.

“The VHB LEADS program not only taught me a lot about myself but also allowed me to learn in an encouraging environment with other leaders present. Sharing our experiences and going through the training together connected me to others in a deeper, more meaningful way, and I created lasting friendships and partnerships within VHB,” said Charlie Townsend, Land Development Team Leader.

The group heard from company leaders, including President and CEO Mike Carragher, Chief Operation Officer Bill Ashworth, Chief Development Officer Mike McArdle, Chief Strategic Growth Officer Tom Jackmin, and Sr. VP, New England Regional Manager Meredith Avery. Each spoke of their journey to their roles as leaders in VHB.

Three VHB team members deep in conversation

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