After 40 years with the company, Vicki McDonald is retiring this week. She has led a long and successful career, helping drive the company’s growth and being a leader in collaboration and innovative thinking.
Vicki joined National Life Group in 1976 as a Service Representative in New Business. Just a quick look at the positions she’s held tells a lot about what she’s done to make the company such a success.
In 1983 she was promoted to Assistant Supervisor of Policy Issue, to Director of Technical Services in 1985 and then to Director of New Business in 1986.
She became 2nd Vice President of Policy Issue in 2000 and Vice President of New Business & Service Operations in 2013. In 2016 Vicki joined the Enterprise Services Delivery Office.
But more than the titles she’s held or the jobs she’s done, Vicki has been a friend to so many of us over the years. She says it’s those friendships that she’ll miss.
“Anytime anyone leaves National Life it’s the people they miss the most,” she said. “Without the wonderful people in this building I would not have been able to be successful. The relationships I have made here throughout the years and in the Field will continue to be a part of my life forever.”
Vicki acknowledges that she’s helped to guide the growth at National Life.
“I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of our company’s unprecedented success and to help others grow and succeed in their careers and lives,” she said. “I take great pride in knowing that the company I helped build is strong and continues to accomplish unbelievable things. Friday will be the end of my 41 years with the company, but will mark the beginning of the rest of my life. Thank you to all of those who have been a part of this amazing journey and I wish everyone my best.”
Vicki has gotten many acknowledgments and accolades for her hard work.
“Throughout her career, Vicki has been a leader in role modeling collaboration and fostering the expression of new ideas to enhance our operations areas, often navigating through periods of unprecedented change and uncertainty as our business has grown and expectations have been raised,” Bill Whitsell said in 2013.
In 2016 Eric Plasse also noted Vicki’s talent and passion for her work. “Vicki is revered by her work colleagues for her passion, vision, and commitment to servant leadership. We are both humbled and excited to have Vicki join the team!” Eric said, welcoming her to the ESDO team.
Although she has worked passionately helping others and leading innovative projects throughout her career, Vicki’s favorite memories are of fun events at the company. She has enjoyed company softball games, quarter century gatherings, pot luck meals in New Business, but most of all her favorite memory is of Halloween parades that got started in the new business area.
Outside of work she has been an engaged member of the community committed to doing good for others. Vicki was on the School Board and Planning Commission in Plainfield.
She has lived in Vermont her entire life and enjoys being outdoors biking, skiing, and horseback riding.