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C-SUITE | 2024 AWARDS HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 B5 W ith 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Heather Lavallee is a collabora- tive leader who excels in building purpose- driven, high-performing businesses. As CEO, she's responsible for driving Voya's direction and overseeing growth plans. Previously, Lavallee served as Voya's president and CEO-elect. Prior to that, she was CEO of Voya's Wealth Solutions business and, before that, presi- dent of the Tax-Exempt Markets business, which became the largest retirement plan provider in the government market in 2020. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? In my first 18 months as Voya's CEO, I led a strategic transformation of the company's business mix that expanded the company into new markets and introduced new solutions that are advancing Voya's custom- er-centric growth strategy and setting new industry expectations. is includes three successful strategic acquisitions and integrations that have expanded Voya's reach, both in the U.S. and internationally, to provide differentiated experience to employers, employees and institutions. Today, Voya is well-positioned and executing its strategy, which is centered on accelerated growth that continues to build the company's core, expand into adjacencies, and explore and develop new transformative ideas. In what ways are you involved in the community? As a board member for the Council for Economic Education, I dedicate my time and expertise for equitable access to financial education that is diverse and far-reaching. Heather Lavallee CEO VOYA FINANCIAL INC. Size of organization:$7.3 billion in revenue in 2023; 9,000 employees Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psy- chology, Colby College; MBA, Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business WINNER CATEGORY | CEO, LARGE COMPANY, 200+ EMPLOYEES R oberta "Bert" Wachtelhausen has over 30 years of senior leadership experience shaping products and programs at health plans and other health and well- being service organizations across Connecticut, including founding the Connecticut-based business WellSpark Health. In 2023, Wachtelhausen transitioned from president of WellSpark Health to a trusted advisor. She has also estab- lished herself as a consultant, pulling from her experience to help executives plot and execute successful growth strategies. What was your biggest professional accomplishment? Taking an idea, bringing it to life and having others believe in the vision. WellSpark Health was an idea on paper to address a gap in the market with a vision to disrupt the current delivery model. To make it a reality it required: • Possessing the leadership and courage to convince others to invest in that vision with capital and other resources. • Assembling a team of people with the right skills and courage to go on this journey with me. • Overcoming many obstacles – including finan- cial peril, attempting to launch a new brand at the onset of COVID-19, and keeping employees focused on the mission during all of it. • Watching the dream come true as the market responded favorably, our business got off the ground, and WellSpark began to grow. In what ways are you involved in the community? I participate on two local boards, the CT Women's Hall of Fame and CT IFS. I am also an active volunteer, supporting Habitat for Humanity of Central Connecticut. On the job Guiding business principle: Treat people the way you want to be treated. Build great teams and coach them to success. Best way to keep your competitive edge: I am competitive and hate to lose, so I approach every opportunity from the lens of a business student. Research is key. Take the time to study your competitors. And don't just study why you lose. You also need to study why you win. Best business decision: Having the courage to start a company. It was the most satisfying roller coaster I've ever been on. Worst business decision: I've made two or three bad hires due to the need for speed. I settled when I shouldn't have. I should have waited for the right person. Biggest missed opportunity: I can't think of any. I usually lean in and say 'yes' when the opportunity knocks. Goal yet to be achieved: I am still hungry to make an impact in the world, but right now, I'm working on checking off items on my travel bucket list. Personal touch in your office: ere was always music playing in every office I've ever had. It quiets my mind and helps me write and think. Personal side Place of residence: South Windsor Favorite way to relax: Listening to music while cooking dinner in the kitchen Hobbies: Cooking, enjoying live music, golf and cycling Last vacation: A cross-country cycling vaca- tion in Portugal last November Favorite movie: "e Italian Job" and the Oceans trilogy. I love the teamwork involved in the heists. e car you drive: A Subaru Outback with 170,000 miles on it. With two dogs, four bicy- cles, golf clubs, and several road trips a year, it fits my family's lifestyle. Currently reading: I just finished the House- maids trilogy by Freida McFadden. e plan is to read some novels by Ruth Ware next. Favorite cause: Habitat for Humanity. I partic- ipate in Women Build every year. Second choice career: I come from a family of teachers, so it would be logical for me to follow that path. But I think I would probably have gone into coaching sports. I can't ignore my competi- tive nature. It's in my DNA. Roberta "Bert" Wachtelhausen Founder & former President WELLSPARK HEALTH Size of organization: 54 employees Education: Bachelor's Degree, UConn's Neag School of Education; Post-Graduate Work, University of Hartford's Barney School of Business Additionally, I am committed to disability inclusion through serving as Voya Cares' executive sponsor, a National Down Syndrome Society board member, and ongoing advocacy. On the job Guiding business principle: Stay true to your convictions and know that it is okay to follow your gut on big decisions. Best way to keep your competitive edge: Do something that makes you feel uncom- fortable every day. Best business decision: Always taking the stretch assignment Goal yet to be achieved: Continue to grow market cap at Voya Personal touch in your office: Two things to mention — I have always had a picture of my boys on my desk, along with a framed reminder of the importance of "Perseverance."