Vancity

Meet Jesse Breaker, Director of Infrastructure Engineering at Vancity. Jesse leads teams that ensure Vancity’s core tech—servers, networks, and data centers—run smoothly and efficiently. He focuses on futureproofing through upgrades, cloud initiatives, and security measures, while collaborating with teams like InfoSec to align infrastructure with strategic goals. To learn more about Jesse, read on! What has kept you motivated and committed to Vancity for so long, especially in such a rapidly evolving field? Over 31 years at Vancity, I’ve stayed committed by contributing to something bigger than technology. Vancity’s values—community impact, sustainability, and social responsibility—align with my own. The ever-evolving tech landscape, from cloud adoption to service delivery improvements, keeps me engaged. Building relationships, mentoring talent, and aligning tech with business goals make the work rewarding. Knowing our efforts serve our members and community drives me every day. How has your role evolved over the years, from when you first started at Vancity to now leading Infrastructure Engineering & Cloud Engineering? When I started at Vancity, my role was focused on hands-on technical work—managing systems, networks, and infrastructure, all based at head office before cloud technology existed. As technology evolved, so did my responsibilities, shifting from hardware management to strategic leadership, where I aligned our tech strategy with Vancity’s goals and took on roles such as Director of Infrastructure, VP of IT, and Director of QA. With my MBA, I’ve gained a broader perspective on IT’s business impact, helping me make strategic, informed decisions. Today, my focus is on advancing our infrastructure to support Vancity’s future vision. What are some of the most transformative changes you’ve witnessed in technology at Vancity over the past three decades, and how have you adapted to these changes? Over three decades at Vancity, I’ve seen tech evolve from mainframes to distributed systems, building scalable infrastructure. The internet and digital transformation led to an overhaul for online and mobile banking. Cloud computing then enabled faster scaling and innovation, while increased connectivity heightened the focus on cybersecurity, evolving from basic protections to advanced threat detection and security integration. What advice would you give to those starting their careers in tech on how to build a lasting and fulfilling career like yours? Technology is always evolving, and embracing uncertainty is key. Early in my career, I couldn’t have predicted the impact of cloud computing, AI, and automation, but adapting to these shifts has kept me relevant. Be ready for change, pivot quickly, and view setbacks as opportunities to grow.

Hear Director of Indigenous Banking Michelle Laviolette on Bears’ Lair Television's Beyond The Lair podcast talking to Geena Jackson and Dean Montgomery about the importance of relationships and teamwork, and how that has helped build Vancity programs that support financial literacy, entrepreneurism and affordable housing.🎙 Listen to the podcast here: https://lnkd.in/g9DHbiA5 Also available on all major streaming platforms.

Change is here, but our values stay strong. Hear from Vancity’s CEO, Wellington Holbrook, about Vancity 2.0—what’s evolving and what’s staying the same. From climate leadership to affordable housing and equity, our commitment to our values is unwavering.

Meet Sophie Salcito, B.B.A. CFP, CIM, a Wealth Advisor at Vancity and Aviso Wealth*. Sophie supports her members in planning their finances by assessing risks and helping them achieve goals like retirement savings, estate planning, and tax planning. Her favourite part of the job is the strong client relationships she has built over more than 20 years at the branch. She also enjoys the research and continuous learning her role offers. To learn more about Sophie, read on! What is your day-to-day like? My day starts with reading the financial section of the newspaper…. something I swore I would never do when I was in my 20's in my Finance class at SFU. I had no idea them I would grow to love this job and do the reading necessary to stay on top of my job and help my clients! After catching up on reading, I monitor client account activity and have my client appointments throughout the day. The day wraps up with admin work to complete the client’s plans. Can you share a few things you’ve been able to achieve in your role? I have been able to watch my clients save to buy their homes, watch them enjoy their children, and then their grandchildren. I have helped clients through divorce and the passing of family members. I think the stability I have offered my clients has been a helpful hand through all their life transitions. Can you briefly share how you ended up working at Vancity.    I have been a Vancity member since I was 16 years old! After completing my Business degree at SFU I worked at an Import/Export firm and started to save in my own RRSP, bought my own car with savings and then bought my first condo at 25 years old due to my diligent savings. After 5 years at my first job, I decided I needed a change and wanted to come work at Vancity, where I saw happy staff when I went in to do my weekly banking. I started as a teller at my local North Vancouver branch and worked my way up to being a Wealth Advisor over my 27 years with the company. I have to say I love my job, and I enjoy helping clients grow and invest just as I did for myself. Do you have any advice for anyone looking to get into a similar role or career path to yours? I encourage anyone to reach out to me via email to get advice about working for Vancity. I am happy to share my experiences and to help others learn more about working with us.  I try to give advice on the next steps for people to get a role with us. Becoming a Wealth Advisor would require the Canadian Securities Course so that is a good course to complete if you want to learn about investing and get the certification that you will require to do this job. Also, try to find someone to job shadow with if you are in a financial organization as that can really show you the day-to-day workflow.   *Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Aviso Wealth, a division of Aviso Financial Inc.

Apply to join our Board of Directors, building our vision as a financial force for change. Apply before Friday, December 6, 2024. Get the full details here: https://bit.ly/4fuW70c

🎉 Big news! We’re excited to share that Vancity has once again been named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers! We've made this list an incredible 18 times, dating back to 2003, and it's a recognition we're incredibly proud of. From our flexible work arrangements to our initiatives focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Reconciliation (DEIR), we strive to go the extra mile for our team members. We prioritize mental health, offer comprehensive parental leave, and lead with action on climate and financial inclusion. Each year, we support our communities by sharing a percentage of our net profits, and we continuously build deep partnerships that reflect our values. Congratulations to all the other Top 100 employers. See the full list here: https://lnkd.in/d6MWmKp #TopEmployers2025 #CanadasTop100Employers

Congratulations to the incredible team at Vancity's Port Coquitlam Community branch! They’ve earned the top spot as the #1 bank/credit union in the 2024 Tri-City News A-List Awards! This recognition on page 48 celebrates their commitment to exceptional service, and community support. A huge thank you to our members and community for your trust and votes — let’s continue to celebrate all the people, places, and things that make our communities a great place to be. https://lnkd.in/gT9dtDTj Pardeep Grewal Rachel Rougeau

It is with deep sadness today that we learn of the passing of BC’s former Premier John Horgan. He was a dedicated public servant and tireless champion of putting people and their families first. Premier Horgan led our province through one of its most difficult times, facing head-on the challenges of a global pandemic. He did so with candor, humour, and a warm relatability that earned him a high level of public confidence and trust. His early passing will be mourned by many. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the people of British Columbia.

Today is Banking on Values Day, a global initiative led by the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV)—a network Vancity is proud to be part of—promoting a more sustainable and inclusive financial system. We took to the streets to ask our members of our Burnaby Heights Community branch what Banking on Values Day means to them! Learn about the 6 principles of values-based banking and why Vancity is a proud member of Global Alliance for Banking on Values at this link: https://lnkd.in/eKHGiB2s

Gain valuable takeaways on how values-based banking is leading the way in transforming communities and addressing global challenges from Global Alliance for Banking on Values speakers, including Vancity's Andrea Harris, VP Impact Strategy. Registration is free: https://lnkd.in/dSfUKd6F #BankingonValuesDay Bank Australia Beneficial State Bank City First Bank Climate First Bank