Celebrating outstanding service

Vaughan staff recognized at first-ever Beacon of Excellence Awards

This week, the City of Vaughan held its first-ever Beacon of Excellence Awards ceremony at Vaughan City Hall, recognizing City staff for their outstanding dedication and service to the organization and community.

The Beacon of Excellence Awards aim to inspire continued growth, foster a culture of innovation and shine a spotlight on the invaluable impact staff make every single day.

Staff were encouraged to nominate colleagues or teams under the following award categories:

North Star – It recognizes a leader for their outstanding commitment to citizens, businesses, visitors and Council. They demonstrate initiative, inspiration and empowerment, and do so with resilience and innovation. They earn trust through integrity and cultivate a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. 

North Star was awarded to:

• Mark Bond, Chief Human Resources Officer, Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer
• Pooja Nagra, Director of Procurement Services, Procurement Services
• Captain Douglas Best, Fire Prevention Captain, Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service
• Todd Coles, City Clerk, Office of the City Clerk
• Michael Habib, Senior Manager of Parks Infrastructure Planning, Facilities and Parks Delivery
• Melinda Richardson, Supervisor of Parks Operations, Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations

Rising Tide – It recognizes an emerging leader for demonstrating key leadership capabilities and leading without a title. They earn trust and respect, uplift others, lead by example, inspire and embody admirable character. 

Rising Tide was awarded to:

• Candace Tashos, Senior Legal Counsel, Legal Counsel Planning, Growth Management and Housing Delivery
• Alexis Moxley, Project Manager of Parks Infrastructure Planning and Delivery, Facilities and Parks Delivery 

Beyond the Horizon – It recognizes those who consistently go above and beyond, creating ‘wow’ moments. They make a lasting impact on residents, businesses, visitors and Council, while embodying organizational values and inspiring excellence.

Beyond the Horizon was awarded to:

• Alanna MacKenzie, Sustainability Specialist, Policy Planning and Special Programs
• Amanda Vani, Human Resources Analyst of Compensation and Total Rewards, Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer
• Facility Management Operations team:
  • Frank Mollo, Facility Operations Co-ordinator
  • Michael Ricci, Facility Operator
  • Tony Maione, Facility Operator
  • Frank Figliomeni, Facility Operator

Explorer – It recognizes explorers who embody Leannovation principles (a program that inspires innovative ideas). They drive efficiency, reduce waste and implement sustainable innovations that inspire operational excellence. 

Explorer was awarded to:

• Loui Kakarelis, Lead Gardener, Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations
• Strategic Portfolio Management team:
  • Putera Camaro, Acting Supervisor of Business Performance Assurance, Office of the Deputy City Manager of Public Works
  • Alexandra Scarcello, Director of Transportation and Fleet Management Services, Transportation and Fleet Management Services
  • Alex Sporniak, Operations Data Analyst, Office of the Deputy City Manager of Public Works
  • Matthew Stachowiak, Senior Manager of Executive Operations and Service Delivery, Office of the City Manager
  • Alberto Zappacosta, Business Performance Analyst, Office of the Deputy City Manager of Public Works 

The City is an award-winning organization, named one of Human Resources Director Canada’s Best Places to Work in 2025. The City was also recognized as a Greater Toronto Top Employer in 2021 and 2022, a 2022 Canadian HR Awards HR Team of the Year winner, and a 2023 Canadian HR Awards Most Effective Recruitment Strategy winner, to name a few. Interested in a career with the City? Visit vaughan.ca/careers to learn more. 

QUOTES

“I was honoured to celebrate the talented individuals and teams here at the City of Vaughan at the Beacon of Excellence Awards ceremony. Every award recipient has made a real impact within our organization, in the community, or both through the work they do. These awards are a testament to the countless hours they’ve invested, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the innovative ideas they’ve brought to life. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s winners. I am proud to work alongside such exceptional and dedicated professionals. Thank you for all that you do.”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca 

“The Beacon of Excellence Awards may honour diverse achievements, but every winner exemplifies Service Excellence – creating ‘wow’ moments, championing operational performance and driving continuous improvement to inspire progress. This is really something to celebrate. Thank you to the staff who nominated a colleague for an award. Congratulations to the award winners – thank you for showing us what’s possible when we work with purpose and determination. I look forward to seeing the amazing things you’ll accomplish next.”

- Zoran Postic, City Manager 

QUICK FACTS

• Earlier this week, the City of Vaughan held its first-ever Beacon of Excellence Awards ceremony at Vaughan City Hall, recognizing City staff for their outstanding dedication and service to the organization and the community.
• Through meaningful recognition, it aims to inspire continued growth, foster a culture of innovation and shine a spotlight on the invaluable impact staff make every single day.

LEARN MORE

• City of Vaughan’s careers webpage