Leadership Spotlight: Jenna Vaccaro, MPH

When Jenna Vaccaro reflects on her time at VNA Health Group, one thing stands out above all else: the people. She joined straight out of college more than 13 years ago and has remained with the organization ever since, supported by colleagues and leaders who encouraged her growth.

“The people at VNA Health Group are the reason I love working here,” she shared. “I’ve always been granted the opportunity to grow and learn. That support has meant everything to me.”

From the beginning, Jenna felt part of a team united by a shared purpose. “We all have this common understanding of why we’re here,” she said. “Everyone looks out for one another, and it’s reassuring to know your peers support you.”

Growing With the Organization

Jenna joined VNA Health Group in an administrative role within the public health department, gaining early exposure to the inner workings of a complex non-profit healthcare organization.

“I knew I wanted to work in public health,” she said. “Supporting senior leadership allowed me to learn the organization from the ground up.”

That early experience opened the door to long-term growth. Over the years, Jenna took on expanded responsibilities, working closely with executive leadership and gaining a deep understanding of non-profit operations, governance, and people management.

Leadership Through Change

Throughout her time with the organization, Jenna has played a key role in supporting leadership transitions and maintaining continuity. Her institutional knowledge, strong relationships, and steady presence have helped ensure stability during periods of change.

“A big part of leadership is understanding people,” Jenna explained. “Every role, every situation, requires a different approach. Learning how to navigate style and personalities is essential to keeping things moving forward.”

She consistently balances strategic planning with day-to-day operational needs. “You take it one task at a time,” she said. “Anyone who works at the VNA knows that multitasking is what you do, all day and every day, but you’ve got to stay focused on the mission. You have to keep asking: ‘What matters most? Who does this help? How does this support our patients and our team?’”

Leading Through COVID

One of the most defining moments of Jenna’s career came during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the organization faced unprecedented challenges, she stepped into a leadership role, making decisions quickly and thoughtfully, with the community’s well-being at the center.

“The pandemic tested every part of the organization,” Jenna said. “There was no roadmap. You had to rely on trust, collaboration, and a commitment to doing what was right for the people we serve.”

Working closely with leadership teams, Jenna helped support large-scale public health efforts while navigating constant change and uncertainty. The experience reinforced the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and staying grounded in the mission.

“It was one of the most challenging periods of my career,” she reflected. “But it also showed me the strength of this organization and the people within it.”

A Passion for Community Health

As Chief Administrative Officer, Jenna continues to play a central role in supporting the organization’s operations and strategic direction, including her work with the Children and Family Health Institute (CFHI), which she feels deeply connected to.

“Public health is incredibly meaningful to me, and CFHI is something I really feel so passionate about,” she said. “It’s a dream come true.”

She’s proud of the collaborative leadership model in place and of CFHI’s diverse programs, from Early Intervention to Nurse-Family Partnership. “We’re focused on making sure our programs reflect what families actually need right now,” Jenna said.

Always Here When it Matters

What Jenna believes truly sets VNA Health Groups apart is its people and their commitment to those they serve.

“Everyone here genuinely cares,” she said. “They care about each other, and most importantly, they care about the people who rely on us.”

She often reflects on how VNA Health Groups supports individuals and families during some of life’s most pivotal moments. “People don’t always think about community health services until they need them. But when they do, we’re here,” she said.