Tammi Wortham of Sun Life U.S. Honored with Icon Award for Leadership Excellence

Celebrating a Trailblazer in HR: Tammi Wortham

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate leadership, few individuals stand out as much as Tammi Wortham, the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Sun Life U.S. Recently, she was honored with the prestigious Icon Award from the Boston Business Journal (BBJ) as part of their Women Who Mean Business program. This award is a testament to her influential role in shaping the business ecosystem of Greater Boston through steadfast leadership and community involvement.

Leadership Through Challenges

Wortham’s exceptional leadership abilities became particularly apparent during the pandemic, when she skillfully navigated the company’s people strategy amidst unprecedented challenges. Her commitment to fostering employee engagement was evident, achieving remarkable levels of interaction and productivity while the workforce adapted to a virtual environment. The result? An impressive employee retention rate nearing 95% over the past several years.

David Healy, President of Sun Life U.S., praised Wortham's impact, stating, "Tammi is not just great at her job, she has helped put Sun Life on the map as an employer of choice." Her dedication has indeed made waves, not just within the organization but also in the broader community she serves.

A Champion for Employees

One of Wortham’s key accomplishments includes the development of Sun Life’s flagship paid family and medical leave program, which reflects the company's commitment to employee well-being. This initiative offers generous support for employees facing health issues, welcoming new children, or caring for loved ones. Additionally, she has been a vocal advocate for women’s health issues in the workplace, with the recent launch of menopause benefits that provide tailored guidance and care for employees.

Her career spans over several executive roles within the realm of human resources, previously serving as Vice President of Group Benefits Client Services. In this capacity, she oversaw a range of operational functions related to employee group benefits, enhancing her expertise in the field.

A Visionary in Community Service

Beyond her corporate achievements, Wortham also serves as the board chair for the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. In this role, she has significantly influenced the organization’s strategies aimed at creating opportunities for diverse communities throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Her approach ensures that community perspectives are front and center in decision-making processes.

Marty Martinez, President and CEO of United Way of Massachusetts Bay, emphasizes her visionary leadership style, remarking, "Tammi believes in the potential of everyone she works with, whether as the HR leader at Sun Life or as our board chair." Her contributions have made a lasting impact on community well-being and non-profit leadership diversity, reinforcing her commitment to social responsibility.

Conclusion

As Sun Life continues to set the standard for employee engagement and community involvement, Tammi Wortham remains a pivotal figure in the company’s journey toward excellence. Her exemplary leadership not only builds a resilient workplace but also inspires the next generation of leaders in both corporate environments and community initiatives. She is indeed a role model, embodying the very essence of what it means to be an icon in today’s business world.