Brett is the CEO of Allegro Pediatrics, a physician-owned group of nine clinics in Kirkland, Bellevue, and surrounding areas. Heather is the VP of Fundraising at Ben Franklin Elementary. They have two elementary-age children.
How long have you lived in Kirkland?
HV: Since 2010, we were in Redmond before that.
How did you two meet?
HV: At a tailgate at the University of Washington, shortly after we graduated. Now we’ve been married 12 years and have two kids!
Brett, what shaped your path to CEO of Allegro?
BV: I’ve been in the healthcare administration field for 18 years, 14 with Allegro. I served as Chief Information Officer and CFO before becoming CEO three months before COVID hit.
What a time to lead a healthcare organization, how was that?
BV: I’m proud of our ability to evolve and adapt to meet our customers’ and employees’ needs during the pandemic. In the 50+ years it’s been around, Allegro has always wanted to be on the forefront of innovation, and the drive-thru vaccine clinics we implemented during the pandemic – first for the flu, now for the COVID vaccine too – are part of that commitment to serve the community and improve public health.
Do you have a motto which guides you in your everyday life?
BV: Allegro’s mission, “To partner with families to heal, nurture, and empower each child in their journey to adulthood.”
How do you two connect with your community?
HV: I’m very involved with the PTA at my kids' school, Ben Franklin. I served as the VP of School Support for the last two years, and as that term ended now I’m moving into fundraising. I’ve worked on the yearbook, spirit wear, room-parent coordination, event planning and more for the school since my son started there in 2017. Bringing the community together is very important to me.
BV: For the last three years I’ve served on the finance committee for Kindering Center, which provides pediatric therapies, specialized early learning services, and family education and support.
What are some of your favorite things to do in the area?
HV: I love Kirkland’s walkability, when the kids were smaller and in strollers we used to walk every evening. There are so many unique stores here – so I make shopping local a priority. Grape Choice, IVY Gift and Home, and Lady Yum are some of my favorites.
BV: We like to be outdoors as much as possible. Golf, tennis, and my kids’ sports are my main hobbies – I taught tennis in high school and college. We love to travel too.
What’s a top destination for your family?
BV and HV: Maui!