2020 NOVA Gala Recognizes Rising Stars

On the evening of January 18th, the Northwestern Ontario Visionary Awards (NOVA) Gala, hosted by SHIFT, celebrated the top 20 “rising stars” under 40 years of age in business and community service in our region. Over the past eight years, the awards have recognized over 300 nominees with 80 award winning young professionals from across Northwestern Ontario spanning from Kenora all the way to Geraldton.

As a biennial event, 2020 was the fifth NOVA gala celebrating professionals across our region on their achieved success. This year’s northern theme was a meaningful nod to the amazing work being done in the region, and the growing pride for Northwestern Ontario. This gala aims to inspire other young professionals to reach their potential through leadership, professional achievement, community engagement and mentorship.

Our Hospital was represented by two award winners:

In the Leadership Category, Jamie Sitar (pictured left), Physician Recruitment Specialist at our Hospital was one of the recipients. This award recognizes the young professionals who take charge in motivating, inspiring, and mentoring others. They are catalysts, visionaries, and they are team players.

The SHIFT Disturber NOVA went to Jason Veltri (pictured right), Chair of the Thunder Pride Association and Contract Procurement Specialist with the Northern Supply Chain at our Hospital. This is awarded to a game changer, a disrupter, and someone who is unafraid to challenge the norm. This award recognizes a young professional who is making waves by doing things differently.

Congratulations to Jamie and Jason! For more information about the 2020 NOVAs and for a full list of winners, click HERE.