For-purpose aged and disability services organisation VMCH is excited to share its CEO, Sonya Smart, has been named a national finalist in the prestigious 2025 Executive of the Year Awards.
Hosted by CEO Magazine, the awards honour Australia’s most inspiring and impactful business leaders across a wide range of sectors.
Sonya has been selected as one of the finalists in the Not-For-Profit category, in recognition of her outstanding leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to driving positive change – both within VMCH and across the broader community.
Reflecting on the honour, Sonya said, ‘It’s incredibly humbling to be recognised among such a talented group of leaders. This nomination is a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire VMCH team.
‘Every day, I’m inspired by the people who bring our mission to life – those who go the extra mile to ensure our clients feel valued, supported and empowered to live their best lives.’
Sonya joined VMCH as CEO in 2017, prior to which she served as Chief Executive of Catholic Homes Incorporated in Western Australia. She has a passion for aged care, disability and community services, having been a long-time advocate for delivering exceptional care to marginalised people in the community.
Sonya also currently shares her expertise through Catholic Health Australia as their representative on the National Aged Care Committee Transition Taskforce.
VMCH has undergone significant transformation under Sonya’s leadership. In the past year alone, VMCH has expanded its retirement portfolio through a major acquisition, launched three new social enterprises to support people with disability into meaningful employment and skill-building, and pre-sold 80% of apartments in its $250 million retirement living project, St Clare.
VMCH Board Chairman Julien O’Connell AO said the nomination was a testament to Sonya’s dedication and integrity.
‘The Board and I are immensely proud of Sonya’s well-deserved recognition. It is a privilege to have such an inspiring and principled leader guiding our organisation. We wish her every success at the upcoming awards ceremony.’
Executive of the Year winners will be announced on Wednesday 12 November 2025 at a gala event at Crown Melbourne.
