LP 40 for 40 – Vidal Quintanilla

The Plano Chamber of Commerce’s signature program, Leadership Plano, celebrates its 40^th anniversary! For the past 40 years, Leadership Plano has been dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations.

We are celebrating the impact of the past 40 years by spotlighting 40 Leadership Plano graduates who have paved the way for future generations, created meaningful change for the community, and continue to serve in leadership roles. This celebratory series, Leadership Plano 40 for 40, is Presented by UBS – The Kravitz Group.

Introducing our next spotlight, Leadership Plano Class 40, Graduate, Vidal Quintanilla, Vice President, Human Resources – United States Division, Access Healthcare Services. Access Healthcare is a Multi-National organization with over 27,000 people spread across US, India and Philippines. As a business executive, Vidal leads and manages Access Healthcare’s Human Resources functions in the US. Vidal also partners with Mergers & Acquisitions team for Due Diligence and Integrations. Prior to joining Access Healthcare, Vidal served as Vice President of Human Resources for GI Alliance, a physician owned private equity backed gastroenterology network of 800 locations with 521 physicians across 21 states.

Vidal holds a BA in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and an MPH in Public Health with a concentration in Healthcare Management from Texas A&M University.

As an active citizen in the community, Vidal serves as a commissioner on the Community Relations Commission for the City of Plano since 2021. He also serves on the Hopes Door New Beginning Center Young Professionals Committee. He is a member of North Texas Disability Chamber, the Plano Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (PCPAAA), and the Plano Fire Rescue Associates (PRFA). Additionally, Vidal is also a graduate of the Plano Citizens Government Academy. Vidal is also an active volunteer with not-for-profits such as North Texas Food Bank, Local Good Center, and Hope Restored Missions.

1. What first made you interested in participating in Leadership Plano?

My upbringing instilled in me a strong sense of duty to serve our community, leading me to actively volunteer with not-for-profits and contribute to board activities in Plano. Encouraged by respected community leaders, as well as discovering the program’s alignment with my values and interests, I decided to apply for Leadership Plano. Upon acceptance, I eagerly anticipated the opportunity to further enrich my understanding and involvement in community leadership. The moment I joined my fellow classmates, I sensed an immediate bond, setting the tone for a journey filled with collaboration and mutual support.

2. What is the most memorable part of your experience (or what is something that was happening in Plano that you remember about that year)?

For me, it was witnessing my classmates’ journey towards their own goals, and accomplishments was inspiring. As you near the end of the Leadership Plano course, you realize how much your classmates’ lives change during the duration of the program compared to when you first met during the retreat. We had classmates change careers, taking on new leadership roles, one became an elected official, and a pregnancy too, so technically were a class of 41 individuals. During the course of nine months, through organic relationship building, you see classmates’ band together to assist one another in a time of need as well as support one another personally and professionally. You truly get a sense of community and that’s a direct reflection of the Leadership Plano core principles.

3. Why do you think LP is so impactful for our community?

The impact of Leadership Plano on our community cannot be overstated. By assembling a cohort of dedicated leaders from different sectors, LP facilitates connections and collaborations that are instrumental in propelling Plano forward. Through immersive sessions covering diverse topics ranging from local history to healthcare and education, participants gain a holistic understanding of our community’s strengths and challenges. The program’s emphasis on active involvement in volunteerism, board positions, and even elected offices ensures that graduates are not just informed but empowered to make a difference in Plano’s future.

4. What is one thing you can attribute to LP that is a success in your life or career?

Reflecting on my journey with Leadership Plano, I can confidently say that one of its greatest successes lies in the profound network of relationships it has fostered. Through the program, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting extraordinary individuals who are not only passionate about our community but also incredibly generous with their time and expertise. The LP network, comprised of classmates and alumni, embodies a spirit of mutual support and camaraderie that transcends mere professional connections. It’s a community where everyone is genuinely invested in each other’s success, always ready to offer guidance, mentorship, or a helping hand whenever needed.

5. Why was your class the “Best Class Ever”?

What made our class, Class 40, stand out as the ‘Best Class Ever’ was the remarkable diversity and depth of leadership among its members. Comprising leaders from a wide array of backgrounds such as not-for-profits, entrepreneurship, banking, law, real estate, and education, our class was a powerhouse of talent and expertise. Throughout the Leadership Plano program, we went beyond mere networking; we became a close-knit community driven by a shared passion for our city. Together, we explored the nuances of Plano’s social and economic landscape, leveraging our collective insights to drive meaningful change. From not one but two class projects to personal ventures, our class exemplified the spirit of collaboration and support that defines the essence of Leadership Plano.