The Women's Leadership Network of Dubuque, Iowa honored Colts director Vicki Schaffer MacFarlane this week with the organization’s 2018 Women of Achievement award.

MacFarlane is one of a dozen women from the Dubuque area to be recognized with the awards presented at an event held on Thursday, April 19.

“I had a wonderful evening, with great company, and am very thankful for the recognition,” MacFarlane said. “It’s always great to have the Colts story shared!”

Congrats to the best corps director in the world for being recognized by the Women's Leadership Network of Dubuque for...

Posted by Jason Schubert on Thursday, April 19, 2018


The Dubuque Women's Leadership Network has a mission of developing, connecting and recognizing female professionals, leaders and entrepreneurs in the greater Dubuque area. Members meet each month for a variety of personal and professional development opportunities while also hosting other events throughout the year.

A former member of the Colts in the 1990s, MacFarlane joined the organization’s administrative team in 2001. She served as director of the Colt Cadets for a decade, in that time also serving as chair of Drum Corps International's Open Class Advisory Committee. MacFarlane assumed directorship of the Colts in 2013 and also serves as the organization’s director of youth programs.

“I am in constant amazement at all the hard work and dedication you bring to this incredible organization,” Colt Cadets director David Alford posted to Facebook congratulating MacFarlane on the award. “I will always strive to be close to the leader, director, motivator and inspiration you are for students.”