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Administrative coordinator Kathleen Fick will forever hold the title of “Office Ninja,” a moniker given to her because she walks around the office so quickly. The running joke at our Grand Rapids office is that no one wants to walk alongside Kathleen. However, someone – 30 years younger – is becoming her one and only competition.
“She’s working hard to take my title,” Kathleen jokes. “But since she’s so much younger, I may have to pass the torch.”
Many things have changed over Kathleen’s 30-year career with our CompHealth division. She was hired as an office manager in an office with just eight employees, which has since grown to 50. And when she was hired on, Therus Kolff – the architect of locum tenens – was president.
The people of CHG are family
If you were to ask Kathleen what has kept her with us for 30 years? She’d say it’s her coworkers.
“Always the people of CHG. They add a special richness to my life. I get to learn from them and get to share in their experiences.”
Kathleen also appreciates the fact that CHG has allowed her to grow her career, even though it’s taken a lot of hard work and there have been setbacks. One of note was when Alan McIver, group president at CHG, left after hiring her. But luckily he came back.
“When he returned, I immediately felt 20 years younger mentally. Too bad it didn’t make me feel physically younger as well!”
The first dance
Kathleen says her most memorable moments with CHG are from her three President’s Club trips to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Charleston, S.C., in celebration of her 20-, 25-, and 30-year anniversaries, respectively.
But one particular moment stood out.
“In Charleston, I was honored to be given the first dance with Scott Beck, our president and CEO,” Kathleen says. “I was honored, felt valued, and was of course in shock!”
Here’s what else we learned about Kathleen
What changes have you witnessed throughout the years?
I’ve realized that CHG has a doctorate in change, but in a good way. But if I had to be more specific, I would say a big change was when we merged with Pro-Therapy. Diane Hunsaker would remember this one as well (and the loaner cars that came with it!).
How have you grown personally while working here?
I’ve learned cooperation, understanding, listening, and values that seem to come naturally working side-by-side with the people of CHG.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I didn’t miss a day of grade school for eight years, and in the fifth grade, I won a cursive handwriting contest that was open nationally to all parochial schools. Today, no one knows what cursive handwriting is!
If you had a day to do anything at all, what would you do?
I’d read, exercise, go to a health spa, and enjoy the outdoors – in the sun.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
IF I did karaoke, that is. But one of my favorites is “My Girl” by the Temptations, and my second choice would be “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring?
The Bible, walking shoes, and water.
If you could share a meal with any three people, living or dead, who would they be and why?
My sister, who I lost two years ago. I miss her so much. I’d also love to share another meal with my deceased dad and grandmother.
