After eight years with National CooperativeRx, it is bittersweet for us to announce the retirement of our Executive Assistant, Penny Mandt. Penny will retire at the beginning of July after more than 25 years in various administrative professional roles within the insurance industry. Penny joined our team in 2012 and is described by coworkers as “the glue that holds the office together.” Although it’s sad to lose Penny as a team member, we couldn’t be happier for her to experience this next chapter in life.
“The most rewarding part of my job has been working for an organization that always valued my opinions and input,” says Penny. “I’ve also enjoyed being able to assist the staff with different aspects of their jobs; I love helping people and being at the center of the office bustle.”
Deb Steele, Director of Operations, states, “Penny has been a wonderful asset to the Cooperative. She has made my job easier over these past years, especially in planning our Annual Meetings — I’ve never met someone as detail-oriented as Penny! I’ll also miss our daily talks and occasional lunches; she is certainly one of a kind!
Josh Bindl, CEO, echoes that sentiment. “It was always a joy to come into the office and be greeted with Penny’s sunny attitude and drive to succeed. We all will miss Penny’s thoughtfulness, punctuality and sense of humor.”
As for what a typical day in retirement holds for Penny, she plans to begin mornings with a walk, then hopes to maintain her garden and spend more time on her card stamping hobby, taking classes to learn new techniques. “I also love cats, so am happy to have time to volunteer at the Dane County Humane Society as well,” says Penny.
After quarantining these past few months due to COVID-19, traveling and social interaction are also a top priority for Penny.
“I am anxious to get out and visit family and friends and attend Broadway shows and craft fairs once social distancing restrictions loosen. My first trip will be to northern Wisconsin this summer, where my friends and I enjoy playing cards and watching the common loons on the lake. I also hope to travel to some national parks, especially Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota to see the Milky Way.”
Although Penny is excited for her next phase in life, leaving National CooperativeRx won’t be easy. “I’ll definitely miss the entire staff, especially Deb, who has been one of the best supervisors I’ve ever had. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and watching the company grow exponentially has been exciting!”
From all of us at the Cooperative, we thank you for your unmatched work ethic over the years and we wish you all the best, Penny!
