PLANT MANAGER, STERRX
Hometown: AuSable Forks, NY
Age: 38
Education: LPN, CVES; BS Cellular Biochemistry, SUNY Plattsburgh; MBA, University of Phoenix
Community Involvement: Local church and school activities; member of Employer Relations Advisory Group at SUNY Plattsburgh; member of External Review Team for CCC Business Program, and participant in Manufacturing Day
Sarah McCoy’s career is a text book case of maximizing opportunities and being open to new ventures. Her first job after college was as a temporary vet tech at Wyeth-Ayerst’s Research Lab in Chazy. She impressed company personnel and was soon moved to Pfizer in Rouses Point. Not one to pass up an opportunity, Sarah became an adjunct lecturer at Clinton Community College in 2009 teaching Human Biology. Two years later she moved to Asept Pak in Malone and when its sister company, SterRx, opened in Plattsburgh in 2015 she became the plant manager.
What are you doing to make a difference in your profession?
Mentoring future leaders in the company and making myself available to discuss ideas and issues. I support an open-door policy with employees.
What’s your biggest professional success?
Being a successful member of the team that is participating in a local pharmaceutical startup company.
What’s your dream job?
Being in a place where I enjoy what I am doing and learn continually.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
By being extremely organized and scheduling as many tasks as possible, yet still remaining flexible enough to roll with daily changes. I enjoy life to the fullest each day!
What important lesson have you learned in your career?
No job is too big or small to make a difference. There are many paths to get to the same endpoint. The most important thing is to stay positive and keep your eyes on the goal.
What can the North Country do to make this region more appealing to a younger generation?
Continue to boost economic growth and opportunities. Encourage more high-tech industry and manufacturing companies like SterRx to establish a business in the area.
How do you contribute to the culture of your company?
By leading by example and supporting employee ideas. By maintaining my open-door policy.