Athena Grand Traverse - Professional businesswomens' organization dedicated to leadership initiatives for women.

Athena 2010 Announced

The 2010 recipient of the ATHENA award is Sue Peters, Vice President of Human Resources at Munson Medical Center. The surprise announcement was made during the (16) sixteenth annual award dinner at the Hagerty Center.

Nominated for this prestigious award by friends, Sue Peters is described as "a quiet, humble, unassuming person who simply works her tail off for the sake of others", and "she flies beneath the radar in the way she gives... without any concern for recognition or return." "Her story is one of leadership through kindness, compassion and humility.

It was through her advocacy and leadership that an employee daycare was established at Munson. It continues today providing working families – particularly mothers –with safe, secure, positive child care so they can be comfortable working while maintaining a healthy work-family balance.

Peters has the ultimate responsibility for the needs and desires of over 5,000 people in the Munson Healthcare system, and for attracting quality individuals for our area's largest employer. At Munson Hospital Center, she makes certain that senior leadership stays constantly connected to the needs of individuals at the entry level of the Munson system.

She co-chaired a collaborative effort with Northern Michigan College (NMC) to strengthen the quality of both jobs and education in our area. During the development of the Health Education Institute (HEI), Peter's leadership helped skeptics leave as staunch advocates and supporters for the HEI's efforts. HEI has become a model for other business looking to collaborate for greater good. As part of the NMC team presenting at conferences throughout the state, she has shared with elegance and humor the challenges and successes of collaborative practice.

A co-worker describes Peters' style as "clear and effective...always (maintaining) a sense of humor and warmth, she's sensible and practical, hopeful and idealistic all at once." "She never seeks recognition, never needs attention." Her commitment to service is at her very core.

Her involvement with youth is seen in her dedication to a physical fitness program "Every Step Counts". She serves on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters, a made a personal commitment to a Little Sister for over 6 years.

Her commitment to our community includes agencies such as The Conservation Resource Alliance, Inland Seas, the Center Road Natural Area, Northwest Michigan Workforce Development Board, Traverse Area Human Resource Association and the Society of Human Resource Management.

"Sue Peters is not only a role model for all who come to know and work with her, she represents all that is good and right with our world. She is a true Ambassador for Humanity." She gives the gift of being fully present for those around her. She believes in all people and their potential for goodness, and moreover, that given the opportunity, people will always give their best. As a result of her upbeat and positive attitude, those around her are inspired to reach their full potential.

Peters choose a challenging career path starting in a then male dominated industry. She began her career at General Motor's Kettering University (then known as General Motors Institute). Having a realization that strong women needed to support one another, she became a founding member and officer of the first ever sorority at Kettering. After having received a full fellowship, she completed her Masters degree at Michigan State University, returned to GM and was assigned as a manager of labor relations at age 27, and fast became a part of GM's labor relations, negotiating contracts with the UAW.

Simply put by one of her peers, she "embodies all the virtues of achievement, leadership, professional excellence and selfless community service" that define the Athena attributes.

All women and men from the five county Grand Traverse area are eligible to be nominated for the ATHENA Award. Criteria for the award selection is for someone who has attained and embodies the highest level of professional excellence in her/his business or profession, has devoted time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community and actively assists women in realizing their leadership potential. The program is designed to build awareness of and honor the valuable contributions being made by women and men in our business and professional community. The program is sponsored by PNC Bank and licensed by ATHENA International.

Information on ATHENA can be found at www.athenagrandtraverse.com.