Sue Nanik Leaves Legacy of Leadership and Lasting Service
When Sue Nanik began her career at Sourcewell – then known as North Central Service Cooperative – she was one of only 12 employees. Now, 28 years later, she has retired as the leader of a dedicated human resources (HR) team, overseeing the acquisition, development, and well-being of nearly 400 employees across the nation.
Over her tenure, Nanik took on various roles, from working with the health insurance pool and student programs to building the HR team and serving as interim executive director. She also contributed to major organizational milestones, such as the expansion of Sourcewell’s cooperative purchasing program and the construction of its headquarters.
“Sue’s steady leadership has not only supported the growth of the organization but also fostered a culture where people feel valued and empowered,” said Chad Coauette, Sourcewell CEO. “Her contributions have had a lasting impact on our culture and will continue to shape Sourcewell’s success for years to come.”
From humble beginnings to lasting impact
Nanik joined Sourcewell in 1996, a time when the organization was just starting to explore its potential.
“It’s been exciting but also challenging to manage and deliver on that kind of growth each year,” she shared, reflecting on the expansion of Sourcewell’s services and the transformation of its workforce.
She witnessed the growth of Sourcewell’s cooperative purchasing, which took off during the 2008 economic downturn. “Cities and counties were looking for more cost-effective ways to purchase, and we were able to meet that need at the right time,” she said, adding that cooperative purchasing not only supported public agencies, but also enabled the organization to reinvest in the region.
In 2011, she was a key leader in the construction and expansion of Sourcewell’s headquarters, resulting in a modern facility that now serves as a welcoming space for meetings, trainings, and community.
Shaping a culture of support and inclusion
While Nanik wore many hats during her time at Sourcewell, perhaps her most impactful contribution was building the HR team from the ground up.
“I was HR. It was just me to begin with,” she recalled.
Under her leadership, the team established systems for talent acquisition, onboarding, and all-staff training programs centered around leadership, communication, and culture.
“Sourcewell continues that work to this day through initiatives like situational leadership training,” she explained. “Being able to expand that team and put people in place to carry on that work is one of my greatest achievements.”
Her work also earned her the Outstanding Service Award from the Minnesota Service Cooperatives in 2021, a recognition that still holds special meaning to her.
“When you love the work that you do, you’re not thinking about the recognition,” Nanik said. “But receiving that award was a real honor, especially because it reflected the relationships I’ve built both inside and outside of Sourcewell.”
Excited for the future
Though stepping away from day-to-day leadership, Nanik remains optimistic for Sourcewell’s future, particularly for initiatives like Community Bridgemakers and AscendRural.
“As new people and new ideas come in, Sourcewell should be in a good place to bring some of those new ideas to life,” she said. “Something we haven't thought of today could be something that we're putting our efforts behind five years from now.”
Personally, Nanik is excited to step off the “bullet-fast train” of leadership and embrace a slower pace of life.
“I’m looking forward to spending time with family and friends, volunteering, traveling, and exploring new hobbies,” she said. “And, frankly, enjoying the freedom to do whatever feels right on any given day.”