No task too big or small for Adventist Employee of the Year

As a human resources generalist for Adventist Midwest Health, Michelle Nordquist provides a competent hand in recruitment, new employee orientation, accurate timecard input and organization of employee events.

But she may be most appreciated for the handling of lesser-known tasks, acting as the go-to person when someone needs building access or when the office building water pressure or heat needs adjustment.

"When an issue arises, Michelle is the first one to volunteer a solution," said Don Russell, regional vice president of human resources. Nordquist also serves as his assistant.

"Michelle is involved in just about every initiative as it pertains to the regional human resources team," Russell said. "She anticipates issues, devises contingency plans, has a backup idea ready and flawlessly executes each and every time. And she does it with a smile, a great sense of humor and a wealth of knowledge."

Because of her excellence on the job, Nordquist has been named Employee of the Year at Adventist Midwest Health's regional office in Bolingbrook. For the Glendale Heights resident, having a variety of responsibilities suits her just fine.

"Every day - every minute - is a little different," she said. "I'm the person to call when there are employee relations issues, and I'm also there when people just need a light bulb. I'm happy to be here every day to help people succeed."

Nordquist has worked at Adventist Midwest Health for more than 12 years. She began as secretary to nursing directors at Adventist GlenOaks Hospital, joining the staff after taking a few years off professionally to raise her three children. After working as a secretary, she became a human resources associate.

In that role, Nordquist was responsible for all human resources data entry. Her experience with the department's computer systems allowed her to contribute to the completion of a complex system upgrade.

"Software keeps changing and new initiatives seem to always pop up," Nordquist said. "I communicate with the human resources associate team at each of our hospitals in making sure these process changes go smoothly."

Three years ago, Nordquist was promoted to human resources generalist and began working in Bolingbrook.

She and her husband, Glenn, who works in commercial landscaping, are the parents of three grown children.

"I am a very proud mom," Nordquist said.