Retirement Allows Senior Exec Time to Reflect, Visits with Family:

Ask this Dunes woman how to become a senior level executive, and you'll hear a story of fairness and loyalty.

After 24 and a half years with Interbake Foods LLC in North Sioux City, Hackett has proven her methods through service to her employer and community.

"I was proud of myself because I broke the glass ceiling at Interbake. I was the first female to be promoted to a senior level executive position," Hackett noted.

Doing better and always learning has been a personal goal for Hackett.

"It's that drive, always wanting to do better. Be the best that you can be," Hackett explained of her success.

Advice for Young Professionals
For other young women looking to advance in their careers, Hackett offers useful advice.

"Be dedicated and loyal, and show that to the employer," Hackett explained. "Show them you want to succeed and you want to excel in your position."

When Hackett reached her plateau at Interbake, she took advantage of the companies tuition reimbursement program.

"I knew I had gone as far as I was going to go. There was nowhere to go from there, so I decided to go back to school," Hackett explained. She went on to complete her Professional Human Resources certificate.

"HR is kind of like Grand Central Station. It's very, very busy," Hackett explained of her position. "You don't go into HR to win any popularity contests, because you have to enforce the rules. My mantra is to be consistent and to be fair."

Even though Hackett ruled with an iron fist at times, she enjoyed her time with Interbake.

"I absolutely loved it. I was in the know. You're connected with corporate people all the time," Hackett explained.

Hackett Served on DVBC
During her time in the workforce, Hackett made time to serve as a director for the Dakota Valley Business Council.

After moving to Dakota Dunes three years ago, Hackett received a call from the DVBC.

"I really felt honored to be asked," Hackett explained of the offer.

"It is an outstanding organization. I am so impressed by the people on there, and what they do, and their total commitment to this area and to all governmental issues," Hackett noted of the groups involvement with local business leaders.

Hackett advises other young professionals to join similar organizations for the networking possibilities and the ability to get involved in local government.

And now, Hackett has made one more seat available on the Council for a local business person.

"I just felt it was fair to turn the reins over to somebody else," Hackett noted of her decision to end her time with the DVBC after her retirement.

Although she will keep up with local government issues, she will miss her involvement with the Council.

"I do miss it. I'm just thankful for the time that I participated," Hackett noted.

Time to Relax
Hackett retired from Interbake in North Sioux City in May, allowing her more time with family and a chance to truly enjoy the amenities of her Dakota Dunes home.

"One day this last winter I bet there were 20 deer in my backyard. I just stood there and looked at them. They are just so pretty," Hackett noted.

Hackett admits that she finally gets to enjoy the wildlife in her Dunes yard, go for daily bike rides on the local trails and soak up the summer breeze on her porch; things she didn't have time to do very often during her demanding career at Interbake.

"I have really just stopped and tried to take in the softer side of life; no stress, sleeping in, going to bed late," Hackett noted as her grandchildren play nearby.

In the past two months she has visited her children and grandchildren in Iowa City and Fort Madison, Iowa and entertained her grandchildren at her home. And, later this summer Hackett's brother will be visiting from Atlanta, on his journey to Sturgis.

Hackett's husband, Bill is keeping busy with his new job as Controller at Specialty Protein Producers, an organic foods producer in South Sioux City.

Wanting to keep up with business affairs, Hackett is told sometimes she asks too many questions of her husbands new business adventure. But, what do you expect from a retired business executive?

The Subtle Itch
With a go-getter personality and her love of working directly with people, Hackett has begun to get the retirement itch.

"From the day I left, I have missed getting up, getting dressed and going to work, a little bit," Hackett modestly admitted.

Although she doesn't plan on even considering the possibility of part-time employment until the Fall, she would like to use her HR skills during her retirement.

"I like working with people. I like interacting with people," Hackett explained.

But, for now, this Dunes executive is going to enjoy summer in South Dakota, time with her family and reflect on her rewarding career.

"Life is good right now," Hackett laughed as two of her grandchildren pile into her lap.

***This article was originally published in the North Sioux City / Dakota Dunes Times by Sedgwick Publishing.***