A Heart for Helping, A Commitment to Safety: Sue Knowles' Lasting Impact at Elliot

For more than three decades, Sue Knowles has been a familiar face at Elliot Health System, building lasting relationships, supporting team members across the organization, and helping ensure a safe environment for all. 

Sue joined Elliot Health System in 1989 at age 16. Over the years, she has embraced a variety of roles, each contributing to the experience and knowledge she brings to her work today. Her career path has included positions as Radiology Secretary, Radiology Film Librarian, Unit Secretary, Childbirth Education Program Coordinator, Administrative Secretary, Infection Control Specialist, Safety Specialist, and now Emergency Management and Safety Support Liaison.
In this role, Sue supports the Emergency Management and Safety team, including Radiation Safety and Hazardous Materials programs. Her role is multifaceted, reaching every area of Elliot Health System. She coordinates fire drills, maintains emergency operations plans that support regulatory reporting and safety training initiatives, ensuring the organization is prepared, compliant, and safe. Her work behind the scenes plays a key role in supporting team members across Elliot's many departments and locations.

When asked what she enjoys most about working at Elliot, Sue shared, “Elliot is like a large extended family. As someone who has social anxiety, when I come to work each day, whether it be in my office or somewhere else in the organization, I know almost everyone, and they know me, and it just feels right."

It is those relationships and sense of belonging that have kept Sue connected to Elliot throughout her career.

Looking back on her more than 35 years of service, Sue is especially proud of the evolution of the Safety Department and the vital role it plays throughout the health system. Sue shared, “We interact with every single department and location of Elliot Health System. Being able to help every team with their everyday safety needs is extremely rewarding."

Her commitment to supporting others and providing guidance wherever it is needed has made a lasting impact on colleagues throughout the organization.
Outside of work, Sue's greatest joy comes from spending time with her family, especially her two sons and granddaughter. She also enjoys golfing and scrapbooking, hobbies that allow her to relax, connect with loved ones, and express her creativity.

Sue has a simple but powerful message for those just beginning their Elliot Heath System career: "Embrace your Elliot peers! I was given the opportunity to work for Elliot more than 35 years ago and I have not had one regret. Elliot is an amazing organization with such amazing and devoted team members, and it is an honor to be a part of the Elliot family.”