Take Ten with Team HPNE: Meet Mary Ellen Comeau
In this month’s Take Ten, Project Manager Mary Ellen Comeau tells us about how the company has grown in the past few years, and the strategies she implements on a daily basis to keep things
You have been with HPNE for almost 5 years now. In what ways do you think the company has grown since you started?
We have been in a continuous state of growth since I began in January 2020, going from 50 to over 140 employees, expanding to multiple facilities, and of course, our acquisition by Getinge. These consistent changes have all been positive for both employees, and the company as a whole.
As a Project Manager, what are some of your favorite organizational and managerial strategies?
I have always appreciated having a cascade of goals set by a company. Being able to align projects to achieve those goals provides us with an overall team focus. When we are questioning whether a new opportunity aligns, we have those goals to go back to.
My number one, personal strategy is setting clear expectations. I have worked in various areas in my career - whether it be accounting, customer service, process improvement, or project management - setting clear expectations is always an advantage.
Additionally, your role requires you to work cross-functionally with multiple departments. What are some of your communication strategies for keeping everyone on the same page, especially when different departments have various areas of expertise?
My communication strategies are fairly straightforward - weekly meetings and emails. Clear communication is key. When done correctly, everyone knows their role up front, as well as what is expected of them, and of each other.
I think it is also valuable to ask questions and speak up when something doesn’t make sense. Throughout my career, I have been able to learn about a variety of jobs and job functions by asking questions and clarifying any problems I run into. I encourage my project teams to do the same.
What does an average day as a Project Manager entail?
When I read this question, the first thing that came to mind was that there rarely is an average day. That said, ideally, I am following up with the various project’s teams, having team meetings, and engaging with management on progress or raising potential risks. And of course, I am frequently updating project plans.
The day always becomes more interesting when things don’t go as planned and adjustments need to be made, but that’s what keeps me on my toes!
How does your role fit into the organization to drive change/impact?
Project Management in general is a function of driving change based on the company’s initiatives in a given time frame. It’s exciting to be involved in continuous changes and improvements to the business.
Of course, as we work through our acquisition, the overall goals of the organization are changing, and I play a part in aligning our processes and operations with those goals.
You have held multiple roles across different companies prior to your time at High Purity New England. Could you tell us a little bit about your career leading to this point, and how you think they have made you more effective in your current role?
I can find a lesson learned in all of my experiences, whether that be door-to-door water cooler sales straight out of college, accounting, customer service, process improvement, or project management.
Every role has provided valuable insights into how different businesses and people work together. Growing a combination of knowledge, skills, and experience has increased my intuition and confidence to identify and solve problems.
Each role I have had has built my skill set, in both technical skills, and ways to effectively work with a variety of people who may have different communication or working styles.
What is something you are most passionate about outside of work that other employees might not know?
I have always loved baking, cookies especially. In the last few years, I have taken classes in cakes and sourdough bread. I haven’t bought a loaf of bread in over a year.
What has been one of your favorite shows or movies as of late?
Most recently, I have been catching up on the FBI series of shows, right now I am watching FBI Most Wanted.
With the holidays coming up, do you have a favorite tradition you are looking forward to?
I am looking forward to baking some cookie recipes that only come out this time of year. The most special is my mom’s recipe for Snickerdoodles.
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About HPNE
As the industry needs grow, High Purity New England, Inc. continues to supply the biopharmaceutical industry with a range of innovative products, from drug discovery and development to fill-finish, including their flagship product, custom single-use assemblies, as well as pumps, sensors, bioreactor systems, storage and handling solutions and other single-use solutions. Along with their own manufactured products for the global market, they are also a distributor for more than 18 brands in North America.
