From finance clerk to HR and beyond: Celebrating 45 years at Walgreens
From paper processing to embracing digital change
For 45 years, Mary Sullivan has been an essential part of the Walgreens corporate office. She began her career journey with the company after spotting a job advertisement for a finance clerk in the local paper. Her first day at Walgreens was on Oct. 23, 1979.
As a finance clerk, Sullivan called the Stock Exchange for quotes three times a day and delivered that information to executive leadership. Additionally, she processed physical checks daily that were ready for deposit and recorded accounting numbers within a paper journal to keep track of credits for each area of the company.
Sullivan eventually moved to the Payroll Department where she worked for 19 years. In this role, she processed store payroll, and then later became the disability pay lead and the non-store payroll lead, where she led a team of four responsible for processing payroll for all corporate employees. During her tenure at Walgreens, she witnessed the company’s technology evolution, and was able to improve her own tech skills within different roles. When Walgreens made the move from paper processing to computers, Sullivan took classes in Microsoft Suite, expanding her knowledge across various software programs. Additionally, she developed her skills through self-enrolled night classes, graduating in 2013 with an associate's degree in business.
Photo: Mary Sullivan poses with local team members Barb and Alexis.
In 2003, Sullivan moved on from the Payroll Department to Operations in Human Resources in the Walgreens Health Initiatives division. She says she was lucky to enter this department right when Walgreens expanded its pharmacy services, and there was a lot of exciting work happening behind the scenes. She worked as an HR administrator for 18 years, assisting with employee services and supporting HR business partners with tracking cyclical programs such as engagement scores, goal setting, succession planning, performance reviews and more.
Photo: Mary Sullivan and her Payroll department colleagues in 2011. Featured are: Stephanie Hattenschwieler, Ken Wahlstrom, Sullivan, Jennifer Tayler, Joanna Rybka and Christina Paulausky.
What it’s like as a Talent Acquisition Coordinator at Walgreens
Sullivan began in her current role as a Talent Acquisition coordinator in September 2022. In this role, she’s often the first human touchpoint corporate candidates experience in the Walgreens interview process. Her responsibilities include scheduling phone screens, interviews and confirming interview details with candidates, recruiters and hiring managers. Additionally, she posts job openings, facilitates new hire orientation and processes I-9s for new hires – sometimes being one of the first friendly faces greeting the newest corporate team members.
“Mary embodies the spirit of teamwork and is a true joy to work with,” shares her manager, Michelle Moore. “Her sense of humor, kindness and unwavering support create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and inspired. I am grateful for her contributions and look forward to many more years of working together.”
Photo: Sullivan and Talent Acquisition team colleagues in 2024.
What’s next for Mary?
Sullivan says she’s not done learning and advancing her skills. She recently enrolled in the Talent Acquisition department’s job shadow program where team members can shadow colleagues within the department to learn more about their role.
“I am grateful to my current managers for the many opportunities provided to learn and grow in my current role,” Sullivan says. “Right now, I am learning from a recruiter on the detailed steps throughout the hiring process.”
In addition to the job shadow experience, Sullivan has also expanded her skills by taking classes through Walgreens University, our internal learning and development resource. Some of the areas she’s been able to upskill in include Microsoft Excel, public speaking, goal setting and presentation skills.
“I’m truly thankful for the people I met along my Walgreens journey. I have learned we all have similar goals throughout our career,” Sullivan says.
In her 45 years with Walgreens, Sullivan shared that she’s had supportive and transparent management, as well as caring colleagues that have all contributed to a positive career with the company.