Nicole Hyke
Nicole Hyke is a seasoned supply chain and inventory management professional with over 30 years of experience in the medical supply industry. As a veteran serving veterans, she currently oversees the purchase and distribution of critical medical supplies and equipment used by healthcare providers at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her leadership ensures quality control, product safety, and operational efficiency across multiple departments, including Dental, Cath/EP, Podiatry, ENT, Optometry, and Respiratory services. Nicole’s dedication to service, both to veterans and her team, is grounded in a career that began with 20 and a half years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, where she first gained experience in medical supply chain management.
Nicole’s career in medical supply chain management began unexpectedly. Originally planning to become an LPN/Medic, she pivoted after not passing her medic class in the military and instead pursued a course in supply chain management—a decision that shaped her professional life. After leaving the military, she started at the VA in a modest role as a purchaser, learning the intricacies of government procurement, which differs significantly from civilian purchasing. Through hard work and determination, Nicole advanced to inventory manager and eventually to supervisory roles, managing teams of 10–14 people. She emphasizes the critical role supply chain management plays in hospital operations, ensuring doctors and nurses have the resources they need to provide patient care effectively.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nicole balances her career with a rich personal life. She enjoys crocheting, creating and selling jewelry, caring for her pets, and cherishing mom-and-daughter outings. These personal passions, combined with her professional dedication, allow her to foster a supportive and effective team environment. Looking ahead, Nicole is committed to continued growth within her work units, aspiring to advance to an assistant deputy role while continuing to serve the veteran community with integrity, excellence, and a steadfast commitment to quality healthcare.
• Concordia University-Wisconsin - BA, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
• Cub scouts pack 14
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to decades of dedication, experience, and a passion for service. As a veteran serving veterans, I have spent 30 years in the medical supply industry, supervising the purchase and distribution of essential medical supplies and equipment that healthcare providers rely on to care for patients at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. My professional commitment is complemented by a rich personal life I enjoy crocheting, creating and selling jewelry, exploring art, caring for animals, and cherishing quality mom-and-daughter time. Balancing these personal passions with a steadfast dedication to my work has shaped my ability to lead, support, and make a meaningful impact every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
There are challenges in this field. I have seen men favored for higher positions within supply chain management, so you have to make a name for yourself. It's hard work. You really have to have knowledge of supply chain, period. You have to be able to think quick on your feet and be able to act quick. I work in a hospital, so patients are relying on supply chain management to have what is needed for the doctors and nurses to use for them. You have to understand processes, and communication is one of the largest things that you need when it comes to supply chain. You're going into a very male-dominated field, so expect to work long hours. Research is definitely important because you may not be able to get it from one vendor, and you have to research other vendors to see if they have the product that you need. Communication and being able to research are probably the biggest things that somebody would need to be in this field. You also need to explore emotional intelligence within yourself. You can't keep all your knowledge to yourself. You need to share your knowledge and teach other people how you do your research and how you have navigated the federal system for purchasing. You're preparing the next supervisor and preparing yourself for promotion at the same time. As a female in the role, you need to not take things personal. Sometimes you need to receive that constructive criticism and look inside yourself and say, okay, I could have done this better. It's not a bad thing to ask more questions so that you understand what's going on. It's more about personal growth.