Her Story
About Sue
Sue Kainz is an experienced administrative professional with more than 35 years of diverse experience spanning higher education, human resources, accounting, payroll, compensation, benefits, office management, and the service industry. Throughout her career, she has held both administrative and instructional positions, with some of her most rewarding work involving direct interaction with students and career assistance. She particularly enjoyed helping individuals prepare resumes and cover letters and supporting them as they pursued their professional goals. Her background also includes significant accounting responsibilities involving accounts payable and receivable, payroll, compensation, benefits, and financial administration.
Kainz's career has included an unusually broad range of responsibilities and environments. As an Office Manager with Fish Real Estate, she managed accounting functions, human resources responsibilities, agent commissions, taxes, office technology, marketing support, databases, industry-specific software, and staff supervision. She later served as an Administrative Coordinator with Bentley & Collins Company and J&S Cabinet, LLC. Earlier in her career, she gained higher-education experience and developed an interest in international communications and gender communication while studying at American University. Her varied professional experiences have strengthened her adaptability, organizational skills, and desire to help others.
Today, Kainz is directing that experience toward advocacy and nonprofit work supporting veterans and their families. Following the loss of her husband, a Marine, scout sniper, and veteran, she became increasingly focused on turning her personal experiences into purposeful community service. She is launching Always Forward, a nonprofit initiative operating under the VFW Writers Group umbrella, with a focus on providing practical support and mental-health resources to veteran families. Her initial efforts include a motorcycle fundraising event at American Legion Post 104. Alongside this new advocacy work, she continues her longstanding commitment to service through First United Methodist Church of Muncy and her previous leadership with 4-H. Her guiding philosophy is centered on resilience, faith, service, and the belief that difficult experiences can be transformed into meaningful action.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sue
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, faith, determination, and the willingness to take action when something needs to be done. Throughout my career and personal life, I have learned to face difficult circumstances directly rather than avoid them. I believe in turning pain into purpose, tackling the big challenges, staying grateful, and being willing to step forward when others need support.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage the next generation to be willing to step outside their comfort zone, be different, and pursue opportunities where they can genuinely make a difference. My own education and career have taught me the value of learning through varied experiences, even when taking an unconventional path. I would encourage young women to remain resilient, continue learning, serve others, and not be afraid to tackle difficult challenges.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities I see is the ability to provide meaningful, community-based support to veterans and their families who may be struggling with mental-health challenges. There is a need for people who are willing to be boots on the ground, walk alongside families, provide useful resources, and help connect people with organizations that can support them. Through my advocacy work, I hope to help make those resources more accessible and ultimately contribute to reducing veteran suicide and supporting stronger veteran families.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Service, faith, resilience, gratitude, compassion, and helping others are central to both my professional and personal life. I have a strong desire to serve people and to be someone who walks alongside others when they are facing difficult circumstances. I also value perseverance and taking meaningful action rather than simply talking about problems. My goal is to turn difficult experiences into purposeful work that can empower and help others.
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