Susan Perkins, operations director of Advanced Medical Imaging has had many years working in the heath field, 14 years to be exact. Perkins began her career in the billing department in a hospital in her home state of Idaho. Eventually, she was hired as an engineering supervisor, competing against five qualified men. “It took a lot of hard work and proving myself,” she said. “Even if it was a predominantly male position, I would at least try.”

Perkins said she’s grateful for those positions that pushed her forward. “Finding careers that allow you to grow ,” she said. “Never stop trying, never stop learning and never stop excelling at what you do.”

Driven by her willingness to march forward, Perkins has found her balance at her current position and says she has “the best of both worlds.” Recently Perkins got a chance to enjoy another love, interior design, when she was appointed to oversee the design of AMI’s new office at Harrison Medical Center in Port Orchard. Perkins has a certificate in design and is currently studying for her HR certificate. “I’ve gotten where I’m at by working hard, but I’ve always asked for the moon and got the moon,” she said.