As we celebrate and reflect on Women’s History Month, Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) is proud to recognize one of our own trailblazers, Sherry Frier, Vice President, Testing Services, who will be retiring on March 31^st after an incredible 38 years of dedicated service. Sherry’s journey with PTC has been remarkable, and her contributions have shaped the company into what it is today. Sherry’s success at PTC has been a testament to her hard work, commitment, and ability to adapt to the changing landscape and evolution of the credentialing industry.

“It would be impossible to write about the history of PTC without Sherry. Her dedication and expertise have left a lasting mark across every department of the company,” notes Jill Rooney,  Vice President, Financial Services. Sherry’s career with PTC began in 1987, after working as a Junior Analyst in pension and benefits at an insurance company. When the insurance company moved to New Jersey, she accepted a position with PTC, which at that time was a subsidiary of Organization Resources Counselors, Inc. (ORC). Founded in 1983 by Sallyann Henry, a pioneer of the credentialing industry,  PTC was  a welcoming, respectful, and supportive place for women to work at a time when women traditionally held more junior roles in business. Sallyann’s commitment to empowering women, encouraging education, and promoting respect in the workplace truly set PTC apart and led to Sherry’s commitment to working for PTC for 38 years.

Sherry has played a pivotal role in shaping the Test Administration department, which began as a one-person operation and has evolved into a dynamic, multi-faceted team that supports everything from customer service to application processing to test administration. Under Sherry’s leadership, the department navigated through many changes and challenges including 9/11, the COVID-19 pandemic, the advancement of technology, and the evolution from paper-and-pencil testing to computer-based testing and beyond. Sherry loves to reminisce about the early days before computers when she would open multiple sacks of mail daily to process and review paper applications and recalls the excitement she had when she first got a Brother electronic typewriter that allowed her to print 3-4 lines of text.

In addition to Sallyann’s influence, Sherry credits much of her success to the support of the company and her colleagues, especially Catherine Heege and Michelle Lee-Castro, who worked alongside her throughout the years. “I could never have done it without them,” Sherry shared, reflecting on the collaboration and camaraderie that made her job most rewarding. It’s clear that Sherry’s impact extends far beyond her impressive professional accomplishments — she has been a mentor and a valued team player, helping to foster a close-knit sense of family within PTC.

“Through all the years and all the changes within the company over the last 38 years, the core business and heart of the company always remain the same – People First, and that is what made it so special to work here,” said Sherry. “I will miss coming in to see everyone and catching up on each other’s lives. PTC is a small company, and we are close — we really are like a family.”  As Vicki Gremelsbacker, PTC President, shared, “I have had the privilege of working with Sherry for 28 years. We have seen the company grow and evolve over the years, and we’ve also seen our families grow and evolve. While Sherry’s retirement will be a big change for PTC, I am so happy to celebrate this incredible milestone with her. I wish Sherry a wonderful future in this next chapter of her life!” Catherine Heege, Associate Director of Testing Services, noted, “Sherry has been more than just a colleague; she’s been a friend and a constant source of support. I will deeply miss her dedication to PTC and her care for her team that have created a truly special work environment. We are honored to carry on the legacy she’s built.”

Sherry’s incredible work ethic and commitment are evident in everything she does, especially since she worked until the very day she gave birth to each of her sons, James and Daniel. She recalled an important client meeting scheduled on a day she had originally planned to be off. Since she initially showed no signs of labor, she went ahead and attended the meeting. As the meeting went on, Sherry began to grow more and more uncomfortable, yet she stood the entire time, powering through the discomfort. That evening, she gave birth to her first son, James. It’s just one of the many stories that speak to her dedication and resilience as a woman valuing both motherhood and her career.

As Sherry steps into retirement, she is looking forward to a life filled with new adventures and the opportunity to focus on some of the things she never had the chance to do while balancing a busy career with family. Her husband, Ron, who retired in 2018, is ready to embark on these adventures by her side. Sherry will kick off her retirement with a trip to Paris, followed by a getaway upstate with her family including their beloved dog, Cully.  Other travel goals include a cruise to Bermuda and trips to Spain, Portugal, and Italy with stops in Florence, Venice, and Tuscany.  Exploring the rest of the United States is another goal, as she is excited to visit California to spend time with her cousin. She plans to continue enjoying time on Long Island with her mother and family.

With great health on her side, Sherry is ready to embrace this next chapter with energy and excitement. Beyond travel, Sherry is excited to expand her horizons through activities she never had the opportunity to do while working during the week, like attending book signings and speaker lunches at her temple. Sherry plans to maintain her great health by staying active, visiting the gym, going to the parks and beaches, and enjoying walks with Ron and Cully. “I’m looking forward to more calm in my day, to not having to rush, and to doing things spontaneously,” she said.

To celebrate her retirement, staff, and clients wish her nothing but the best in her travels, health, and all the new experiences that await:

• “I am almost in tears over the fact that Sherry is retiring. She is the best. I know no one ever says thank you or great job in the moment, so I am taking the moment to do that now – I want to shout from the top of the building that she is the best and is part of what makes PTC great. I am going to miss her very much.” – Kevin Doyle, SMPS
• “Thank you for being such a great partner for the NBNSC for all these years.  From the moment I started in my position working with the NBNSC and their certification program I knew that you would be a terrific resource.  Your experience with managing candidates and all their unique situations certainly made it easier for everyone at the NBNSC.  I am still not sure how you managed to always be so calm when the candidates were bombarding you with all their stories and requests day after day.  I do think you should compile a journal of the most outlandish requests!  While I am sad to see you retire from PTC, I wish you all the best and hope that you thoroughly enjoy this next phase of life. Thank you again for all your support and guidance.” — Michelle Spangenburg, NBNSC.
• “I’m grateful for the more than 30 years I’ve had the privilege of working with you, not just as a colleague but as a friend. Thank you for all the great memories working together! I wish you the best as you begin this exciting new chapter of your life – enjoy your retirement!” – Jill Rooney, Vice President Financial Services
• “Congratulations on your retirement, Sherry! I’ve enjoyed every conversation we’ve had and cherish the friendship we’ve built over the years. Wishing you much health and happiness on your retirement and always” — Vita Greco, Senior Director of Psychometric Services.
• “Thank you, Sherry, for all the guidance and support that you have provided me over the years. I appreciate all that you have done and shown me. I hope you have a new relaxing chapter ahead. Wishing you all the best.” — Michelle Lee-Castro, Testing Services /Recertification Administrator
• “I am going to miss Sherry dearly. She is one of the best colleagues I have worked with! I always looked forward to seeing Sherry at the office! She has always set a standard of excellence, and I truly admire her leadership, dedication, and caring heart. Congratulations on your retirement! You have earned this! I am so excited for you to begin this new journey in your life. Best wishes!” — Susanne Mac Donald, Assistant Director, Marketing and Management Services

Congratulations on your retirement, Sherry!  Your contributions to the Test Administration department and to the company as a whole have helped shape PTC into the strong and supportive organization it is today. We are grateful for all you’ve done, and we look forward to hearing about the many adventures retirement will bring you. Your retirement marks the end of an era at PTC, but your legacy will always be at the heart of PTC and will inspire us all in the years to come.