Notable Office and Operations Managers: Louise Kempe

Class of 2022

While Milwaukee-based Novir was developing protocols and following the changing science of COVID-19, business operations manager Louise Kempe worked to keep the company’s employees safe, sourcing hand sanitizer, gloves, masks and other essential supplies needed to run the business during a worldwide shortage.

Kempe led the initiative to create a plug-and-play COVID testing kit, allowing Novir to package COVID tests, PPE and training materials together to allow customers to test remotely. She also laminated instruction manuals and organized logistics with several transporters to make sure each one of the 300-plus shipments arrived at the correct school or business on time.

“Louise is the heart and soul of Novir,” said Peter Klug, vice president of business and program development.

Kempe even recruited her own kids and their friends to come in on nights and weekends to pack up testing supplies and PPE for overnight shipments to help make sure kids were able to attend summer camps safely in 2021, said Andy Blanchard, program manager.

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