41 Years, Countless Memories: Joan Tracy Retires from CPC

Commemorating her 41-year career at CPC Logistics in only one scrapbook will be a challenge for Joan Tracy, who is retiring from her role as pension manager on April 30.

“I love scrapbooking because it lets you relive your experiences all over again,” Joan said. “People, conversations and events all come back to you, even if it’s been years since they happened.”

Newly married and looking to make a career change, Joan started working as a pension clerk in the 401(k) department of TLI Incorporated, which would later become CPC, on April 8, 1985.

“Back then, CPC and the 401(k) department were much smaller,” Joan said. “The 401(k) department didn’t have computers; we used massive spreadsheets and calculators to do our work. Over the years, the company grew and progressed into the international operation it is today.”

Joan also made personal and professional strides. She had two children, Megan and Jack. She was promoted to her current position as pension manager overseeing the administration, compliance and strategic operations of CPC’s retirement plans.

“I love helping our employees gain the peace of mind that one day they will be able to retire,” Joan said. “Everyone works so hard, and it feels good knowing I play a role in enabling them to reach retirement.

Joan also helped the company overcome challenges, including an Internal Revenue Service audit in 2004 that CPC passed with flying colors. She assisted in navigating difficulties related to COVID-19 and hurricanes that devastated CPC’s Puerto Rican employees in 2017 and 2022.

“My heart ached for those who had to withdraw money they had set aside for retirement because of conditions that were out of their hands,” Joan said.

Through both the good times and bad, it was her coworkers who inspired Joan to remain at CPC for more than four decades.

“It feels like family here,” Joan said. “I have met so many wonderful friends and mentors like John Bickel Sr. and Dan LeGear. I will miss the people most.”

In retirement, Joan is looking forward to having more time for hobbies like scrapbooking, watercolor painting, genealogy and traveling. She and her husband have plans to visit several national parks during a trip to the Southwestern United States.

“It’s a bittersweet time for me,” Joan said. “My time at CPC ran the gamut of life experiences. I certainly have a lot of pictures to go through for my scrapbook.”