ProAg’s Nancy Molter-Zirbes Honored with the Service Member Patriot Award

ProAg believes outstanding leadership goes beyond just business—it’s about supporting people in every aspect of their lives. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate Nancy Molter-Zirbes, ProAg Software Development Manager, as she receives the Service Member Patriot Award. This honor recognizes supervisors who go above and beyond to support employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

Captain Zachary Eich (O-3), better known as “Eich”, a 177th Cyber Protection Team member in Rosemount, Minnesota, nominated Nancy for this award in recognition of her flexibility, encouragement and steadfast support of military-affiliated employees.

What is the ESGR Patriot Award?

Presented by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the Service Member Patriot Award recognizes supervisors who provide exceptional support to Guard and Reserve members. This award includes accommodating military commitments, ensuring a smooth transition between deployments and fostering a work environment where service members feel valued. Nominations come directly from service members or their families, making this a deeply personal recognition of a leader’s impact.

To learn more about the Patriot Award, visit ESGR’s website.

A Leader Who Puts People First

Eich’s nomination highlights just how much Nancy’s leadership has meant to him:

My orders and departure dates changed three times, and my return dates shifted twice. She never once expressed frustration—she simply adapted. She adjusted my workload ahead of time to make my departures smoother, allowing me to focus on my military duties without added stress.”

Nancy didn’t just accommodate the logistics of Eich’s military service—she made sure he felt valued throughout the process.

“She has personally recognized my departures with pastries for the team, turning what could be stressful moments into celebrations of my contributions. She’s always encouraged my decision to continue serving, knowing how important it is to me.”

This level of care isn’t just for one employee—Nancy actively supports others in the ProAg team offering understanding, flexibility and respect.

More Than a Manager—A True Leader

Captain Zachary Eich, ProAg Software Engineer III, presenting the ESGR Service Member Patriot Award to Nancy Molter-Zirbes, ProAg Software Development Manager.

Nancy’s leadership isn’t just about supporting military service—it’s about setting an example of dedication, teamwork and technical expertise. While many engineering managers step away from hands-on development, Nancy remains deeply involved in coding and problem-solving alongside her team.

Eich shared an example of her work ethic:

“Last year, she was online with the team until 10 PM, only to be back at 6 AM the next morning—while battling pneumonia. That kind of commitment is rare. It speaks volumes about her leadership and drive for excellence.”

She also prioritizes growth, taking time in one-on-one meetings to discuss coding best practices, industry trends and professional development. She’s not just managing a team—she’s invested in helping each person succeed.

Celebrating Nancy’s Impact

ProAg knows that strong leadership isn’t just about results—it’s about how you support your people along the way. Nancy exemplifies this daily, ensuring her team can thrive in their careers while balancing their military commitments.

In his closing remarks, Eich summed it up best:

“With all of that in mind, I am honored to present Nancy with the Patriot Award. Nancy, thank you for everything you do for us. We truly appreciate you.”

Congratulations, Nancy, on this well-earned recognition. Your leadership makes a difference—not just at ProAg but in the lives of those you support every day.

In closing, we are grateful for the opportunity to support those who serve. Eich, ProAg sincerely appreciates your dedication and the sacrifice you make on our behalf. Thank you for your service.