Just before the radio and television airwaves were introduced to what would become an international hit, “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke,” Noemi Moore walked into the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York’s Brooklyn facility at the age of 18 and began what would become an almost five-decade career with Coca-Cola.

Noemi, who is currently the Business Manager at the Smithtown facility, started in 1970 and has been part of many iconic moments, milestones, innovations and professional achievements.

“I say I have a PhD in the Coca-Cola Company,” Noemi said, as she has climbed through the ranks over her tenure, oftentimes learning new roles on the job.

Her journey began as a switchboard operator and she eventually held titles such as Office Manager, executive assistant to the VP of Sales and Regional Controller and Financial Analyst. Her first boss gave her a lot of inspiration and allowed her to advance her career, mentoring her and giving her the foundation to grow within the company. She now manages a team of administrators that work six days a week and she is always on call.

“I have worked with and for many great leaders in Coca-Cola,” Noemi said, who has held her current management role for almost 22 years. “This includes one being the first female that was promoted into management and many others along the way.

“I consider my job to be very challenging and I have learned that to be a good leader one must lead by examples and be fair but also firm.”

Fran McGorry, co-owner, praised Noemi for her years of service to the company.

“Noemi lives all of the Coca-Cola values, especially passion and collaboration. “Throughout her entire tenure, she lifted her team members up and made everyone else around her better. Her departure will certainly be felt.”

In addition to her professional positions, Noemi was part of many historic events such as when the Rockettes introduced Diet Coke at Radio City Music Hall in 1982. She has been with the company long enough to also remember when the contoured Coca-Cola bottle was trademarked in 1977; the Space Shuttle dispensed Coca-Cola and Diet Coke in outer space in 1995; PlantBottle Packaging – the first ever recyclable PET plastic beverage bottle made from plants – was introduced in 2009; and when the original secret formula was moved from the vault at SunTrust Banks to a new vault at the World of Coca-Cola museum in downtown Atlanta in 2011.

Most notably, in 2004 she was nominated by her manager and Sales Manager at the time, Mike Taroli, and selected to represent Coca-Cola as a torchbearer for the 2004 Olympics.

In his nomination letter, Taroli wrote of Noemi, “Noemi runs the most efficient office in any of my seven branches. She does this with a smile and a great attitude. She is loved and admired by all. She still laughs and never speaks of her problems.”

As the mother of a severely handicapped child, Noemi reflected that it was sometimes overwhelming for her to find a balance between work time and family life. However, she has found her time at work has provided her with the strength to face her own personal challenges. Noemi has been very grateful that the company recognized her personal life and worked with her to create the balance between work and home.

In the coming weeks, Noemi looks forward to spending time with her family.

“My children are surprised that I am actually retiring,” said Moore. “I always referred to Coca-Cola as my company, so they didn’t think I was ever going to leave. But, they are happy for me and want me to enjoy my retirement.”