The VGM Group has opened the nomination period for the 2018 HME Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes women in the HME industry who have made significant contributions to their organizations and communities.
VGM’s goal in establishing the award in 2016 was “to encourage innovative thinking, participation and continued dedication to the industry by awarding the accomplishments of women leaders,” Krista McNurlen, vendor account manager for VGM, said in an interview with HME Business.
Last year, VGM received 38 nominees, which included a diverse range of providers, manufacturers, association executives and other professionals in HME, rehab, respiratory and mastectomy.
“The award is open to all women working in the HME industry, regardless of title or position because we believe leaders are everywhere in organizations, not just at the top,” McNurlen explained.
Last year’s Woman of the Year Barbara Smith, chief executive officer of Healthline Medical Equipment Inc. is an honorary selection committee member, along with four others, and exhorted members of the industry to nominate their fellow HME professionals.
“I encourage everyone to lift up a woman who has served in such a capacity and even if they don’t win, they have won by the simple acknowledgement you make for them,” she said.
The selection committee will choose four semi-finalists from the nominee pool, and a panel of VGM leaders will select the winner.
“The criteria for selecting an award winner includes many attributes of an effective leader,” VGM’s McNurlen said. “HME Woman of the year nominees are paving new ways of innovation and new business processes; providing leadership through advocacy at the local, state and federal levels; improving the lives of patients through compassionate care; and, making lifelong impressions within her community.”
Nominations are due by August 13 and can be submitted online by visiting VGM’s HME Woman of the Year webpage. The winner will be announced during a special ceremony at Medtrade. The annual conference is Oct. 15-17, 2018, in Atlanta.