Chrysalis Ashton
Drive Medical has a new leader heading its respiratory clinical affairs efforts.
In an Aug. 6 news announcement, the manufacturer announced the appointment of Chrysalis Ashton, MSRC, RRT, as head of respiratory clinical affairs and industry relations, a ”move reflecting Drive’s continued investment in clinical leadership across its respiratory business.”
Drive noted that Ashton is “a nationally recognized leader in home respiratory care” and that in this new position, Ashton “will strengthen provider engagement, educational initiatives, and industry partnerships while serving as a key advisor across Drive’s respiratory business. In her role, she will contribute across quality assurance, regulatory affairs, engineering, product management and commercial initiatives, while representing Drive across key industry organizations, including the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).”
Ashton — with undergraduate and graduate degrees in respiratory therapy — has more than 13 years of leadership and management experience in the durable medical equipment industry and in home respiratory care. Her most recent tenure was at CareLInc Medical, where she served as the company’s compliance officer and education manager.
Her advocacy efforts include currently serving as vice chair of the AAHomecare HME/RT Council, chair-elect of the home care section for the Michigan Society for Respiratory Care, and social media ambassador for the National Board for Respiratory Care. She is also a member of the advocacy and government affairs committee of the AARC.
In an educational capacity, Ashton has published research in Respiratory Care and has also served as a peer reviewer for the publication. She is on the advisory boards of two respiratory therapy educational programs.
“Chrysalis has built an impressive career at the intersection of clinical care, compliance, education and advocacy,” said Nora Coleman, executive vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer at Drive Medical. “That experience is increasingly valuable as providers navigate evolving regulatory requirements, quality challenges and patient needs. Her appointment will strengthen Drive’s commitment to integrity, accountability and clinical excellence.”
“The home respiratory industry needs more than products — it needs strong and passionate clinical leadership,” said Joe Lewarski, MHA, RRT, FAARC, senior vice president, clinical affairs at Drive Medical. “Chrysalis brings a deep understanding of the clinical and operational realities facing home care providers today. In this new role she will help strengthen provider partnerships, bring a state-of-the-art home care provider perspective to help inform product development, expand educational engagement, and ensure the voice of the clinician remains central to how Drive develops solutions for patients and providers.”
