HME Woman of the Year Selection Committee Announced

WATERLOO, Iowa (July 12, 2017)—VGM Group, Inc. has released the names of the five members who will serve on the HME Woman of the Year Honorary Selection Committee.

The 2017 selection committee includes the inaugural HME Woman of the Year, Dr. Kirsten Davin, president and owner of Precision Seating Solutions, LLC. Joining Davin is Rose Schafhauser, president and owner of Association Management, LLC and executive director of MAMES and SWMESA; Quinton Hart, mayor of Waterloo, Iowa, where VGM is headquartered; Rick Rector, executive vice president of United Publications, Inc. and publisher of HME News and Home Health Technology news; and Joan Eliasek, president of Extended Care Sales at McKesson Medical-Surgical. 

“An opportunity to recognize trailblazers who bring diversity to our industry can help encourage new, creative thoughts and ideas and help evolve our industry,” said Eliasek. “I feel honored to be on the selection committee with such remarkable industry leaders. This is important work, and I’m lucky to be a part of it.” 

With more than 90 years of combined experience in the home health care arena, the honorary selection committee will review all of the nominations and submit three semifinalists each. Upon reviewing the semifinalists, VGM will select three finalists to attend the awards ceremony on October 24 at Medtrade. During the VGM-sponsored ceremony, the 2017 HME Woman of the Year will be announced.     

Nominations are open to all women who work within the HME industry. Nominations are due by August 14 and can be submitted by visiting vgm.com/hmewomanoftheyear. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to nominate a peer or consider nominating themselves for the award.  

“Last year, 37 women from over 20 states were nominated with Dr. Kirsten Davin named the HME Woman of the Year,” said Clint Geffert, president of VGM & Associates. “She continues to educate and inspire others in an effort to promote innovation within the industry. Let’s build on this success by giving another woman the recognition she deserves and a platform to assist in furthering her cause.” 

For more information about the award or to nominate a deserving woman, visit vgm.com/hmewomanoftheyear.