VGM Announces 2019 HME Woman of the Year Finalists

WATERLOO, Iowa (September 23, 2019)—Four finalists have been named for the 2019 HME Woman of the Year. The winner will be announced during a special ceremony at the Medtrade Home Medical Equipment Expo & Conference in Atlanta Oct. 21-23, 2019.

The HME Woman of the Year finalists are:

• Donna Cady, Managing Director, Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center
• Deb Kalk, CEO and President, Reliable Medical Supply
• Leigh Ann Mathews, ATP, CRTS, Complete Care Stores
• Wendy Russalesi, Chief Compliance Officer, AdaptHealth

Now in its fourth year, the award, sponsored by VGM, recognizes one woman in the industry who has made significant contributions throughout her career to her company, community and the HME industry.

“These women are determined advocates and leaders—serving our industry selflessly for years,” said Clint Geffert, president of VGM & Associates. “They exemplify the dedication and innovation required to have a positive impact not only on their business and coworkers, but also the customers and the communities they serve.”

The 2019 finalists were selected based on recommendations from an honorary selection committee. The committee was comprised of 2018 HME Woman of the Year, Georgie Blackburn, vice president of government relations and legislative affairs at BLACKBURN’S; Rob Boeye, executive vice president, HME at Brightree; Liz Beaulieu, editor of HME News; Colleen Hunter, owner of Browning’s Pharmacy and Health Care; and Todd Walling, senior vice president of sales, Business Region Americas at Permobil.

The HME Woman of the Year nomination period opened during VGM’s annual Heartland Conference in June 2019. The nominees included a broad spectrum of providers, manufacturers and other professionals in the HME, rehab, respiratory and mastectomy industries. The committee chose the finalists using criteria that included implementing new business processes, advocating on behalf of the industry, improving the lives of patients and impacting community through volunteerism.

Mike Mallaro, chief executive officer of VGM Group, Inc., personally notified each of the finalists. 

For more information about finalists, visit vgm.com/hmewomanoftheyear, or connect with them in person at Medtrade.