VGM Opens Nominations for HME Woman of the Year

WATERLOO, Iowa (July 17, 2020)—The nomination period for the 2020 HME Woman of the Year has begun and runs through Aug. 14. 

Now in its fifth year, the award, sponsored by VGM, recognizes one woman in the industry who has made increasingly significant contributions throughout her career to her company, community, and the home medical equipment industry. 

“The HME Woman of the Year award provides recognition and visibility for exceptional leaders in our industry,” said Clint Geffert, president of VGM & Associates. “Whether through advocacy work, sharing expertise at industry meetings, or by being innovative to grow business or streamline operations, this award recognizes a woman who is blazing a path for the future.”

Last year, 55 nominations were received from across the nation. Nominees included providers, manufacturers, association executives and other professionals in home medical equipment, rehab, respiratory, and mastectomy. Of those, four finalists were selected to travel to Medtrade in Atlanta, where Wendy Russalesi, chief compliance officer for AdaptHealth, was named the winner. 

“The 2019 finalists were all incredible advocates for their patients and their industry,” Russalesi said. “The work of women in the HME industry is truly impactful to people throughout the country.” Along with past winners, she is now part of the committee who will select future winners.  

HME Woman of the Year nominations are open to all women, regardless of title or position, who work within the HME industry. Nominations are due by Aug. 14 and can be submitted online by visiting vgm.com/womanoftheyear. The winner will be announced during a virtual ceremony on Oct. 22, 2020.