OM, HSDA recognize diversity 

RICHMOND, Va. - Owens & Minor and the Healthcare Supplier Diversity Alliance (HSDA) have announced the winners of the 2022 Supplier Diversity Awards.

The awards, which honor the legacy of Earl G. Reubel, recognize people and organizations that demonstrate an active, sustained commitment to advocating for greater supplier diversity in the health care supply chain for diverse or underrepresented populations.

Winners were chosen in three categories: 

• Civic Leader of the Year: Carey Jaros, president and CEO of GOJO Industries, a women’s business enterprise certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Under Jaros’ leadership, the company dramatically increased production capacity for its PURELL products during the peak of the pandemic and made significant capital investments in northeastern Ohio that resulted in hiring more than 500 new employees. 

• Diverse Enterprise of the Year: Caracal Corp., a certified minority-owned enterprise. The company actively gives back to communities via its scholarship, mentorship and workforce development programs. Additionally, more than 60% of its products and services are sourced directly from minority and women-owned businesses, helping to accelerate job growth in diverse communities. 

• Large Corporation of the Year: Jackson Health System, a Florida-based nonprofit academic medical system that offers world-class care to all residents of Miami-Dade county, regardless of their ability to pay. It has implemented a variety of programs and initiatives across its workforce that empower diverse employee voices and encourage advocacy and allyship. It has also demonstrated its commitment to supplier diversity through its capital investments, outreach, and mentoring programs. 

“We are proud to honor this year’s award winners, each of which have consistently demonstrated what it means to advance supplier diversity in the health care supply chain industry,” said Edward A. Pesicka, president and CEO, Owens & Minor. “We look forward to collaborating with them and other small, woman, minority, LGBTQ+ and veteran-owned suppliers as we pursue innovative, unique and cost-competitive solutions for our customers.” 

This year’s recipients were recognized during the HSDA Conference, which was held virtually on Dec. 8. 

Reubel was an entrepreneur and co-founder of Kerma, a family-owned Veteran-Minority Owned Company (VOSB) with a direct sales division in Miramar, Fla. Kerma began as a manufacturer in 1991 as a United States government supplier and today is one of the largest diversity manufacturer/supplier companies in the private sector.