Who will be HME Woman of the Year?

WATERLOO, Iowa – The VGM Group will open nominations for the 2022 HME Woman of the Year Award on Sept. 19.  

The award, now in its 7th year, recognizes a woman 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 honors the incredible dedication that women have to the industry,” said Mike Mallaro, CEO, VGM Group. “It recognizes women who lead in a variety of ways, whether it’s being an innovator in the profession, sharing their expertise with their peers, or their devotion to helping others.”  

Each year, dozens of nominations are received from across the nation. Nominees include providers, manufacturers, association executives, and other professionals in the home medical equipment, rehab, respiratory, and mastectomy industries.  

Past winners are: 

2021 - Katie Stevens, Reliable Medical Supply

2020 - Patty Mastandrea, MedCare Equipment Co.

2019 - Wendy Russalesi, AdaptHealth

2018 - Georgie Blackburn, Blackburn’s  

2017 - Barbara Smith, Healthline Medical Equipment 

2016 - Dr. Kirsten Davin, Precision Seating Solutions

"Chances are you know a woman deserving of this award," said Jeremy Stolz, president, VGM & Associates. "Think of the people you work with every day, then be sure to submit your nomination. Can you imagine how much an award like this would mean to her?" 

HME Woman of the Year nominations are open to all women, regardless of title or position, who work within the HME industry.  

Nominations will be accepted through Oct. 28 at www.vgm.com/womanoftheyear. 

The winner will be announced during a virtual ceremony at 11 a.m. CT on Dec. 15, 2022.