WOY Dana McLaughlin celebrates HME’s impact

WATERLOO, Iowa – Dana McLaughlin of Medical Service Company was named the 2023 HME Woman of the Year in a virtual ceremony on Dec. 21. 

McLaughlin, who became president of Medical Services Company in July 2022, has worked in the HME industry for 28 years. 

“It’s not a glamorous industry, but the impact we have, it’s allowed patients to stay at home with their family and loved ones,” she said during the ceremony. “They'll have the products and services that we deliver allowing them to breathe better, sleep a little bit better, gain their mobility and most importantly retain their dignity.” 

The other finalists for the award were: Deb Holman, chief compliance officer, Hart Medical; Jami Tharp, office manager, senior billing specialist, and human resource manager, Choice Medical; and Heather Yi, vice president, customer success, Brightree.  

In congratulating McLaughlin, Mike Mallaro, CEO of VGM Group, which sponsors the award and hosted the ceremony, described her as “aspirational.” 

“You’re awesome, you're a great role model, you're just aspirational for all of us here and we’re proud of you,” he said. 

VGM received nominations from across the HME industry, including providers, manufacturers, association executives and other professionals. The finalists were selected based on criteria that included implementing new business processes, advocating on behalf of the industry, improving the lives of patients and impacting their community through volunteerism.  

The 2022 HME Woman of the Year was Sherry Krug of Binson’s Medical Equipment & Supplies. 

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