HME Woman of the Year on leadership, adaptability and innovation

WATERLOO, Iowa – After being named the 2026 HME Woman of the Year, Lisa Wells says her focus in the year ahead is simple: pay it forward.

“I came (to Med-South) knowing nothing, and now I’m a senior vice president,” she said after receiving the award at VGM’s Heartland Conference on June 9.

When asked what advice she shares with aspiring leaders, Wells pointed to a mindset she reinforces daily, including a ritual of listening to “Unstoppable” by Sia on her morning commute.

“I tell them, ‘Be unstoppable,’” she said. “No matter the obstacle, step out there and find a way. It doesn’t matter what comes, we find a way. We’re still standing today and we will be in five years. We’re going to find a way and make it happen.”

Wells joined four other finalists for a presentation and Q&A session at Heartland:

• Jeaneen Cole, vice president of quality and compliance, DASCO HME
• Shawna Carlson, director of rehab services, CareLinc Medical Equipment
• Julie Osborn, president and CEO, Alliance Rehab and Medical Equipment
• Whitney Baker, director of DME operations and integrations, Viemed

‘Be courageous, not just open minded’

Across the panel, several common leadership themes emerged, including servant leadership, adaptability and creating opportunities for others.

“We’re not only serving patients but also employees and bringing them up,” said Cole. “And being that change agent. Anything (that happens) in this industry – being open to that change and not having to be the smartest person in the room.”

“Being courageous, not just open minded,” Baker added. “Being courageous and putting yourself out there as a leader for the company and doing all the things it takes to evolve with the industry.”

Carlson highlighted the importance of self-awareness.

“I needed to see my weaknesses and surround myself with people who challenge me,” she said. “Having really good people around you is the best and makes it a fun way to succeed.”

AI and the future of HME leadership

Panelists also pointed to artificial intelligence (AI) as a key trend shaping the future of the industry, while emphasizing that its role should remain people-focused.

“AI is what we keep talking about and in five years, it will be the norm,” Osborn said. “(But) it needs to be helping our people. That’s what we’re here to do: help our people.”

Women leaders shape industry

VGM launched the HME Woman of the Year award in 2016. Women now make up two-thirds of the company’s workforce, said Jeremy Stolz, CEO of VGM.

“Their leadership and drive to make things better have shaped our company and the future of the industry in more ways than we can count,” he said. “Stories like these permeate the industry.”