Tag: Orthotic & Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA)
OPGA opens application process for prosthetics grants
February 18, 2026HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa — OPGA has announced that the application period is officially open for two grants available to U.S.–based orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) professionals: the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant and the Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant. Sponsored by Össur and presented by OPGA, both grants provide funding for meaningful, non-clinical experiences that strengthen leadership skills, deepen advocacy engagement, and enhance connection...
Navigating change: Jeff Kessler on the pressures and possibilities in O&P
October 10, 2025Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WATERLOO, Iowa – As a prosthetic user himself, Jeff Kessler, who was recently named director of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA), understands the mission of the industry on a personal level.
“That connection motivates me to come alongside our members and partners and help them grow their capacity to care for more patients and serve their communities in a bigger, more meaningful way,” he said. “We have some of the best clinical minds and business...
In brief: Rotech makes buy, OPGA taps director, CareForward joins bid fight
September 26, 2025HME News Staff
ORLANDO, Fla. – Rotech Healthcare has acquired Memphis, Tenn.-based Baptist Home Medical Equipment, expanding its footprint in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.
Baptist Home Medical Equipment was owned by Baptist Memorial Health, which is comprised of 23 hospitals.
“We are thrilled to work with the Baptist Memorial Health Care team and expand our presence in these states,” said Robin Menchen, president and CEO of Rotech. “This acquisition is not...
OPGA names Fanny Schultea 2025 O&P Woman of the Year
September 8, 2025HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – The Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) has announced that Fanny Schultea, MS, MSed, CPO, LP, FAAOP, executive director of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research, has been selected as the 2025 O&P Woman of the Year. The award was presented to Schultea during the AOPA National Assembly on Sept. 4. “Thank you to VGM Group, OPGA and Össur for this platform and the extraordinary opportunity to share with the O&P community...
In brief: O&P finalists, KabaFusion deal, Apple update
August 20, 2025HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – The Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) has announced the finalists for the 2025 O&P Woman of the Year Award. They are:
Fanny Schultea, MS, MSEd, CPO, LP, FAAOP(D), executive director, The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research;
Lesleigh Sisson, CFO, CFm, vice president & general manager, O&P Insight;
Arlene Gillis, founder and president, International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics;...
OPGA names O&P Woman of the Year finalists
August 18, 2025HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – The Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) has announced the finalists for the 2025 O&P Woman of the Year Award. They are:
Fanny Schultea, MS, MSEd, CPO, LP, FAAOP(D), executive director, The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research;
Lesleigh Sisson, CFO, CFm, vice president & general manager, O&P Insight;
Arlene Gillis, founder and president, International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics;...
Women of the Year: VGM announces finalists, OPGA calls for noms
June 2, 2025HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – The VGM Group has announced the finalists of the 2025 HME Woman of the Year:
Ginger Walls, director of clinical and technical education, Permobil Americas
Jennifer Jordan, vice president, baby and mom division, Aeroflow Health
Robin Menchen, CEO, Rotech Healthcare
Autumn Kline, director of sales and marketing, NuCara Home Medical
“These outstanding women exemplify significant contributions to their company, community...
In brief: New execs at Insulet & Synapse, state of e-prescribing, OPGA & Össur awards
May 2, 2025HME News Staff
ACTON, Mass. – Insulet has appointed Ashley McEvoy as president and CEO effective immediately, replacing Jim Hollingshead, who has agreed to end his employment at the company and resign from its board of directors.
“Insulet continues to successfully deliver on its financial, clinical and operational objectives while advancing its mission to improve the lives of people with diabetes, and we are confident this leadership change will further the company’s success,”...
OPGA, Össur announce grant recipients
April 30, 2025HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – OPGA and Össur Americas have announced the recipients of two O&P grants. Avery-Claire Littleton has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant, and Nicole Bakovich has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant.
“We are excited to announce Avery-Claire and Nicole as the recipients of these two grants that will help them grow their careers and contribute to the...
OPGA, Össur open grant applications
March 26, 2025HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – OPGA and Össur have announced the application period is now open for two grants available for U.S.-based O&P professionals: the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant and Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant. Both annual grants are designed to provide funding to a current O&P resident (Russell Walker) and certified orthotist or prosthetist or both (Todd Eagen) that will allow them to attend and participate in two non-clinical events in the O&P profession:...