Nominations Now Open for the 2026 HME Woman of the Year Award

Published in Member Communities on March 02, 2026

VGM is excited to announce that nominations are officially open for the 2026 HME Woman of the Year Award, now through April 17, 2026. This annual recognition highlights outstanding women who are making a powerful impact across the home medical equipment (HME) industry. 

The winner will be announced during the 2026 Heartland Conference, taking place June 8–10 in Waterloo, Iowa. 

Celebrating 10 Years of Recognizing Women Who Move the HME Industry Forward 

Now entering its tenth year, the HME Woman of the Year Award shines a light on women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and commitment within the HME community. These leaders represent a wide range of roles across the industry: providers, manufacturers, association executives, clinicians, consultants, advocates, and more. 

Each nominee embodies the dedication, innovation, and compassion that continue to elevate the HME, DME, respiratory, and CRT sectors. 

“The HME Woman of the Year Award honors the leaders who push this industry forward through compassion, innovation, and service,” said Jeremy Stolz, CEO of VGM Group, Inc. “Heartland is the perfect stage to recognize their achievements. We look forward to celebrating the incredible women whose work strengthens providers, empowers patients, and shapes the future of HME.” 

How to Nominate a Woman Making a Difference in HME 

Nominations are open to any woman working in the HME industry regardless of title, department, or years of experience. If you know a leader who is driving positive change and exemplifies the spirit of service in HME, we encourage you to submit her name. 

Nominate a deserving woman today at vgm.com/womanoftheyear. Nominations close April 17, 2026. Additional details about the award ceremony held during Heartland Conference 2026 will be shared in the coming months. 

Honoring Past HME Woman of the Year Award Recipients 

The award has a strong legacy of recognizing women who have reshaped the HME industry through their leadership and advocacy. Previous honorees include: 

• 2025 – Robin Menchen, Rotech Healthcare  
• 2023 – Dana McLaughlin, Medical Service Company  
• 2022 – Sherry Krug, Binson’s Medical Equipment & Supplies  
• 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 

These women continue to inspire the next generation of HME leaders. 

Nominate a Deserving Woman by April 17, 2026 

To learn more about the award and submit a nomination, visit vgm.com/womanoftheyear. 

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