Meet The Team

Mike “Ike” Isaacson is Senior Vice President of Government & Regulatory Relations for VGM Group, Inc. In his role, Ike focuses on advocating for and elevating the DMEPOS industry. Ike is a consummate coach who excels at mentoring others to serve as grassroot champions for a better climate to serve customers. Working with the Government & Regulatory Team, healthcare providers, and other industry advocates, Ike is dedicated to advancing the life changing work that our members do in their communities. 

Prior to joining VGM in 2017, Ike spent 23 years as a state and national leader in not-for-profit community-based healthcare settings. His work advocating alongside individuals, families, communities, and healthcare partners at the state and federal levels centered on providing access to high quality healthcare and consumer choice.  

Staying true to his service roots, Ike sits on the Board Of Directors for several non-profit agencies in his local community, assisting them in fund development, legislative initiatives, and community outreach.  Over the years, Ike has become a sought-out speaker on leadership and employee development.  Utilizing his “student of the game” approach, he has helped to guide and develop leaders across the country. His real-world delivery, using his personal and professional life experiences, provides entertaining and thought-provoking presentations. 

Ike and his wife Teresa spend their time raising and following their four children in all the activities and directions they take in life. 

He has a Bachelor Of Social Work and a Master Of Public Policy from the University Of Northern Iowa. 

Adam Miller is Vice President of Government Relations. Prior to joining the Government Relations team, Adam served as President of Orthotics Prosthetic Group Of America (OPGA) within VGM & Associates, a membership organization that provides comprehensive business services to more than 1,200 independent O&P practitioners nationwide. Adam began his career at VGM in 2014, serving most recently as the Director Of National Accounts for VGM Insurance which afforded him in-depth knowledge to the challenges and issues HME providers face.  

Adam currently serves on several boards and committees within various DMEPOS industries related to state and federal advocacy to further legislation designed to help providers.  

In his spare time, Adam enjoys being active outdoors, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Adam is a graduate of the University Of Northern Iowa and lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with his wife and two daughters. 

Emily Harken, Business Operations Manager for VGM Government Relations, has cultivated an impressive career since joining VGM in 2001. Her journey began in HOMELINK, where she excelled as a Patient Care Coordinator. In this role, Emily oversaw the coordination of durable medical equipment (DME), orthotics and prosthetics (O&P), urology/ostomy supplies, and complex rehab for workers' compensation patients. She also dedicated five years to the HOMELINK Training And Development team, contributing significantly to staff training and skill enhancement. 

In 2013, Emily transitioned to the VGM Government Relations team, where she embraced various responsibilities, including organizing travel, arranging congressional meetings for VGM members, and preparing essential documents for these visits. Emily became a vital resource for DME state associations, offering her expertise and support. 

Currently, Emily's role encompasses project management, member and vendor engagement, and the optimization of daily operations within the team. She continues to support DME state associations across the country and is a prominent speaker at state association events, where she educates on legislation and policies impacting the DME industry. 

Throughout her tenure at VGM, Emily has been an integral part of several committees, including the Employee Ownership Ambassador committee and Women In Leadership. Her dedication and expertise have made her a key asset to the organization. 

Emily is a proud mother of two boys and enjoys spending quality time with them. 

As a payer relations and regulatory expert, Melanie Ewald has honed her skills in payer contracting, enrollment, credentialing, compliance, and audits. Her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and optimize payer relationships has earned her recognition as a leader in the field. 

Melanie's commitment to the healthcare industry extends beyond her professional roles. She has been actively involved with several durable medical equipment (DME) associations, including serving as a former board member of the Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services (OAMES) and participating on the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) Payer Relations Council. 

Melanie is also an attorney specializing in health law with a career deeply rooted in the healthcare industry. Her extensive experience includes roles in a holistic hospital-based clinic, the Minnesota Hospital Association, and the DME sector. Melanie's contributions have consistently focused on improving healthcare systems and operations, making her an asset to the VGM Government Relations team and our industry partners. 

Melanie shares her adventures with her English Springer Spaniel rescue, Jessi, who inspires her love for exploration and connection. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, and cycling, which has become her favorite fitness pursuit.  

Melanie is also deeply committed to personal and professional growth, actively participating in multiple women’s groups dedicated to empowerment and development. These groups provide her with opportunities for reflection, connection, and mentorship, reinforcing her belief in continuous growth and giving back to her community.