Emily Perry
Manager, Material Resource Management Corporate Operations
Atrium Health
Charlotte, North Carolina
Born and raised in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, Emily Perry had an early interest in nursing but gravitated toward healthcare operations early in her career. For 12 years, she worked in a physician practice in Gastonia, North Carolina – Riverwood Medical Associates (now part of Atrium Health) – first as medical records manager, and later as office coordinator. While there, she converted the practice from paper to electronic charts; initialized and applied the ability to receive and send faxes electronically; and used electronic medical record submission for North Carolina Disability Determination Services, and electronic signatures for home health documents.
In 2012 she was named practice manager for Piedmont GYN/OB Steele Creek. Two years after that, she became senior manager of ambulatory services for Riverwood Medical Associates. Then, in July 2015, she became manager of materials resource management, corporate operations for Atrium Health. She has material oversight for more than 650 non-acute care sites for the health system, and for more than 500 additional non-acute care sites within Atrium Health Supply Chain Alliance. She created a formulary for all non-acute sites, resulting in standardization of products, higher contract compliance and over 20% reduction in spend.
Describe a key mentor or event in your life.
A defining moment in Perry’s career was her decision to move to Charlotte, North Carolina. “I had been in the same position for years without growth, and finally realized that I was the one holding myself back,” she says. “To grow, I needed to get out of my comfort zone.”
Four years later, she found herself in supply chain. “My leaders believed my background and understanding of the unique needs of the non-acute space would be a valuable asset for the supply chain team, and would give me an opportunity to build on what had been created,” she says. “At the time, I had no way of knowing what moving to supply chain would do for my career, but it certainly propelled it beyond my expectations.
“Every leader I have had at Atrium has played a role in developing, mentoring and shaping my career growth in one way or another. They were all interested and intentional in how they could help me grow, and truly invested in me.” She points to her current leader, Greg Raber, as a key influencer. It was Raber who asked her to join the supply chain team.
In what way(s) are you a better supply chain leader than you were, say, five or 10 years ago?
“I understand the decisions that are made at a higher level much more than I did 10 years ago,” she says. “I know now that as the system grows and technology advances, change is inevitable. As a leader, it is my responsibility to embrace and communicate the ‘why’ behind the change.”
Describe the key characteristics of the successful supply chain leader of the future.
- Understands the need from all aspects.
- Understands that restricting yourself or others from what looks or seems impossible is not beneficial.
- Is willing to take a chance, knowing that every effort may not end in success.
- Keeps in mind that decisions on products have an impact on patient care – not just the bottom line.