General Manager of Resource Optimization & Innovation, LLC (ROi)
December 2023- The Journal of Healthcare Contracting
Please tell us about your role/responsibilities within your organization.
As General Manager of Resource Optimization & Innovation, LLC (ROi), my primary role revolves around strengthening supply chain stability and mitigating global supply chain challenges. I achieve this with the invaluable support of an exceptional team of healthcare professionals, each possessing expertise in various aspects of supply chain management, clinical practice, regulatory compliance, manufacturing, data utilization and global sourcing.
My responsibilities encompass the oversight of our three distinct brands: Regard® Medical Supplies, Regard®️ Clinical Packaging Solutions, and ROi Supply Chain, in addition to my role in global sourcing through our international office. In this capacity, I am entrusted with ensuring the delivery of end-to-end supply chain solutions and anticipating disruption and regulatory impacts on our customers. This requires orchestrating a comprehensive approach that not only addresses their immediate needs, but also positions them for long-term success in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape or during disruptive periods. I often say, ‘Data should tell the story so we can help find a solution.’ My primary responsibilities focus on product companies, but we also use data to positively impact care at the bedside for caregivers.
In what ways has the supply chain changed what makes value analysis more important to hospitals and health systems?
I draw a clear distinction between value analysis and clinical operations. While many view value analysis as simply the introduction of new products, we perceive it as a journey that involves data, information, clinical expertise and the global supply chain to ensure we deliver the right solutions.
We regard value analysis as a core responsibility of clinical operations, emphasizing its crucial role in the healthcare supply chain and patient care. As a provider-owned company, ROi is focused on making healthcare missions possible. Fundamental to that is ensuring clinicians and physicians have the necessary resources to provide the best care for their patients. We do this by taking a unique perspective that combines operations, clinical information and data.
Clinical operations continuously strengthen the link between products, usage, clinical efficiency and patient care. We’ve observed a growing interest among healthcare systems in engaging in discussions that go beyond individual products. Their focus is on finding ways to enhance clinician satisfaction and efficiency to elevate the overall patient experience. We are enthusiastic about our well-positioned role in these discussions and playing a vital part in the continuum of patient care.
When you hear words like diversity and equity in the workplace, what does that mean to you? How can they contribute to the success of an organization?
When I hear words like diversity and equity in the workplace, I think of two fundamental principles essential for fostering an inclusive environment. Diversity involves recognizing and celebrating differences among teammates, creating a mosaic of talents and ideas. Equity ensures equal access to opportunities, breaking barriers and acknowledges that fairness means providing what each person needs to thrive. These principles drive organizational success through innovation, diversity of thought, well-rounded decision-making, engaged employees and ultimately stronger customer relationships. Embracing diversity and equity is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic advantage for achieving organizational excellence. Embracing diversity of thought is a distinction I push within my organization.
Has anyone come alongside you to mentor you during your career? If so, can you tell us about that?
I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive family, friends, great leaders and inspirational colleagues and peers throughout my career. I have truly had a wonderful support structure throughout my life, from the classroom to the factory floor, then the office, and eventually the boardroom. I remember the line lead who taught me how to run a CNC machine at my first job out of college, and I am grateful for my current team and leaders whom I sincerely respect and appreciate. I fundamentally believe that people want to help each other, which I find inspirational. So, in turn, I carry this philosophy forward in all that I do to inspire those I work with.
If I had to pick one mentor, it would be my husband. We’ve been together since college, starting a family, going through life overseas and raising our two children into thriving adults. We’ve had many laughs and fun moments along the way. He is a great role model, and without his guidance, nothing would have been possible.
How do you focus on your growth as a leader?
As a thought leader, I focus on continuous learning, self-awareness and collaboration. Staying well-informed about supply chain and environmental trends, as well as industry developments, is a priority and helps me adapt and lead effectively. However, a significant part of my growth comes from my team and colleagues. We have a brilliant group of individuals who are willing to share, collaborate and mentor. Frankly, they are the most important aspect of my growth, as they bring different perspectives to the table, leading to better decisions overall.
What project or initiative are you looking forward to working on in the next 3-6 months?
ROi has a unique culture and a team of professionals from both within and outside the healthcare industry. Our passion lies in solving supply chain challenges. The most satisfying reward for us is when we hear from our healthcare partners that the solutions we have jointly collaborated on have been implemented, resulting in increased clinician and/or patient satisfaction at their facilities.
We have several exciting projects in progress, but the one that excites me the most is our collaboration with the value analysis teams at key facilities. This collaboration aims to implement a more efficient and repeatable way to kit products aligned with the clinical approach to treating patients in emergency situations. Through our distribution channel to the hospital, we can leverage all aspects of our capabilities, spanning from products to clinical and regulatory expertise. This enables clinicians to provide care to our loved ones during their most vulnerable moments. I can’t think of a more exciting and rewarding initiative to be a part of.