Believe the women on this

I didn’t watch the Emmy Awards broadcast, but I did read the coverage the following day and was pleased (and honestly surprised) to see the legendary Carol Burnett on hand to present the award for Leading Actress in a comedy (to Quinta Brunson for Abbott Elementary if you are keeping track). 

I’m pleased to report she’s as quick and funny as ever, befitting a woman many consider a trailblazer in the male-dominated comedy field. 

“Progress has been made,” Burnett told the audience. “And it truly warms my heart to see how well men are doing in comedy now.” 

In my reporting for this issue, one trend quickly became apparent: women in leadership. 

First and most obvious is Dana McLaughlin, who in December was named the 2023 HME Woman of the Year. I enjoy this event – and my interview with the winner – every year.  

McLaughlin, president of Medical Service Company, was particularly inspiring – and frank. While she agrees there’s more opportunity for women in the HME industry than in the past, it could be better, she told me. 

“We need more leadership presence from women,” she said. “Women aren’t as represented as they could be.” 

She’s not wrong. I talk with many of you out there, but it’s usually notable to me when it’s a woman on the other end of the phone. 

I also spoke with Jennifer Charron, COO at the National Home Infusion Association, for our annual chat about their annual educational conference. Last year, the conference shifted its Women in Leadership Luncheon to a general session and opened it up to all attendees, a decision that proved popular enough that they are doing the same again this year. 

She echoed McLaughlin’s thoughts about representation, particularly in health care, a field that, unlike comedy, is dominated by women. 

“It’s not just women,” she said. “It’s people of color and any diversity. The workforce is becoming more diverse, and I don’t think we’re seeing that at the top levels.” 

Elsewhere in the issue, we have stories featuring Gayle Devin, new CEO at Home Care Delivered; Lindy Tentinger, new president at VGM & Associates; and Dr. Charlotte Lawson, CEO & co-founder of Darby, whom Gary Sheehan described to me as “wicked smaht.” 

Looking at the above names, one could be forgiven for not realizing there’s a representation problem in the industry. Progress has been made, but there’s still lots of work to be done. 

Believe the women on this.