Awards
Rewarding Excellence
Awards honour those who helped boost industry’ s growth
By David Arthur
Tom Warner, Interim CEO of Medbuy
LouAnn Birkett Glenn Gray Katrina Daaca
The supply chain industry has burgeoned in the past few years and recently several people and a health-care organization were recognized for their contributions in helping that economic boost.
The Supply Chain Management Association honoured LouAnn Birkett, Glenn Gray, Katrina Daaca and Medbuy with the association’ s Awards of Distinction which highlight those in the profession who raise the bar and“ fearlessly lead as the environment they operate in continues to rapidly evolve.”
“ It is important we recognize outstanding leadership in our profession as we continue to evolve and become a more strategic function within all types of organizations. This year’ s recipients have shown both dedication to promoting the importance of the supply chain profession, and have led by example in delivering benefits for their organizations through the role. I am honoured to congratulate them on behalf of all our members for their outstanding achievements,” said Christian Buhagiar, president and CEO, SCMA.
Birkett and Gray were named the 2017 SCMA Fellow Recipients for demonstrating the highest levels of excellence in supply chain management and dedication to promoting the profession.
Birkett, who retired from the Region of Durham last year and is now teaching and consulting, said she was surprised and honoured to receive the distinction.
“ It’ s rather humbling when you look back over the years and the people that have received the award and to think that I fit into such a category is quite surprising,” she said, adding she has been in the industry for more than 35 years.
“ Supply chain is seen as adding value to organizations. It’ s seen as being strategic in helping the organization achieve its goals.”
She anticipates that trend to continue as the demand for higher education grows.
“ The whole field is changing,” said Birkett.“ People who were around when I started, we sort of fell into the field. We didn’ t consciously wake up and say‘ oh, I want to get into supply chain.’ What’ s rewarding to see now is that
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