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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