ELEVATE at the Summit

ELEVATE at the Summit is an extraordinary opportunity for inspiration and empowerment. Join an exclusive group of women in the HME industry for an afternoon of learning, collaboration, and networking. Gain valuable skills and knowledge to propel your career and personal growth to new heights.

2026 Elevate Schedule

Organized by HME News and the HME News Business Summit

2026 Elevate at the Summit Educational Program

Monday, Oct. 12

KEYNOTE Sustainable performance: Escape the 100% trap

Katie Virtue, author of The Sustainable Performance Playbook, delivers a high-impact keynote that helps leaders escape the pressure of always operating at 100%. In today’s always-on environment, constant overdrive leads to burnout, poor decision-making and stalled growth.

Through relatable stories and actionable insights, attendees will gain a clear understanding of how to create more strategic space, improve focus and sustain high performance – without burnout. They will leave with simple, realistic behavior shifts they can apply immediately to lead themselves and others more effectively.

Learning objectives:

• Reframe performance: Understand why operating at “100%” leads to burnout and learn a more sustainable approach to maintaining high performance.
• Identify energy drivers and drains: Recognize the behaviors that impact focus, effectiveness and overall leadership performance.
• Apply practical behavior shifts: Leave with 1-2 simple, actionable changes to improve decision-making, create strategic space and lead more effectively without burning out.

Speaker:

Katie Virtue, author of The Sustainable Performance Playbook

PANEL Lifting as you lead

Great leaders don’t just deliver results – they develop people. This session looks at what it takes to grow others while leading at a high level yourself. Panelists will discuss how they identify potential, create opportunities for growth, and foster a culture where individuals are empowered to step into leadership roles.

This session will also address the risks of not investing in talent – from disengagement to turnover – and how intentional development drives both individual success and organizational momentum.

Key takeaways:

• How to spot and cultivate emerging leaders
• Approaches to creating growth pathways
• How a people-first leadership approach improves retention and results

Moderator:

Sarah Conger, vice president of business operations and marketing, VGM

Panelists:

• Whitney Baker, director of operations and integrations, Viemed
• Lindy Tentinger, president, VGM & Associates
• Lisa Wells, senior vice president of regulatory affairs & payor strategy, Med-South

Building trust at scale: From invisible to influential

Ten years ago, building a reputation in HME meant attending conferences and networking in person. Today, customers, referral partners, vendors and prospective employees often know who you are before you walk into the room. In an era of AI-generated content and digital-first interactions, a strong personal brand can be a powerful differentiator—for both individuals and the companies they represent.

In this practical session, Sarah Newby will share how to build an authentic personal brand that drives trust, visibility and business opportunities. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to create content that showcases their expertise, strengthens relationships and fuels a "visibility flywheel" that supports recruiting, partnerships, sales and growth.

Key takeaways

• Understand why personal branding matters more than ever and how it influences hiring, recruiting, vendor selection, partnerships and sales.
• Learn the four pillars of effective content creation and how to develop a sustainable, authentic presence.
• See real-world examples of a visibility flywheel in action and leave with practical steps to build trust, influence and opportunity at scale.

Speaker:

Sarah Newby, president, Strategic Office Support

PANEL The art of deciding

Ask any senior leader what frustrates them most about the people they manage, and you’ll hear a familiar refrain: I just wish they would decide. Constant check-ins. Endless second-guessing. A fear of being wrong that quietly stalls progress.

In this candid panel discussion, Miriam Lieber and a powerhouse panel take on one of leadership’s most persistent challenges: how to build teams that can make decisions with confidence. What does it really take to shift from a culture of hesitation to one of ownership? How do you give people the room to act without setting them up to fail?

Panelists will share practical ways they empower their teams to think critically, act decisively and learn from missteps, along with the lessons they’ve learned about when to step in – and when to step back.

Whether you’re a leader working to develop stronger decision-makers or a manager looking to build your own confidence, this conversation will leave you with actionable strategies to move faster, trust more and create a culture where people don’t wait – they decide.

Moderator:

Miriam Lieber, president, Lieber Consulting LLC

Panelists:

• Rachel Blankenberger, senior director of revenue cycle, Medical Service Company
• Sara Cruz, executive vice president of operations, Nationwide Medical
• Claudia Kuri, COO, Pediatric Home Service

PANEL + WORKSHOP Beyond the business card: Building relationships that last

The most valuable professional relationships aren't built through a quick exchange of business cards—they're developed through trust, mutual support and consistent connection over time. Join a panel of accomplished women leaders as they share how authentic relationship-building has helped them navigate challenges, uncover opportunities and accelerate their professional growth.

Following the discussion, you'll put those insights into practice through guided conversations, interactive networking exercises and small-group discussions designed to help you form meaningful connections with fellow attendees. You'll also identify an accountability partner to support your goals beyond the conference and leave with a personalized action plan for nurturing new relationships, from scheduling a virtual coffee to creating a sustainable follow-up strategy.

Key takeaways

• Build a relationship strategy, not just a network: Learn how to cultivate authentic professional relationships that provide support, insight and opportunities throughout your career.
• Turn introductions into lasting connections: Discover practical techniques for following up, staying engaged and creating mutually beneficial relationships that stand the test of time.
• Leave with a built-in support system: Connect with an accountability partner and develop a concrete plan to maintain momentum and continue your professional growth after the conference.

Moderator:

Autumn Kline, director of sales and marketing, Medicap Home Medical

Panelists:

• Jackie DeVries, chief sales officer, Rotech Healthcare
• Katie Reget, area vice president, field sales, Resmed
• Tiffanie Robinson, vice president, revenue cycle management, Hart Medical

Whitney Hyde Baker

Whitney Hyde Baker is the Director of Operations and Integrations for Viemed, bringing more than 16 years of experience across the HME industry. With a strong background in sales and operational leadership, she is passionate about building scalable, efficient organizations while investing in the growth and development of her teams. Whitney believes that strong foundational skillsets and aligned leadership directly translate into exceptional patient care. Outside of work, she is a dedicated wife and mother who enjoys traveling and making meaningful memories with her family.

Rachel Blankenberger

Rachel Blankenberger is a healthcare operations leader with 22 years of experience across the durable medical equipment (DME), respiratory, medical supply, infusion, specialty drug, pharmacy, home health, and occupational health industries. She specializes in revenue cycle management, intake operations, contact center strategy, and process improvement. Rachel is known for leading high-performing teams, optimizing workflows through technology and automation, and driving operational efficiency across complex healthcare environments. She has successfully led large-scale initiatives involving AI-driven workflows, analytics, and patient service operations while maintaining a strong commitment to team development and patient experience.

Sarah Conger

Sarah Conger is Vice President of Business Operations and Marketing for VGM, where she leads cross-functional strategy, operational execution, and growth initiatives within the HME industry. She serves as a trusted strategic partner to senior leadership, translating business vision into disciplined execution that drives efficiency, innovation, and long-term growth.

With more than 15 years at VGM, Sarah has built a reputation for leading complex transformations and advancing enterprise-wide initiatives. Her expertise spans project management, change leadership, and communication—enabling teams to align, perform, and deliver meaningful results.

Beyond her professional contributions, Sarah is a dedicated community advocate, actively supporting education, athletics, and local events. She believes in the power of community engagement and remains involved in initiatives that enrich lives and create opportunities for growth. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and three children.

Sara Cruz

Sara Cruz is the Executive Vice President of Operations at Nationwide Medical, where she has spent the past 19 years leading operational growth and innovation. She oversees enterprise operations with a focus on automation, AI, acquisitions, and process improvement to enhance both the patient and employee experience. Sara is passionate about building scalable healthcare operations and leveraging technology to support better patient care while maintaining the human touch.

Jackie DeVries

Jackie DeVries serves as the Chief Sales Officer for Rotech Healthcare, a national leader in respiratory, wound and home medical equipment. Since joining Rotech in 2003, she has held multiple leadership positions of increasing responsibility, including Chief Sales Officer for the past 18 years.

In her role, she oversees the sales organization, along with strategic initiatives that drive growth, strengthen customer relationships, and expand access to quality patient care.

She has successfully led large-scale efforts focused on market expansion, referral development, and the implementation of innovative clinical programs that enhance both patient outcomes and organizational performance.

Her leadership style emphasizes relationship-building, mentorship, accountability, and empowering teams to achieve exceptional results.

Autumn Kline

Autumn Kline is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Medicap Home Medical and a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team. With over 13 years of experience in the Home Medical Equipment (HME) industry, Autumn has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, strategic vision, and a proven ability to deliver results.

Based in Des Moines, Iowa, Autumn is a passionate advocate for rural healthcare providers and the patients they serve. She has played a key role in shaping industry policy by actively engaging with lawmakers to raise awareness of the needs and challenges facing rural communities.

In addition to her policy work and leadership at Medicap, Autumn is instrumental in bridging the gap between clinical care and access to home medical equipment. She is deeply committed to educating referral sources - including physicians, discharge planners, nursing staff, and therapists - on the documentation requirements needed to ensure patients receive their equipment promptly. By clearly explaining the process and streamlining communication, she helps providers navigate complex regulations and keep the focus on patient care.

Autumn’s contributions to the HME industry have not gone unnoticed. She was named a finalist for the prestigious 2025 HME Woman of the Year Award, a recognition of her outstanding leadership, influence, and dedication to advancing the field.

At the heart of Autumn’s success is her patient-first philosophy. She believes that when healthcare providers focus on truly serving patients - recognizing them as individuals with unique needs and goals - everyone benefits.

Claudia Kuri

Claudia Kuri is an accomplished healthcare executive with more than 25 years of experience leading organizational transformation and scaling multi-state operations. She is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, recognized for building high-performing teams and designing scalable operating models that improve quality, reduce costs, and expand access to care. Throughout her career, Claudia has remained committed to improving outcomes for medically complex and underserved populations.

Claudia currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Pediatric Home Service, a market leader providing comprehensive care to medically complex children across 18 states. The organization delivers respiratory therapy, clinical nutrition, infusion services, private-duty nursing, and Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC).

Prior to joining Pediatric Home Service, Claudia served as Senior Vice President of Shared Services Operations at Centria Healthcare, one of the nation's largest providers of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism. Previously, as Vice President of Shared Services Operations at AccentCare, she centralized critical operational functions across 17 states and successfully integrated multiple acquisitions into a unified shared services model. She also served as Vice President of Process Excellence at Conifer Health Solutions.

Claudia began her career at Deloitte before joining GE Capital, where she spent more than a decade in leadership roles across Mexico and the United States, leading enterprise technology initiatives and driving multimillion-dollar performance improvements through operational excellence and process innovation.

She holds an MBA from Loyola University Chicago and a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM). Claudia lives in Texas with her husband and enjoys visiting her daughters while they attend college on the East Coast.

Miriam Lieber

Miriam Lieber is a principal consultant with Lieber Consulting LLC. She specializes in revenue cycle management for homecare providers. With more than 25 years of experience in the homecare field, Miriam is a featured author and a nationally known speaker for many homecare trade associations. In her consulting practice, Ms. Lieber's clientele includes home medical equipment companies, pharmacies, Medicare, investment firms, hospitals, distributors and manufacturers. She has worked with 600 HME providers in 49 states across the United States. Lieber is known to assist her clients with the nuts-and-bolts of running a profitable business.

Sarah Newby

Sarah Newby is the President of Strategic Office Support (SOS), a high-growth outsourcing company serving the HME/DME industry. Since joining SOS in July 2022, she has led the company through a period of rapid expansion, earning SOS a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Companies three years in a row.

Sarah holds degrees in Materials Engineering and Mandarin Chinese from Penn State University. Prior to SOS, she spent six years at ExxonMobil in engineering, branding, and product management. During her time there, she also co-led the MARC (Men Advocating Real Change) pilot program, an initiative designed to close the gender gap by equipping men as advocates for change in the workplace.

Sarah is an experienced speaker at state and regional HME conferences, presenting on topics ranging from artificial intelligence in the HME Industry to leadership for business growth. You can catch more of Sarah on her LinkedIn or the SOS YouTube Channel.

Katie Reget

Katie Reget is Area Vice President of Field Sales at ResMed, where she leads high-performing sales teams focused on helping healthcare providers deliver better outcomes through innovative digital health solutions. With nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare sales and leadership, Katie has built her career by developing strong customer partnerships, driving business growth, and, most importantly, investing in the growth of others. She is passionate about mentorship, cultivating future leaders, and creating inclusive, high-performing teams. Katie is excited to share insights on the impact of mentorship in shaping careers, building confidence, and fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Tiffanie Robinson

Tiffanie Robinson is the Vice President of Revenue Cycle Management at Hart Medical Equipment, where she oversees revenue cycle operations, reimbursement strategy, compliance, and audit management. With more than 20 years in the DME industry and over 16 years in leadership roles, she brings a practical, results-driven perspective to the challenges facing healthcare organizations today. Tiffanie is passionate about building strong teams, improving processes, and finding solutions that support both operational success and patient care.

Lindy Tentinger

Lindy Tentinger is the President of VGM & Associates. She began her career with VGM in 2017 and most recently served as president of VGM Forbin/forbinfi, which provides digital marketing solutions, as well as IT and security/compliance services to businesses, with a focus on the HME and financial industries. Prior to this, she served as senior vice president of marketing for VGM & Associates.

Tentinger is a well-recognized face and name within the HME industry. Throughout her career, Tentinger has immersed herself in HME, with a passion for advancing and elevating the industry as a whole. She is also an established thought leader on a number of topics, including branding, technology, and leadership, and regularly speaks at various industry conferences and authors articles for publication. She holds a B.A. in electronic media from Wartburg College and an MBA with a marketing concentration from Bellevue University.

Katie Virtue

From Division 1 hockey player to corporate climber to world runner, Katie Virtue knows firsthand the pressure of always operating at 100%. Now a self-described recovering perfectionist, she is on a mission to help leaders redefine performance in a way that is both effective and sustainable.

Katie is the author of The Sustainable Performance Playbook: Escape the 100% Trap and a TEDx speaker, sharing practical strategies that help leaders avoid burnout while elevating their impact. Through her keynote speaking, training and workshops, she brings this playbook to life using her signature Energy Eval tool that reveals the behaviors fueling and draining performance.

Known for her energetic delivery and actionable insights, Katie equips audiences with simple, realistic shifts they can apply immediately to create focus, spark creativity, and lead with greater clarity in demanding environments.

Katie is also a consultant with temoji, advising travel industry leaders on strategy and innovation, and serves on the Board of the Global Business Travel Association. Outside of work, she is on a mission to run a race on every continent and enjoys coaching her sons in ice hockey.

Lisa Wells

Lisa Wells is Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs & Payor Strategy at Med-South, Inc., Throughout her career, she has held multiple leadership roles, from interim COO to regulatory affairs.

Recognized for her collaborative leadership, strategic vision, and solution-focused approach, Lisa is committed to building high-performing teams and driving meaningful change. She is a respected industry advocate, serving on multiple councils or boards.

In recognition of her leadership and contributions to the HME industry, Lisa was honored as the 2026 VGM HME Woman of the Year.

Lisa brings practical leadership insights into navigating change, fostering accountability, and positioning organizations for long-term success.