Dear MASHMM Community,

We are happy to announce that we have a new board member joining our family. Vera Akinola from University of Maryland.

As a Senior System Application Analyst with 25 years of success in business analysis and system administration roles within a healthcare environment. Vera has a history of success in maintaining enterprise-wide software, upgrading applications, and implementing solutions.

Technically savvy with a Master of Study in Information Systems, Vera can quickly assess and utilize the appropriate response to meet the specific needs of the business requirement at hand. Healthcare Systems Analyst experienced in supporting and implementing Finance and Supply Chain systems. Utilized standard corporate tools to record changes, service requests, and problem activities for tracking purposes and create documentation detailing software problems, elaborate a detailed course of action, and implement approved changes. Ability to coordinate processes to implement applications and systems to meet business and communication needs. Keen ability to effectively manage relationships between users, strategic leadership, and third-party vendors.

Passionate about driving operational excellence, delivering tangible results, and maximizing customer satisfaction, Vera joins us as our Membership Chair.

Please welcome Vera to our organization and especially…. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!

We are also happy that Michelle Woolschlager from Owens and Minor is not only joining MASHMM, but she has also been nominated to take on the position of Secretary for the 2024–2026-time frame.

Michelle is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and has an extensive and successful background with Owens & Minor. Michelle is an experienced sales professional with deep knowledge and understanding of the healthcare industry and perioperative space. Excellent communicator and demonstrated problem solver with strong data and analytics skills. Dedicated to providing an outstanding customer experience. She wants to be an integral part of MASHMM as we build out the team for 2024.

Congratulations to Michelle and welcome to the family.  We look forward to an exciting 2024-2026!

Also please welcome Ebony Johnson -

We are happy to announce that we have a new board member joining our family. Ebony Johnson from Medstar Health is not only joining MASHMM, but she has also been nominated to take on the position of Education Chair for the 2024–2026-time frame.

Ebony has been a part of the MedStar Health Team since 2013 as a Respiratory Therapist. She is currently a Clinical Value Analysis Specialist for Patient Care and Lab for Medstar Corporate Supply Chain.  During her tenure at MedStar she managed respiratory supplies, led product evaluations/conversions, and worked closely with the Supply Chain team regarding supply constraints.

Ebony is currently a Healthcare Administrative Doctoral student with a concentration in Health Care Leadership.  She has a master's in healthcare informatics administration, and a dual Bachelor's in Sociology and Anthropology.  Ebony serves as the EI&D System / IS / Shared Services Entity Council Subcommittee Lead for Community Involvement. a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, an Author, and a motivational speaker. Ebony wants to be an integral part of MASHMM as we build out the team for 2024.

Congratulations to Ebony and welcome to the family.  We look forward to an exciting 2024-2026!

Big News!

Dear MASHMM Community,

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I announce that Shermaine Pollard has been nominated to the role of President for the years 2024-2026.  Shermaine has been a member of MASHMM for a year but has demonstrated the eagerness and initiative to lead this fantastic group.  Over this year of tenure, she has been integral in the success of two of our largest events and looks forward to continuing to elevate MASHMM to the highest levels.

Shermaine Pollard is a seasoned Healthcare Supply Chain professional with over 28 years of experience. She is the Director of Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain Leader for Diversity at MedStar Health, Inc. She is responsible for leading supplier diversity and implementing innovative and industry-leading best practices that reduce supply costs, increase efficiencies and advance marketplace competitiveness through improved clinical and financial outcomes.  Shermaine is an experienced functional professional leading organizational strategic planning to tactical implementation. Expert in cost savings, capital equipment, and strategic sourcing strategies with a solid background in contract review, RFP development, compliance, sourcing, negotiation, and execution.   Shermaine has advanced knowledge in developing supplier diversity programs, procure-to-pay processes, principles, and purchasing practices, including ethics and standards, bid preparation and evaluation, analyzing cost and market conditions for competitive bidding, quality control and trends, inventory standards, data collection, and market research techniques.

Shermaine Pollard holds a dual master’s degree in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

Congratulations to Shermaine and we look forward to an exciting 2024-2026!

Josh Naftolin
MASHMM President