KAREN RIBLER NAMED NEW EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND COO OF THE HDMA RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION

ARLINGTON, VA – June 4, 2007 – HDMA is pleased to announce Karen J. Ribler as the new Executive Vice President and COO of the HDMA Research and Education Foundation, as of June 1. In this position, Ribler will direct all Foundation research, fundraising and daily operations. Ribler also will oversee the development of current and future-focused research, including the HDMA Factbook and the three-phase HDMA Foundation initiative on Data Management and Data Sharing in the healthcare supply chain. She will report directly to HDMA Foundation President & CEO John M. Gray. 

“Karen’s extensive experience, demonstrated leadership skills and forward-looking strategy will enable the HDMA Foundation to deliver exciting new research and resources on the healthcare supply chain,” says John M. Gray. “She brings the right energy and enthusiasm to lead the Foundation and ensure it continues to deliver information and education that provide real value to the industry.”

Previously, Ribler was the President of KJR Consulting, her own consulting company where she assisted associations, foundations and industry organizations with strategic planning, capital campaigns and program development.  Ribler’s clients included associations such as the National Restaurant Association, Grocery Manufacturers Association and the International Foodservice Distributors Association.

Earlier, Ribler served as the Executive Vice President & COO of the National Food Broker Association Education Foundation, where she was responsible for managing the Foundation, providing educational programming and conducting research for the consumer packaged goods industry. 

About HDMA
The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) and its members are committed to patient safety by delivering life-saving health products and services through a secure and efficient healthcare distribution system.  These primary, full-service healthcare distributors are responsible for ensuring that billions of units of medication are safely delivered -- to tens of thousands of retail pharmacies, nursing homes, clinics and providers -- in all 50 states. HDMA and its members are the vital link in the healthcare system that is responsible for medicine safety, quality, integrity and availability in the marketplace.  Through leadership on public policy and industry best practices, HDMA and its members focus on providing value, removing costs and developing innovative solutions to deliver care safely and effectively.  For more information, please visit www.HealthcareDistribution.org.