HDMA ELEVATES BITTMAN TO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, INTRODUCES
NAYLOR AS VICE PRESIDENT FOR MEETINGS

ARLINGTON, Va., January 7, 2010 – The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA), the trade association representing America’s primary healthcare distributors, today announced changes to the structure of its senior leadership team.

Ann W. Bittman has been promoted to the role of HDMA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. She had previously been the organization’s Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. In her role, Ms. Bittman will oversee the association’s strategic planning, operations, and policies and procedures. She has also been appointed Corporate Treasurer and will oversee the association’s resource management.

Ms. Bittman assumes the role previously held by Nancy Hanagan, who retired from the organization after more than 25 years of dedicated service. In recognition of her long track record of leadership, the Center for Healthcare Supply Chain Research, HDMA’s knowledge partner, named Ms. Hanagan as the recipient of the 2009 Nexus award, the healthcare distribution industry’s highest honor.

“Over the past year, Ann and Nancy worked together to ensure that HDMA is well-positioned to help its members stay ahead of the changes in our industry and thrive,” said John M. Gray, HDMA President and CEO. “The seamlessness of this transition is a testament to not just Ann’s considerable skills as an executive, but also the strength and depth of our senior leadership.”

Additionally, the association introduced Brooke N. Naylor as its new Vice President for Meetings and Conferences. Previously, Ms. Naylor was Global Product Manager and Senior Conference Manager for Conference Direct, an outsourced meeting planning solutions provider. She has held related roles at the National Apartment Association and the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Ms. Naylor holds a degree in hotel and restaurant management from James Madison University.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Brooke in the past, and I know she will be ready to contribute right away,” Gray added. “She will be a terrific addition to our management team and I look forward to working with her.”

In addition to these two changes, two members of the organization’s senior leadership will assume increased roles. Scott Melville, HDMA’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, will also serve as the association’s General Counsel and corporate secretary. Perry Fri has assumed responsibility for the association’s education efforts. His new title is Senior Vice President for Industry Relations, Membership and Education. 

About HDMA
HDMA is the national association representing primary healthcare distributors, the vital link in the healthcare system. Each business day, HDMA member companies ensure that more than nine million prescription medicines and healthcare products are safely delivered to more than 165,000 pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, clinics and others nationwide. HDMA and its members work daily to provide value and contain costs, saving the nation’s healthcare system an estimated $32 billion per year.