SMI Announces New Chairman

Scituate, MA (January 9, 2013):  Strategic Marketplace Initiative (SMI), a non-profit, member-driven organization of healthcare supply chain executives, announced today the appointment of Steve Gundersen as Chairman of the Board of Directors. 

Mr. Gundersen is currently Vice President, Corporate National Accounts for BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company headquartered in Franklin Lakes, NJ.  Mr. Gundersen has been a member and also served on the Board of SMI since 2005 and will serve as Chairman for two years.  He follows John Gaida, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management for Texas Health Resources who served as Chairman from 2011 – 2012.  

SMI has over 100 members all dedicated to improving the healthcare supply chain through direct information exchange and collaboration.  SMI is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of 12 senior supply chain executives from across the country.   Mr. Gundersen will lead the Board of Directors which establishes the strategic direction of the organization.  

With regard to this new opportunity, Steve Gundersen said, “It is an honor to be the next Chairman of this unique organization that brings together both hospitals and manufacturers to streamline processes, resolve inefficiencies, and improve patient care.  SMI members are committed to advancing the healthcare supply chain and I am excited to help lead this organization as the healthcare industry continues to evolve.” 

Tom Hughes, Executive Director of SMI added, “We are so pleased to have Steve as our new Chairman of the Board.  Steve brings extensive experience in supply chain distribution, integrated delivery systems, alternate sites and group purchasing which will greatly benefit both our members and the industry at large.  He has been an involved and influential member of SMI for many years.”   

To learn more about SMI and see a complete list of members, visit:  www.smisupplychain.com.