Steve Faup (C) stands with Corporal Brown (L) and his colleague (R) beside donated toys
On Wednesday evening HMMS-NJ, (Healthcare Materials Management Society of New Jersey) held its annual event for the US Marines Toys for Tots program.
I wasn't precise in my count but there had to be 300 toys there.
Corporal Brown and his colleague joined the group for dinner as shown in the photo with Steve Faup.
As part of his routine announcements, Steve shared that he's stepping down as the president of HMMS-NJ after 18 years of service.
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Patrick Stewart, director of supply chain at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional, shared some humorous remarks while simultaneously praising Steve's leadership. Patrick was wearing his trademark bowtie for this event, with a holiday theme.
I visited with several members who shared some comments about Steve and his 18-year tenure.
Mr. Rob Scarola, president of County Graphics Business Solutions, said that Steve was responsible for building the membership during his tenure. More than 70 entities are represented in the membership.
Orville Carr, director of supply chain at Valley Health System, credited Steve with diligence and with attention to detail, promoting the association, encouraging attendance at events and supporting the members in many different ways.
Orville Carr, Steve Faup, and Rob Scarola (L to R)
When I asked Steve about his legacy, he was humble and didn't want to take credit, suggesting that it was the board that deserves the credit. When I asked him for his greatest contribution, he suggested that it was encouraging vendors and members to adopt a non-adversarial posture in their dealings.
"The vendors need to make money, and the providers need a good deal," Steve said, "but we're not adversaries." His goal was to find a way for both parties to win.
It seemed to be universally agreed that Steve energized the annual golf outing, which ironically, he told me he was initially not in favor of.
There was a presentation by Gene Goering and Marc Long of Cardinal Health about controlling freight costs and the most interesting point I heard was that if you separate the freight costs from the purchase of the product, the freight cost seems to go up, even though the overall spend for the hospital is lower.
Brenden Ruh from HudMed brought along some poinsettias, which he shared with those in attendance. He told me he grew them all himself, but I am not sure if he was exaggerating or not.
Chris Hannon, the new president of HMMS-NJ
Chris Hannon, manager of the Value Analysis Program at Hackensack Meridian Health, will be taking over the helm as president of HMMS-NJ starting in 2026.
All in all, it was an excellent event. The food was good, and I was honored to be invited.
Phil is a member of AHRA, HFMA, AAMI and the Cryogenic Society of America. He has contributed to a number of magazines and journals and has addressed trade groups.
Phil's proudest achievement is that he has been happily married to his wife Barbara since 1989, who helped him found DOTmed in 1998.
