People & Places

AWARDS & HONORS

Five O&P Companies Honored With Hanger Partner Awards

Hanger has awarded its ninth annual Partner Awards to five companies for their roles in providing products and services used to deliver O&P care and empower patients’ lives. The Rising Star, Collaboration, Innovation, and Operational Performance Partner Award winners were selected by members of Hanger’s clinical and operational teams, while the Clinicians’ Choice Award winner was chosen by Hanger clinicians. • Clinect was awarded the Rising Star Award, which recognizes an emerging leader driving industry change. Clinect was recognized for providing excellent service through its automated electronic communications, which not only share critical information with patients, but have helped Hanger capture Net Promoter Score responses and outcomes data. • Spinal Technology received the Collaboration Award, which is granted to a partner that made outstanding contributions resulting in shared success. Spinal

Technology was recognized for its collaboration with Hanger Clinic clinicians on challenging cases and postfitting evaluations, as well as its customer service, consistency, and ease of doing business • Point Designs was honored with the Innovation Award,

which recognizes a partner that has exhibited expansive thinking in product innovation and technology, resulting in positive clinical outcomes. Point Designs was selected for its work leveraging advanced 3D-printing technology to manufacture high-strength prosthetic fingers for people with partial hand amputations. • ALPS received the Operational Performance Award, which is granted to a partner that outperformed industry benchmarks in quality, efficiency, and cost containment.

ALPS received the award due to its outstanding fulfillment rates and on-time deliveries, being a valued partner in cost savings initiatives, and supporting Hanger’s clinicians through education to ensure quality outcomes. • Blatchford was honored with the Clinicians’ Choice

Award, which recognizes an exceptional partner who consistently went above and beyond to support

Hanger clinicians and their patients. Blatchford was recognized for its superlative customer service; being supportive in education, order support, and postdelivery support; and going above and beyond to help clinicians provide the best possible care to patients.

PEOPLE & PLACES

PROFESSIONALS

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND TRANSITIONS

Otto Fernandez has been named chief commercial officer for WillowWood. Fernandez brings more than 25 years of experience to the role, including 12 years at Össur, as well as 12 years at DuPont in Latin America Otto Fernandez and the United States. At WillowWood, Fernandez will focus on be ramping up sales in U.S. and international markets and leading the marketing and education teams to support customers and sales efforts.

“It’s a privilege to be joining WillowWood at this pivotal time in its 115-year history,” said Fernandez. “It has been exciting to witness the rapid growth of WillowWood’s ever-expanding liner portfolio while also entering into new areas such as high-activity feet. I am looking forward to leading and working with the talented team at WillowWood to accelerate growth, integrate acquisitions, and help the company realize its full potential.”

“Given WillowWood’s commitment to advancing innovation, the timing is right for us to step up our commercial efforts,” said Daniel Rubin, WillowWood’s COO. “Otto brings the experience and know-how to successfully position our product portfolio with its focus on improved outcomes.” BUSINESSES

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND TRANSITIONS

Hanger Inc. was named one of “America’s Best Midsized Employers” by Forbes in February. The company, which employs nearly 5,000 individuals, was selected for the recognition through an independent nationwide survey of more than 60,000 American employees working for midsized to large companies. Respondents ranked their willingness to recommend current employers to friends and family, and had the option to nominate other notable organizations within their industry.

“We are honored to be recognized for a second year in a row, thanks to positive feedback from our incredible team members, who inspire us every day with their dedication to fulfilling our purpose of empowering human potential together,” said Vinit Asar, Hanger president and CEO. “Being acknowledged as one of America’s best employers reaffirms our ongoing commitment to being an employer of choice.”