Alexandria, Va. The National Association for Medical Equipment Services and the National Association for Health Care are undergoing management changes, officials said.

NAMES has begun the search to replace chief executive officer William Coughlan, who left in May to pursue other opportunities. The focus will be on former providers and past trade association presidents, officials said.

"We're looking for a man or woman who shares the vision of the board about the future of home care and is looking for a unified industry," said Don White, NAMES vice chairman. "We're looking for someone who can passionately communicate to lawmakers. And we're also interested in finding someone who can help us build relationships, with HCFA (the Health Care Financing Administration), DMERCs (Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers) and the various congressional committees that have oversight in our industry."

White stated no time frame for getting the new person on board.

At Washington-based NAHC, two longtime officials have altered responsibilities.

Dayle Berke, director of government affairs, will scale back duties and become senior counsel after moving to Montreal, where her husband has been reassigned. She remains on the NAHC staff. Ron Kolanowski, a NAHC vice president, has taken a paid six-month leave of absence to provide pastoral counseling for the ill and learn home care in the process, according to Val Halamandaris, NAHC president.