WATERLOO, Iowa—VGM & Associates announced Mike "Ike" Isaacson has taken a new role as senior vice president of government relations. In this new role, he will focus on advocating for and elevating the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) industry.
VMG & Associates said in a statement that Isaacson's connections in the industry, his passion for service and his ability to sort through the complexities of the industry to deliver a strong coherent message will be an asset to our members.
“I am very excited that Ike is going to be laser-focused on the government and regulatory needs of our members from this point forward," Jeremy Stolz, president of VGM & Associates, VGM Fulfillment said. "Ike is well connected, passionate, educated and highly informed of the industry’s specific needs which makes him the perfect person to lead this effort for VGM.”
Leading VGM’s Government & Regulatory Team of experts, John Gallagher, Ronda Burmester and Craig Douglas, Isaacson will work with members to showcase their work, highlighting the importance of DMEPOS services in the health care system.
“I genuinely believe that our industry is in a very strong place," Isaacson said. "Even with all the challenges, our members are better equipped to be champions of change for better policy, regulation and reimbursement. I’ve been energized for the last six years, collaborating with members from across the industry spectrum, listening, learning and understanding their pain points, but more importantly, their strengths. I’m excited to work more closely with the Government & Regulatory team as well as Wayne van Halem and the amazing people at The van Halem Group, to continue to partner with and learn from our members and other industry advocates. The most important thing we as stakeholders can do to further enhance the vital role DMEPOS plays in the health care continuum is to work together from our position of strength.”
Prior to joining The VGM Group, Inc in 2017, Isaacson spent 23 years as a state and national leader in nonprofit community-based health care settings. His work advocating alongside individuals, families, communities and health care partners at the state and federal levels centered on providing access to high-quality health care and consumer choice. Staying true to his service roots, Isaacson sits on the Board of Directors for several nonprofit agencies in his local area, assisting them in fund development, legislative initiatives and community outreach. Isaacson and his wife Teresa, a family and pediatric nurse practitioner, spend their time following their four children in all the activities and directions they take in life. He has a bachelor of social work and a master of public policy from the University of Northern Iowa.
