2012 Michael Kaufmann
CEO of Cardinal Health named 2012 Honorable Mentor
During the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) 23rd annual Woman of the Year event, the association named Michael Kaufmann of Cardinal Health as its 2012 Honorable Mentor.
Upon accepting the award, Michael stated, “I am proud of Cardinal Health’s commitment to building and nurturing a diverse, inclusive culture that drives engagement and provides opportunities for all employees to thrive. It’s a privilege to be named this year’s Honorable Mentor, and I look forward to continuing to work with Cardinal Health’s leadership team, our employees and organizations like the HBA to support the advancement of women in the healthcare industry."
The HBA created the Honorable Mentor award in 2001 to annually recognize an individual who demonstrates long-term advocacy for current and future women leaders. Recipients exhibit personal dedication to developing, mentoring and promoting women in the industry, and are supportive of the HBA’s core purpose to further the advancement and impact of women in the business of healthcare.
“Mike’s passion about supporting the advancement of women in healthcare is inspirational. His sincere commitment to the HBA was prevalent during a panel presentation where he provided ideas and suggestions to help women at all levels advance in their careers. He also suggested that everyone be involved in the HBA. Mike not only talked the talk but is really walking the walk,” said Shari Tordoff, HBA Ohio chapter past president.
Michael assumed the role of CEO of Cardinal Health in January 2018. Previously, and at the time of accepting HBA’s 2012 Honorable Mentor award, was chief financial officer for Cardinal Health. Michael oversaw all financial activities for the company including external reporting, investor relations, tax strategy/planning, and capital deployment as well as global sourcing for both the pharmaceutical and medical segments.
Throughout his 27 years at Cardinal Health, Michael has served in a wide range of leadership positions across operations, sales and finance, touching all areas of Cardinal Health. Michael was instrumental in orchestrating key activities such as the joint venture with CVS Health that formed Red Oak Sourcing and the creation of Fuse, the Cardinal Health technology innovation center.
Michael serves as executive sponsor of the Cardinal Health Women’s Initiative Network, an employee resource group with the goal to foster a culture of partnerships that makes Cardinal Health a suitable place for women to work and grow their careers. In this role, Michael advocates for female professionals, leveraging his resources, his time and his position to support their success.
George Barrett, executive chairman of Cardinal Health, recognizes Michael’s significant contribution, “Mike Kaufmann has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in support of women and their career development at Cardinal Health. He contributes a significant amount of time mentoring and coaching at all levels. He has truly contributed to helping make Cardinal Health a great place for women to work and grow their careers.”
About the HBA
The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) is a global nonprofit organization serving a community women and men in leading life sciences, biotech, pharmaceutical and supporting companies. The HBA has nearly 120 Corporate Partners and nearly 8,000 members served by more than 20 chapters and affiliates across the U.S. and Europe.