2006: Sharon Callahan

The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) recognized Sharon Callahan as its 2006 Strategic Transformation Achievement Recognition (STAR). Each year, the HBA honors a STAR who stands apart as an exemplary role model by demonstrating a long-term commitment to the HBA’s strategic goals of furthering the advancement and impact of women in the business of healthcare.

According to HBA chair emeritus, Debra L. Newton, president of Newton Grey, “Sharon was a unanimous choice for the STAR award because of her unsurpassed commitment to the HBA, where she is continually helping to move the organization in critical new directions.” Newton added, “The HBA is an organization that is dependent upon volunteers and each year acknowledges the work of exceptional quality when it bestows the HBA STAR award.”

Outside her role as president of Summit Grey, her role at the time of receiving the award, Callahan dedicates much of her time to HBA activities. She began her involvement in 1989 and became a member of the HBA advisory board in 1995. Callahan served as president of the HBA in 1997 and became president of the HBA Metro Chapter in 2005. In 2002, HBA president Mary Cobb honored Callahan as the recipient of the first "Time to Make a Difference" award for her years of dedication to the organization. 

Callahan’s focus is on effective but efficient communications and maximizing sales. Over the course of her career, she has been involved in all aspects of strategic pharmaceutical marketing and gained skills in many disciplines including medical education, publishing sales and management, clinical programs and interactive programs. 

Callahan co-founded The Summit Group, which was acquired in 2001 by Grey Healthcare Group. Now known as Summit Grey, it is Grey Healthcare’s interactive solutions division. Callahan is a member of Grey’s executive management committee. Prior to starting The Summit Group, Callahan exercised her entrepreneurial spirit at two communications companies: Medsite.com and SCP Communications. 

All information in the honoree’s bio is reflective of the time they won the award.