2012: Nancy Larsen

The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) awarded Nancy Larsen its 2012 Strategic Transformation Achievement Recognition (STAR) award. The HBA annually honors one STAR who stands apart as a truly engaging volunteer and who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to furthering the advancement and impact of women in healthcare worldwide.

Since 1982 Larsen has demonstrated her commitment to the HBA serving on the board as treasurer and director of membership. She is the only member to be elected HBA president twice, in 1991 and 2003. Her significant contributions to the HBA over the years include, playing a vital role in the development of the Advancement, Commitment, Engagement (ACE) award (which recognizes exemplary internal leadership initiatives that advance and enhance the careers of women) and providing her experience, resources and guidance to the chapter boards of Atlanta, Chicago, San Antonio and Indiana.

Larsen continues to be involved with the HBA Leadership Conference as well as the HBA Metro chapter’s mentoring program. “I truly believe that membership in and volunteering with HBA is critical to a successful career path for women – as well as men – who work in or provide services to the healthcare industry,” said Larsen. “Over the years, I have been honored to be an HBA volunteer and work side-by-side with some of the industry’s great leaders.”

Along with her commitment to the HBA, Larsen has had an extremely successful business career, with experience that spans pharmaceutical sales and marketing with Searle, Ayerst and GynoPharma. While at Ayerst, she headed the Premarin marketing team and at GynoPharma, led the launch of ParaGard IUD in the U.S. She held senior positions at two advertising agencies, Sutton and Klemtner, and went on to the position of CEO of PROmedica Communications, leading a staff of 30 in the medical education/CME arena.

“Nancy’s leadership, commitment, vision and passion have supported the mission of the HBA to further the advancement women in healthcare," said Buket Grau, HBA chair emeritus. “Nancy epitomizes all the qualities of an HBA volunteer leader and we have been honored to work with and learn from her over the years.” 

Read Nancy's speech from 2012 Woman of the Year event

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