Association News and Updates Archives

NHIA Presents Gene Graves Lifetime Achievement Award To Lorrie Kline Kaplan

(March 16, 2007)

The National Home Infusion Association announces the presentation of the NHIA Gene Graves Lifetime Achievement Award to Lorrie Kline Kaplan, who is stepping down as the association’s long-time Executive Director.

NHIA created the Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the association’s founding president, in 2006 to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the home infusion therapy community.

Kaplan joined the NHIA staff in 1991, within months of its founding by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). She developed the concept and business plan for Infusion magazine and quickly became a leading driver for growth, credibility, and visibility. As Executive Director, Kaplan put a primary emphasis on attracting talented, high-energy volunteers from the infusion community who would create a vision for NHIA and the industry, and work closely with staff leadership to realize that vision.

“What we have here today is largely due to Lorrie’s efforts,” explained Gene Graves as he presented the award at a ceremony held during NHIA’s 16th Annual Conference & Exposition in Savannah, Georgia. “It was an honor for me to receive this award last year, but it really belongs to her. Lorrie built this organization using her unique blend of leadership skills, passion, and persistence…persistence…persistence.”

“I became involved with NHIA in 1989, and right away I knew I loved these people,” said Kaplan of the association’s early pioneers and members. “They were entrepreneurial and cared about their patients and I wanted to be there to let them shine.”

“Leadership is about getting punched down repeatedly and getting back up and to continue fighting because you know it’s the right thing to do,” she continued. “I am proudest of the community that we’ve built together, but I never thought I could get so much love and support in return from an organization.”