Kathleen Gathers, MBA
Director, Supply Chain Management
Professional Overview
Kathleen Gathers is an experienced supply chain management professional with a strong background in the healthcare industry. As the Director of Supply Chain Management at Terrebonne General Health System, she oversees all aspects of the organization's supply chain operations, including procurement, logistics, and inventory management. Kathleen's expertise spans strategic planning, process optimization, and driving operational efficiency to support the delivery of high-quality patient care.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Supply Chain Management at Terrebonne General Health System since 2019, Kathleen is responsible for leading a team of procurement specialists and logisticians. She has implemented data-driven decision-making processes to enhance supply chain visibility, reduce costs, and improve supplier relationships. Under her leadership, the organization has achieved significant cost savings while maintaining uninterrupted supply of critical medical supplies and equipment.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Kathleen served as the Director of Supply Chain and Biomed at OrthoIndy, where she streamlined procurement processes and enhanced inventory management practices to optimize resource utilization. Before that, she held leadership positions in purchasing and facilities management at Friendship Senior Options and Midwest Palliative Care Center, where she demonstrated a strong track record of process improvement and stakeholder collaboration.
Academic Background
Kathleen holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Louisiana State University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Supply Chain Management from LSU Shreveport. Her academic achievements and ongoing professional development reflect her commitment to staying at the forefront of industry best practices and driving continuous improvement.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic supply chain management
- Procurement and logistics optimization
- Inventory management and control
- Process improvement and change management
- Stakeholder collaboration and cross-functional leadership
Professional Impact
During her tenure at Terrebonne General Health System, Kathleen has led the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which has enabled real-time visibility into supply chain data and improved forecasting capabilities. This initiative has resulted in a 15% reduction in inventory carrying costs and a 20% increase in on-time delivery of critical supplies.
Conclusion
With over 25 years of experience in the healthcare supply chain industry, Kathleen Gathers is a respected leader known for her ability to drive operational excellence and deliver measurable business impact. Her strategic mindset, technical expertise, and collaborative approach make her a valuable asset to Terrebonne General Health System as it continues to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.
