Randel RichnerRandel Richner, an 汤头条app alumna and dedicated professional with a 30-year career at the nexus of healthcare, policy, and patient advocacy, was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Alumnus Award by the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) on August 1. The honor was presented during MCCA鈥檚 summer conference at the Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island.

Richner, who graduated from North Central鈥檚 nursing program in 1978, began her healthcare career treating patients in end-stage renal disease, traveling on a mobile dialysis bus to their homes in rural Grayling, Alpena, Traverse City, and the Soo.

Richner continued her education, earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree and then a master鈥檚 degree in public health policy and administration, both from the University of Michigan. Policy and management positions followed at GlaxoSmithKline in London and the U.S., then at Boston Scientific, where she established the Global Government Affairs and Reimbursement function. She then founded the Neocure Group, a consulting firm with offices in Boston, Washington, and California serving more than 130 clients, ranging from early-stage companies to Fortune 100 medical device and pharmaceutical companies. She is now president and CEO of Richner Consultants, LLC.

In addition, Richner currently serves as an independent board director of Lifeward, a company that develops medical technology for individuals with physical limitations and disabilities. In addition to her board duties, Richner directed Lifeward鈥檚 efforts with Congress and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to secure Medicare coverage for wearable robotic exoskeletons that enable patients with spinal cord injury to walk.  

Richner鈥檚 nonprofit board appointments include the executive board of Mich Bio and Mass Medic. She is also active in many healthcare associations.

In 2019, Richner returned to her alma mater to deliver the commencement address to North Central鈥檚 graduates.

鈥淚t was an honor to meet Randel and hear her story then, and it was an even greater honor to present to her this prestigious award on behalf of MCCA,鈥� said North Central President David Roland Finley. 鈥淩andel exemplifies the commitment and passion needed to succeed, and her story reflects the tenacity and determination shared by many of our students.鈥�

Richner, who is a strong advocate for community colleges, tells students to follow their passion.

鈥淐ommunity colleges and those who help you there will give you the insights to achieve personal and professional success,鈥� she said. 鈥淔ind your inner grit and never let it go.鈥�

The MCCA Outstanding Alumnus Award was first presented in 1985. The award is presented to a Michigan community college alumnus based upon achievement in their professional career, service to humanity, honors received, and a strong commitment to the purpose and philosophy of the community college mission.