Lawrence W. Hay | Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board
Mr. Hay serves as Symbius Medical’s Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board. He is a Director with Mantucket Capital, serves on the Boards of several Mantucket portfolio companies and represents Mantucket’s interests in most of its operating investments. Prior to joining Mantucket, he spent over 25 years in senior level, multi-unit business management in the retail, restaurant, business services, technology and healthcare industries. He was a Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SmartCare Family Medical Centers, Inc., a retail based health care chain; Founder, President and Vice Chairman of HomeSync Corporation, a home technology integration company; Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Einstein Bros./Noah’s Bagel Corporation; Area Vice President of FedEx/Kinko’s Corporation where he managed the central United States; led the 13 state Southeastern Operations for PepsiCo/Taco Bell; spent many years opening new markets with Tandy Corp/Radio Shack; and founded HayCorp Business Consulting Services. In addition, Mr. Hay serves on the school-based health center advisory board of the Colorado Health Foundation as well as the boards of several civic and community organizations. Mr. Hay graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia.
E. Dwight Knox | President, Symbius Medical
Mr. Knox joined Symbius Medical in 2004, and leads the senior management team. Mr. Knox has worked in the Homecare industry for 15 years, in both provider and manufacturer areas of the business. He is experienced in all aspects of Homecare including marketing, sales management, operations, Respiratory Therapy and business management. Mr. Knox spent his first year at Symbius Medical developing and structuring the model sales team for home respiratory and DME. During that same time he created cutting-edge marketing programs that have never been used in the Homecare market. Mr. Knox has broadened category offerings within the company by taking on new business in Enteral Nutrition, Power Mobility and Rehabilitation. Prior to his career in healthcare, he served in the U.S. Army where he graduated top in his class during Advanced Individual Training as a Combat Engineer and was one of five out of 300 to be awarded the Trailblazer Award. Mr. Knox holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Cambridge International University, and also holds an Associate of Occupational Studies AOS degree in Respiratory Therapy and is credentialed by the State of Arizona Board of Respiratory.
J. Blount Swain | Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Swain joined Symbius Medical in 2008 and prior to that, he served as a turnaround and restructuring advisor for several businesses from 2001 until 2008 in various industries including medical devices, software, and wastewater technology. Mr. Swain served as Chief Financial Officer for YOUcentric, Inc., Closure Medical Corporation, and The Record Bar, Inc., a national music retailing entity. He also served as a Senior Accountant with Price Waterhouse. Mr. Swain holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a certified public accountant.
Gary I. Hershey | Vice President of Urological Sales
Mr. Hershey is directly responsible for the Symbius Medical Urological sales team and serves as President of the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association Board of Directors. He is a member of the Ensuring Accessible Seating at Events (EASE) Committee at Chase Field and U.S. Airways Center. He is also an accredited Peer Mentor for new patients, as well as existing patients with spinal cord injuries. His first hand knowledge comes from his own life experiences. At 16 years old he became a high level Quad as a result of a motorcycle accident. This allows him to share his 36 years of living with an injury with others. Mr. Hershey has been a member of several World Championship Wheelchair Over-the-Line Softball teams. Prior to Symbius Medical, Mr. Hershey spent 18 years working at and managing radio stations throughout Arizona. He graduated first in his class at Arizona Tech School of Broadcasting.
Bridget Alcocer | Director of Managed Care
Ms. Alcocer comes to Symbius Medical with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry as a professional negotiator and contractor. She joined Symbius Medical from Great-West HealthCare/CIGNA where she spent the last five years serving as the Regional Director of Network Management for Arizona and Nevada. Ms. Alcocer’s extensive background includes being a part of several Fortune 500 companies, including Aetna, Humana and CIGNA. She has spearheaded several company mergers and acquisition teams to consolidate networks while maintaining continuity of care for all members. Her vast experience with Healthcare Insurance brings great strengths to Symbius Medical. Ms. Alcocer has also received many accolades in her tenure in healthcare including “Contractor of the Year” and “Market of the Year”. She attended Arizona State University and University of Phoenix. She is also the founder of Santa for Soldiers, a non-for-profit organization.
Eric Messerschmidt | Director of Operations
Mr. Messerschmidt is responsible for various operational aspects of the company ranging from supervision of the home medical delivery team, warehouse functions, shipping and receiving and the Symbius Medical retail store front. Mr. Messerschmidt brings over 22 years of Healthcare industry experience and has specialized in Homecare/DME for 17 years. Mr. Messerschmidt started in the healthcare field as a Respiratory Therapist in 1988, working in a large West Phoenix hospital, where he received his critical care training working in ICU and CCU units. While in the Homecare/DME field, Mr. Messerschmidt held several important positions as Director of Patient Services, Respiratory Supervisor, Regional Respiratory Services Supervisor and Distribution Manager.
In 2002, Mr. Messerschmidt became the Assistant Manager of a Homecare facility where he gained his retail Homecare experience. In 2003, he became the Facility Manager, managing 35 employees including retail staff, customer service representatives, warehouse/delivery staff and Respiratory Therapists. Mr. Messerschmidt was personally responsible for overseeing and supervising a major Healthcare contract due to the special needs and demands on the payor. In 1991, Mr. Messerschmidt earned his certificate in Respiratory Therapy at Long Medical College, Phoenix, AZ and is credentialed by the State of Arizona and Utah Boards of Respiratory.
Holly Hamilton | Director of Human Resources
Ms. Hamilton has over 12 years experience in Human Resources Management and is one of the dynamic members of the Symbius Medical Executive Team where she was selected to develop and implement a comprehensive Human Resources infrastructure with focus on recruitment of exceptional human capital training and enhancement of existing team members as well as development of the Symbius Medical’s company culture. Ms. Hamilton joined the Symbius Medical organization following a successful term as Founder and President of Personnel Touch, Human Resources Consultants, where she worked with many successful organizations in the Southwestern U.S. including Sun West Distributing, LGO Hospitality, Hotel Scottsdale, Sisbarro Auto Dealerships, Zwillinger and Greek, PC. As a top graduate from Arizona State University, Ms. Hamilton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Travel and Tourism. She began her career in the hospitality industry initially as an intern and within one year was promoted to the Assistant Director of Human Resources with International Conference Resorts. Ms. Hamilton ascended to the role of Director of Human Resources and provided valuable contributions to resort operations at Resort Suites of Scottsdale.
In 2005, Ms. Hamilton shifted her professional focus with a term as Director of Human Resources for Goldberg and Osborne Law Firm. Her tenure with the well recognized legal firm provided valuable insight into the unique requirements of multi-outlet organizations operating 18 offices throughout Arizona. Ms. Hamilton is a well respected member of the Arizona Human Resources community and maintains a membership in the Society of Human Resources Management, a national organization.
Melissa Avilez | Director of Respiratory/DME Sales
Ms. Avilez is the Director of Respiratory/DME Sales for Symbius Medical where she oversees a team of sales representatives in the Arizona market. She manages the company’s Arizona Respiratory, Durable Medical Equipment, Power Mobility, and Enteral Nutrition sales reps. Ms. Avilez also continues to manage multiple referral sources/accounts in Arizona’s North and East Valley territories. Possessing over ten years in the healthcare industry, Ms. Avilez has worked in a number of capacities. She has been responsible for building an entire respiratory department for a local medical company and has worked in a variety of sales roles. She has represented home health, infusion, and nursing sales throughout the Phoenix and East Valley areas, in addition to promoting Respiratory, Durable Medical Equipment, Urological, Enteral Nutrition and other medical products and services. Ms. Avilez has also worked as a Director of Marketing for a sleep center. While at that organization, she was responsible for a sales increase of 400%, as well as the development of all company literature and marketing materials. Ms. Avilez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Global Business with a concentration in Marketing and Finance from Arizona State University West.
Lawrence W. Hay | Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board
Mr. Hay serves as Symbius Medical’s Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board. He is a Director with Mantucket Capital, serves on the Boards of several Mantucket portfolio companies and represents Mantucket’s interests in most of its operating investments. Prior to joining Mantucket, he spent over 25 years in senior level, multi-unit business management in the retail, restaurant, business services, technology and healthcare industries. He was a Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SmartCare Family Medical Centers, Inc., a retail based health care chain; Founder, President and Vice Chairman of HomeSync Corporation, a home technology integration company; Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Einstein Bros./Noah’s Bagel Corporation; Area Vice President of FedEx/Kinko’s Corporation where he managed the central United States; led the 13 state Southeastern Operations for PepsiCo/Taco Bell; spent many years opening new markets with Tandy Corp/Radio Shack; and founded HayCorp Business Consulting Services. In addition, Mr. Hay serves on the school-based health center advisory board of the Colorado Health Foundation as well as the boards of several civic and community organizations. Mr. Hay graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia.
E. Dwight Knox | President, Symbius Medical
Mr. Knox joined Symbius Medical in 2004, and leads the senior management team. Mr. Knox has worked in the Homecare industry for 15 years, in both provider and manufacturer areas of the business. He is experienced in all aspects of Homecare including marketing, sales management, operations, Respiratory Therapy and business management. Mr. Knox spent his first year at Symbius Medical developing and structuring the model sales team for home respiratory and DME. During that same time he created cutting-edge marketing programs that have never been used in the Homecare market. Mr. Knox has broadened category offerings within the company by taking on new business in Enteral Nutrition, Power Mobility and Rehabilitation. Prior to his career in healthcare, he served in the U.S. Army where he graduated top in his class during Advanced Individual Training as a Combat Engineer and was one of five out of 300 to be awarded the Trailblazer Award. Mr. Knox holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Cambridge International University, and also holds an Associate of Occupational Studies AOS degree in Respiratory Therapy and is credentialed by the State of Arizona Board of Respiratory.
J. Blount Swain | Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Swain joined Symbius Medical in 2008 and prior to that, he served as a turnaround and restructuring advisor for several businesses from 2001 until 2008 in various industries including medical devices, software, and wastewater technology. Mr. Swain served as Chief Financial Officer for YOUcentric, Inc., Closure Medical Corporation, and The Record Bar, Inc., a national music retailing entity. He also served as a Senior Accountant with Price Waterhouse. Mr. Swain holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a certified public accountant.
Gary I. Hershey | Vice President of Urological Sales
Mr. Hershey is directly responsible for the Symbius Medical Urological sales team and serves as President of the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association Board of Directors. He is a member of the Ensuring Accessible Seating at Events (EASE) Committee at Chase Field and U.S. Airways Center. He is also an accredited Peer Mentor for new patients, as well as existing patients with spinal cord injuries. His first hand knowledge comes from his own life experiences. At 16 years old he became a high level Quad as a result of a motorcycle accident. This allows him to share his 36 years of living with an injury with others. Mr. Hershey has been a member of several World Championship Wheelchair Over-the-Line Softball teams. Prior to Symbius Medical, Mr. Hershey spent 18 years working at and managing radio stations throughout Arizona. He graduated first in his class at Arizona Tech School of Broadcasting.
Bridget Alcocer | Director of Managed Care
Ms. Alcocer comes to Symbius Medical with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry as a professional negotiator and contractor. She joined Symbius Medical from Great-West HealthCare/CIGNA where she spent the last five years serving as the Regional Director of Network Management for Arizona and Nevada. Ms. Alcocer’s extensive background includes being a part of several Fortune 500 companies, including Aetna, Humana and CIGNA. She has spearheaded several company mergers and acquisition teams to consolidate networks while maintaining continuity of care for all members. Her vast experience with Healthcare Insurance brings great strengths to Symbius Medical. Ms. Alcocer has also received many accolades in her tenure in healthcare including “Contractor of the Year” and “Market of the Year”. She attended Arizona State University and University of Phoenix. She is also the founder of Santa for Soldiers, a non-for-profit organization.
Eric Messerschmidt | Director of Operations
Mr. Messerschmidt is responsible for various operational aspects of the company ranging from supervision of the home medical delivery team, warehouse functions, shipping and receiving and the Symbius Medical retail store front. Mr. Messerschmidt brings over 22 years of Healthcare industry experience and has specialized in Homecare/DME for 17 years. Mr. Messerschmidt started in the healthcare field as a Respiratory Therapist in 1988, working in a large West Phoenix hospital, where he received his critical care training working in ICU and CCU units. While in the Homecare/DME field, Mr. Messerschmidt held several important positions as Director of Patient Services, Respiratory Supervisor, Regional Respiratory Services Supervisor and Distribution Manager.
In 2002, Mr. Messerschmidt became the Assistant Manager of a Homecare facility where he gained his retail Homecare experience. In 2003, he became the Facility Manager, managing 35 employees including retail staff, customer service representatives, warehouse/delivery staff and Respiratory Therapists. Mr. Messerschmidt was personally responsible for overseeing and supervising a major Healthcare contract due to the special needs and demands on the payor. In 1991, Mr. Messerschmidt earned his certificate in Respiratory Therapy at Long Medical College, Phoenix, AZ and is credentialed by the State of Arizona and Utah Boards of Respiratory.
Holly Hamilton | Director of Human Resources
Ms. Hamilton has over 12 years experience in Human Resources Management and is one of the dynamic members of the Symbius Medical Executive Team where she was selected to develop and implement a comprehensive Human Resources infrastructure with focus on recruitment of exceptional human capital training and enhancement of existing team members as well as development of the Symbius Medical’s company culture. Ms. Hamilton joined the Symbius Medical organization following a successful term as Founder and President of Personnel Touch, Human Resources Consultants, where she worked with many successful organizations in the Southwestern U.S. including Sun West Distributing, LGO Hospitality, Hotel Scottsdale, Sisbarro Auto Dealerships, Zwillinger and Greek, PC. As a top graduate from Arizona State University, Ms. Hamilton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Travel and Tourism. She began her career in the hospitality industry initially as an intern and within one year was promoted to the Assistant Director of Human Resources with International Conference Resorts. Ms. Hamilton ascended to the role of Director of Human Resources and provided valuable contributions to resort operations at Resort Suites of Scottsdale.
In 2005, Ms. Hamilton shifted her professional focus with a term as Director of Human Resources for Goldberg and Osborne Law Firm. Her tenure with the well recognized legal firm provided valuable insight into the unique requirements of multi-outlet organizations operating 18 offices throughout Arizona. Ms. Hamilton is a well respected member of the Arizona Human Resources community and maintains a membership in the Society of Human Resources Management, a national organization.
Melissa Avilez | Director of Respiratory/DME Sales
Ms. Avilez is the Director of Respiratory/DME Sales for Symbius Medical where she oversees a team of sales representatives in the Arizona market. She manages the company’s Arizona Respiratory, Durable Medical Equipment, Power Mobility, and Enteral Nutrition sales reps. Ms. Avilez also continues to manage multiple referral sources/accounts in Arizona’s North and East Valley territories. Possessing over ten years in the healthcare industry, Ms. Avilez has worked in a number of capacities. She has been responsible for building an entire respiratory department for a local medical company and has worked in a variety of sales roles. She has represented home health, infusion, and nursing sales throughout the Phoenix and East Valley areas, in addition to promoting Respiratory, Durable Medical Equipment, Urological, Enteral Nutrition and other medical products and services. Ms. Avilez has also worked as a Director of Marketing for a sleep center. While at that organization, she was responsible for a sales increase of 400%, as well as the development of all company literature and marketing materials. Ms. Avilez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Global Business with a concentration in Marketing and Finance from Arizona State University West.