March marks Women’s History Month — a time to honor and recognize the contributions of women; especially our extraordinary female colleagues who bring unique ideas, experiences, and voices to help make a positive impact to our business.

This month, the Omnicare Diversity Leadership Team spoke with two women leaders about their lives, experiences, and career paths. Here’s what they had to say.

Fast Facts:

Michele Vilfort, District Director, Account Management

• I became an LPN in 1998 after having my first daughter in 1994. 
• I was working at a hospital and home health company and realized it was not what I wanted to do. 
• I took a position as a Dementia Unit Nurse, where I discovered my passion for the elderly population and Long-Term Care. 
• I moved to a Sub-Acute Rehab Nurse role and worked as an Agency Nurse to develop my skills.
• I joined the Genesis Team in 2003 as a Charge Nurse on the sub-acute unit. Within a year I transitioned to a Wound Nurse role for a 12-bed facility before being promoted to Sub-Acute Unit Supervisor. 
• In 2005, I went back to school to pursue an RN degree. Upon acceptance into the nursing program in 2008, I decided that nursing was no longer my passion and rescinded my application. 
• In 2006, after 8 years in LTC facilities, I was hired by Neighbor Care as a Nurse Account Manager. 
• In 2013, I became the Omnicare Edison Customer Advisory Board Facilitator, which enhanced my networking and collaboration skillset. I was then promoted to the Customer Service Manager of NJ. 
• In 2014, I was promoted to Regional Manager of Account Services for NJ, DE and PA. 
• With company changes, I returned to an Account Manager role at the end of 2014. 
• In 2018, I started my new path at Western Governor’s University to pursue my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.  
• In 2021, I moved into the District Director of Account Management role.

“I owe my success and growth to the many people at Omnicare who shared their knowledge and guided me on my journey,” Michele explained. “My drive to excel comes from my two beautiful daughters. I want to make sure they’re proud of me, and that I serve as an example that dreams are obtainable.”

For anyone who may be questioning their path, Michele added, “Don’t be afraid to course correct and find the career you love!”
 
Kathleen Beitzel, Vice President, Professional and Clinical Services

• I’m from Elyria, Ohio and the youngest of 5 kids.
• My dad owned pharmacies. I grew up in the business and did everything from cleaning the bathroom to arranging the cosmetic counter (my favorite!) to cleaning shelves. One year I was even a Care Bear for American Greeting Credit Cards and greeted children for 8 hours straight!
• I Graduated from Ohio State University.
• I began my Omnicare Career in 1994 as a Consultant Pharmacist at Omnicare of Northwest Ohio.
• I moved inside to run the Perrysburg, Ohio pharmacy in 1996.
• I transitioned to Sr. Director of Internal Operations for the Midwest Division in 2010 and moved to the Sr. Director of Operations role for the country shortly before CVS purchased Omnicare.
• A year after the CVS integration, I left the organization to become a Pharmacy Director for a small LTAC with a Nursing Home and Assisted Living attached. I returned to Omnicare a decade later as a DDO, with richer experience. 
• My career continued to grow as I was tapped to create the Onboarding Team and manage Intake and Infusion.
• Later, I moved to a Sr. Director of Shared Services role and added Adjudication and CIC to my responsibilities.
• In 2021, I began my current role as Vice President, Professional and Clinical Services.
• I’m married to my best friend, Todd, who was my next-door neighbor. We sold two houses and built one – and a great life – together.
• I have 2 adult kids, 2 bonus adult kids and 5 four-legged canine kids.
• In my spare time I love to read, knit and do woodworking.

“I’m thrilled to be back in a position that allows me to have more influence on patient care, and am blessed with a fantastic team and great partners in Operations, Account Management, Sales and the rest of the business,” Kathleen said. “It’s rewarding that all my years of work and experience have culminated in a role that allows me to showcase Omnicare’s value and differentiation to our customers and clients each and every day.

I encourage all women – and all colleagues – to grow their knowledge, learn from great mentors, share your experiences with others and follow your dreams!”

We celebrate our female colleagues and our dedication to gender equality throughout the organization, and throughout the year. It remains our goal to foster a culture of inclusion where all differences and similarities are continuously celebrated.