Taryn Birkmire, President
Taryn Birkmire, President of the Long Island Chapter of the New York State Association of Health Care Providers (HCP), is this year’s recipient of the 2009 Member of the Year Award named for Edna A. Lauterbach, a nurse and respected industry leader who believed that skilled nurses are essential to home care.
A resident of West Islip, Ms. Birkmire is Executive Director of Recco Home Care Service, Inc, headquartered in Massapequa. Thirty-
Taryn Birkmire earned her bachelor’s degree in office administration and entered the home care agency field where she has specialized for 29 years. She joined Recco Home Care in 1989 and became increasingly active with HCP over the years. In 2006, she was elected president of the Long Island Chapter of HCP.
In her presentation of the award to Taryn Birkmire, Phyllis Wang, President of the NYS Association of HCP remarked: “The Long Island Chapter is the most active and dynamic chapter in the state mix. Taryn’s attention to detail and persistent follow up on all matters affecting the Chapter, both issue related and relative to membership, has been remarkable. She is an articulate spokesperson, active on the political scene, and an inspiration in rallying the Chapter members to become more involved advocates in the cause for home care. As one of her many supporters has said, “her boundless energy and strong dedication has made her an example for others to aspire to and has placed the LI Chapter out front in HCP for membership, PAC contributions and member involvement. She is most exceedingly worthy of this award.”
Ms. Birkmire moved through the Long Island Chapter ranks, serving as Chapter Secretary, Acting Treasurer, VP and now, President. In addition, she has served or currently serves on committees or councils of such professional and community groups as the Nassau County Long Term Care Council (2nd Vice Chair since 2007), the LI Performance Improvement Coalition (Treasurer since 2001) and the statewide Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Association of NYS (Governance Committee member).
Upon her election as LI Chapter President, Ms. Birkmire also began her role on the HCP State Board of Directors — quickly becoming chairperson of the Chapter Presidents Forum, comprised of all Chapter Presidents from around the state. She also serves on the statewide Public Policy committee and the Dues Review Committee.
“I am truly honored to be the recipient of this award,” said Birkmire. “Our Association is increasingly visible as the voice, educator and advocate for home care. I am proud of our position, especially as the nation turns its attention to health care reform.”
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