North Central Michigan College is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Randel Richner, a 1978 graduate who recently received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the Michigan Community College Association. Randel's journey is a testament to the power of passion and dedication ignited at North Central.

With more than 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, entrepreneurship, and nursing, Randel has made significant strides in the industry. As president and founder of Richner Consultants, LLC, she is known for her strategic vision and expertise in addressing complex clinical and policy issues. Her ability to foster meaningful relationships with government authorities, corporate professionals, academics, and practitioners has been pivotal in her career.

Randel founded the Neocure Group, a consulting firm serving more than 130 clients from early-stage companies to Fortune 100 medical device and pharmaceutical companies. After selling Neocure to a private equity investor, she has continued to advise corporate boards and investment firms on the commercialization of innovative drugs and devices. Her career began as a dialysis nurse, followed by roles in policy and management at GlaxoSmithKline and Boston Scientific, where she established the Global Government Affairs and Reimbursement function.

Currently, Randel serves as an Independent Board Director of Lifeward (LFWD: Nasdaq). She has also played a crucial role in securing Medicare coverage for exoskeletons to help spinal cord injury patients walk. Her commitment to patient advocacy began during her time at North Central, where she discovered her passion for nursing. She practiced at Little Traverse Hospital (now McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital) for 12 years, developing a home dialysis program and providing care on a unique mobile hemodialysis bus.

Read "From The Crow's Nest to Congress," a feature story about Randel.

In 1988, Randel transitioned from clinical nursing to healthcare policy, enrolling at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health. There, she connected with global healthcare leaders and channeled her passion for affecting broad policy changes. Randel's expertise has been recognized through various roles, including serving on the Executive Committee of the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee and the Medicare Payment Advisory Committee. She has also been involved with the International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, the Institute of Medicine, and several other prestigious organizations.

Randel's commitment to education and healthcare extends to her roles as a guest lecturer at numerous institutions, including the University of Michigan, Tufts Medical School, and Harvard School of Public Health. She delivered the commencement address at North Central Michigan College in 2019.

Her advice to students is to follow their passion: “Don’t ignore what is most important to you personally. That will drive your success – both personally and professionally.”

Randel also emphasizes the value of community colleges.

“Community colleges and those who help you there will give you the insights to achieve personal and professional success," she said. "Find your inner grit and never let it go.”

Randel Richner’s remarkable career and dedication to healthcare advocacy make her an exemplary alumna of North Central Michigan College. We are proud to have played a part in her journey and celebrate her continued success.