HARRISBURG, PA – John Shirvinsky, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers (PAMS) has resigned after almost a decade on the job. His resignation will take effect December 20, 2013.
According to Chuck Blackburn, chairman and principal of Blackburn’s, Tarentum, Pa, Shirvinsky began with a philosophy that “policies are made to be changed,” and his leadership reflected that ethos throughout the years.
“John looked at the balance sheet and said, ‘We have to come up with way to increase revenue to PAMS so we can do the things to enhance membership,’” remembers Blackburn. “PAMS had a good reputation already for top notch educational programs.
“PAMS embarked upon aggressive projects that enhanced the balance sheet to its greatest value ever, which allowed PAMS to become one of the more influential and successful state organizations in our industry,” continued Blackburn. “John’s network on Capitol Hill and in Harrisburg [Pa state capital] is expansive. The list of his successful accomplishments is extensive. His leadership at PAMS and as Chair of the State Leaders Council of the American Association for AAHomecare will be missed.”
Prior to his work with PAMS, Shirvinsky served as president of a statewide organization representing the interests of Pennsylvania’s major coal and steel producers. He worked as executive director of a coalition seeking reforms to prevent lawsuit abuse; and as vice president of Public Affairs for the fourth largest solid waste management company in the United States, where he had responsibility for lobbying activities in 24 states and Washington, D.C.
He has served as chief of staff to Pennsylvania’s Attorney General; worked in policy development and research positions for the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives; and served on various Pennsylvania political campaigns, including manager of a State Treasurer campaign and policy director and speech writer for a gubernatorial campaign. He joined PAMS on March 26, 2007.