The 2022 Women Leaders in Consulting: Mary Heymans

Mary Heymans is a Managing Director & Senior Advisor with the Physician Compensation and Valuation service line of Gallagher's Human Resources & Compensation Consulting practice. She has over 20 years of experience working in the health care industry, including professional consulting for health care organizations and physician practice management.

Mary has significant professional consulting experience in a variety of areas ranging from physician network development to practice operational improvement projects. Her current focus includes physician total compensation compliance audits, market research and surveys, the design and administration of new compensation systems, pay incentive systems and performance management system redesign. She also specializes in physician organizational structure development and physician network development. Mary is a frequent speaker on physician compensation related topics for Hospital Associations, Physician Specialty Associations, Health Care Law and Compliance Institutes, VHA and other National Professional Organizations.

Mary holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin — Madison, and a master's in health care Administration from the University of Minnesota — Minneapolis. Professional affiliations include the American College of health care Executives and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

In my late twenties, I had an opportunity to transfer within my consulting organization to a new and growing area of the company. It began with only two talented individuals and me, and quickly grew to five consultants. Working as a team, I have enjoyed seeing our practice grow substantially over the years and flourish as the result of my efforts and our collective work which has been a great professional achievement.

What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning her career?

In recent years I have noticed the number of female applicants declining for positions in consulting which is concerning to me. It is equally important to have multiple perspectives and diversity of thought in consulting as it is in other aspects of the workforce. I would advise any new female consultant to seek out a variety of mentors but in the end find your own voice and style that represents you.

What do you enjoy most about your consulting career?

I enjoy working on so many different projects at such a large number of organizations in different competitive markets. It is always interesting and exciting. The work never becomes routine or boring as new challenges are consistently arising.

What's the best advice—personal or professional—you've ever received?

To delegate when you can and not try to do it all. It may not be exactly the way you would have done it but there are only so many hours in the day. To be of value to others as a consultant you cannot be burnt out yourself. What does being honored as a Woman Leader in Consulting mean to you? It is a great honor for me. Consultants are often not recognized as a profession and it has been a 25+ journey for me that never seems to get old.