Rita Malobabich, MBA-HM
Rita Malobabich, MBA-HM, is a healthcare supply chain and strategic sourcing leader with extensive experience in clinical operations, supplier partnerships, and strategic business transformation. She currently serves as a Strategic Supplier Partner Director, a role she has held since 2022, where she focuses on developing strategic sourcing initiatives that align supplier capabilities with healthcare organization goals. She began her healthcare career in the operating room as a Certified Surgical Scrub Technician, building a strong clinical foundation that continues to influence her patient-centered and operational approach to supply chain management. Her ability to bridge clinical needs with business strategy allows her to create solutions that benefit both healthcare providers and suppliers.
One of her proudest professional accomplishments was helping build the supply chain and value analysis infrastructure at Northeast Georgia Health System from the ground up. During her tenure, she supported the development of sourcing frameworks, vendor communication processes, and operational strategies that helped the organization grow from a small community hospital into a multi-location healthcare system within four years. Rita specializes in supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, logistics optimization, and strategic planning. Her unique perspective of having worked on both the provider and supplier sides of healthcare enables her to deliver innovative strategies that improve communication, strengthen partnerships, and drive sustainable cost efficiencies.
Rita is also highly accomplished academically, earning a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University in 2025, completing the program in 5 months and 9 days while working full-time. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a focus in Supply Chain Management from Southern New Hampshire University, earned in 2022. Outside of her professional work, Rita is passionate about mentoring emerging professionals in healthcare supply chain fields, volunteering with the Buddies Program, and giving back to her community. In her personal life, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring new cultures, experiences that continue to inspire both her professional creativity and leadership philosophy.
• Certified Surgical Scrub Technician
• Western Governors University - MBA
• Southern New Hampshire University - BA, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
• Pittsburgh Technical College - AS
• Night to Shine event
• Tim Tebow Foundation
• Volunteers with Buddies Program
What do you attribute your success to?
I think I just have a drive in general. I came from humble beginnings - I came from the projects, literally, legit. Where I used to live and where I grew up is one of the poorest counties in North Carolina. But I always knew there was something else outside of what I could see. I always strive just to be better than I was the day before, and it can be just something little, but I always knew that there was something out there that was better than what I saw in my current surroundings. I've grown and elevated from a mental, professional, and spiritual level to the point where I'm able to guide my son to do things differently. I always knew that there was something else, and I was put here to be great.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Embrace who you are and lead with confidence in your unique perspective. Your experiences, voice, and approach to problem-solving are assets in any professional space. Focus on continuous learning, build strong relationships, and never underestimate the value of asking questions. Stay resilient in the face of challenges, seek mentors who inspire you, and remember that your authenticity is often your greatest competitive advantage. Success is not just about technical expertise it’s about how you show up, how you collaborate, and how you help others succeed along the way.