Avita and ZVRS and Purple Communications, portfolio companies of private equity firm Kinderhook Industries LLC, have earned “Best Places to Work” honors from two of the nation’s foremost benchmarking surveys for equity and inclusion. Under the leadership of chief executive officers Lorrie A. Carr of Avita and Sherri Turpin of ZP, both companies have focused on driving business growth and innovation, providing access to critical healthcare and communications services for the LGBTQ and Deaf communities respectively.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Avita is a pharmacy management company that provides integrated on-site and central fill pharmacy services nationwide to its AIDS services organizations, Ryan White/STD grantees, federally qualified health centers and other covered entity customers. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, ZP is a leading provider of communication solutions for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

Avita received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index and the designation as one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ equality.” Avita is among 767 major U.S. businesses in 2021 earning top marks from the Human Rights Campaign based on four criteria: non-discrimination policies across business entities, equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families, supporting an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility.

ZP was recognized as a 2020 “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion,” earning a score of 100% on the Disability Equality Index, a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability. A total of 247 companies participated in the 2020 DEI survey which evaluates companies’ disability inclusion efforts in the areas of: culture, leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices and community engagement.

“We are extremely proud of the ongoing success that both Lorrie and Sherri continue to achieve for Avita and ZP and the communities they serve,” said Chris Michalik, managing director of Kinderhook. “They are proven leaders who are not only delivering superior business results but are also exemplary advocates who are reshaping the future of equity and inclusion. I am thrilled for Lorrie, Sherri and all Avita and ZP employees that they have been recognized with these prestigious awards. It is especially fitting that we have the opportunity to recognize Lorrie and Sherri’s leadership and accomplishments during women’s history month.”