During the Business Program on the third and final day of the virtual 2021 NACDS Annual Meeting, NACDS recognized NACDS Past Chairman Larry J. Merlo, president and CEO (2011-2021), CVS Health, with chain pharmacy’s highest honor: the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Sheldon “Bud” W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 1989 to recognize exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the industry. The award was renamed in 1996 in honor of Bud Fantle of People’s Drug Stores.
Jon Roberts, executive vice president and chief operating officer, CVS Health – who worked in the pharmacy industry alongside Merlo for more than 30 years – awarded the prestigious recognition.
In presenting the award to Merlo, Roberts described the beginnings of both his and Merlo’s pharmacy careers at People’s Drug Stores under the leadership of Sheldon “Bud” Fantle – the CEO of the regional pharmacy chain at the time and the individual for whom the distinguished award is named.
Roberts illustrated Merlo’s passion for pharmacy and the healthcare profession, his purpose-driven leadership and his enthusiasm for innovation in the industry.
“Throughout our career, I’ve had the opportunity to witness Larry’s unique and inspiring brand of leadership up close, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving. He is a truly purpose-driven leader and, in many ways, that has been the hallmark of his career. He strongly believes in the power of purpose – it’s what lead him to decide as a teenager that he wanted to pursue a career in pharmacy because he knew wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” Roberts said.
He continued, detailing Merlo’s commitment as CEO of CVS Health to identifying a simple yet meaningful purpose: “Helping people on their path to better health.”
Roberts said of Merlo:
“Throughout his life and career, Larry has always been guided by the power of purpose, and he has never lost sight of what inspired him to enter a career in healthcare. He has been a vocal and tireless advocate for the immensely important role that pharmacists can and should play as providers of basic healthcare services …
“Larry’s legacy will continue to be felt for years to come. He’s been a great friend and mentor to me and to countless other leaders at CVS and across the industry. I know he has had a powerful and lasting impact on the lives of many people attending this meeting. But even more importantly, he has helped millions of Americans on their path to better health.”
Merlo began his remarks by thanking “colleagues at every level of the organization” and by recognizing NACDS and the important relationships that exist between chain and associate member companies.
“I am pleased to have participated with NACDS over the years as a Board member and as your Chairman, working to shape the healthcare landscape in which community pharmacy plays a critical role. Let me also give thanks to the suppler community: Your partnerships are critical to bringing innovation to the chain pharmacy setting, and I appreciate the work of so many of you along with the friendships that have emerged over so many years,” Merlo said.
Merlo went on to explain the critical leadership lessons he learned from Fantle – the award’s namesake – during his time at People’s Drug Stores which, in turn, inspired Merlo to focus on two “keys” throughout four decades in the industry: the role of pharmacy and the role of innovation.
In describing the first “key” – the role of pharmacy – Merlo said, “There is no replacement for the personal interaction and relationship between the patient and the pharmacist.”
In describing the second “key” – the role of innovation – he said, “The opportunity to satisfy unmet needs with the consumer and patient in mind – that places a real premium on the interaction with suppliers in developing joint goals and objectives. It also speaks to the role of industry in working with the government at both federal and state levels that allow our pharmacists to practice at the top of their license.
“… I believe that a focus through innovation and the role of the pharmacist will drive the industry’s success for years to come.”
Merlo closed his remarks with a resounding message: if he had a chance to do everything over again, he would change nothing.
“I have always believed [pharmacy] is one of the most noble professions and I don’t see that changing. There is no bigger purpose than to help people get and stay on their path to better health.”
NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson said, “Larry, on behalf of the NACDS Board of Directors and the entire industry, our congratulations on receiving the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award. I speak for your many friends that this honor is well-earned and deserved. I enjoyed working with you when you were the NACDS chair and during your service on the NACDS Board of Directors. As you embark on your new journey we wish you and Lee Ann all the very best.”
Today’s Business Program also included remarks by Carla Harris, vice chairman, global wealth management and senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley, and Cedric Richmond, senior advisor to President Biden and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.
NACDS expressed appreciation to GSK Consumer Healthcare and Johnson & Johnson, Consumer, Inc., who supported the Monday and Tuesday Business Programs, respectively. NACDS noted the engagement in the Business Programs of Lisa Paley, general manager, U.S. and Puerto Rico, GSK Consumer Healthcare, and Michael Sneed, executive vice president, global corporate affairs & chief communication officer, Johnson & Johnson.
