During the virtual 2021 NACDS Annual Meeting, NACDS elected new officers, one new Executive Committee member and four newly elected Board of Directors members for the coming year. NACDS also re-elected three Board of Directors members whose terms were expiring.
Colleen Lindholz, president, Kroger Health, The Kroger Co., will serve as the new chair of the NACDS Board of Directors, succeeding Rick Keyes, president and CEO, Meijer, Inc., who completed his term and who will remain on the NACDS Board of Directors.
Additionally, Brian Nightengale, president, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, was elected NACDS vice chair, and Lori Flees, SVP & chief operating officer, Walmart Health & Wellness, was elected NACDS treasurer. Each officer will serve a one-year term.
Nightengale was also newly elected to the NACDS Executive Committee.
During the virtual NACDS Annual Meeting Business Program on Tuesday, Lindholz recognized Keyes for his leadership, saying “I know I speak for the entire industry when I say we truly admire the dedication that Rick brought to the work of Meijer and the work of NACDS over this past year. He has been a strong voice for the role of retailers and suppliers in confronting this pandemic, and most importantly, he’s been a tireless advocate of the partnership approach that makes us all stronger.”
Looking ahead, Lindholz stated, “This past year taught us what’s possible when we move at a pace that matters in a unified direction for a cause much greater than ourselves. I’m inspired by the opportunity that we have to continue that momentum and I’m humbled to serve in this role alongside of you.”
NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson said, “I know from working with Colleen as vice chair and treasurer that her commitment to the industry and to improving patient care is top-of-mind and relentless. I also know that all NACDS members will see her enthusiasm for making a difference. She is dedicated to making positive changes and to improving health and wellness. On behalf of the entire NACDS membership we look forward to her leadership.”
Four new NACDS Board of Directors members were also elected:
- Joe Douglas, chief executive officer, Genoa Healthcare
- Omer Gajial, senior vice president, Pharmacy and Health, Albertsons Companies
- John McDowell, vice president, Healthcare, Sam’s Club
- John Standley, executive vice president, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and president, Walgreens
Three NACDS Board of Directors members were also re-elected to three-year terms:
- Alex Gourlay, co-chief operating officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
- Jocelyn Konrad, executive vice president and chief pharmacy officer, Rite Aid Corporation
- Sharon Sternheim, president and CEO, Zitomer/Thriftway Drug Corp.
Larry J. Merlo, president and chief executive officer (2011-2021), CVS Health, was elected to the NACDS Honorary Board. Merlo served as chair of NACDS from April 2010 to April 2011.
Editor’s Note: Photos of the newly elected officers, Executive Committee and Board of Directors members will be available via Flickr.
