Bob Narveson to step down as president and CEO of Thrifty White Pharmacy
Robert (Bob) Narveson president and CEO of Thrifty White Pharmacy for almost 33 years, is stepping down from his role. Justin Heiser, chief operating officer, will take over the reins in January 2024. Narveson will remain board chairman.
Thrifty White provided Drug Store News with a statement: "Bob started his career with Osco Drug in 1982 and worked in various positions and locations across the country until joining Thrifty White in 1990. Bob held multiple senior level positions with Thrifty White and in 1999 became president, CEO and chairman of the board and has been an important part of the industry ever since."
"He has been part of many industry groups and leadership roles such as the Chain Drug Consortium, Premier Value Alliance, The Buyers Consortium, The Buyers Alliance, Round Table Consortium, Mirixa Board Member, U of MN Pharmacy Advisor Counsel and NCPA Member and Regional participant, multiple positions and committees with NACDS and a past chairman—current board member."
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Narveson said, "I will be exiting the day to day leadership role as president and CEO which will allow me to continue to address industry issues and represent the organization as needed by the new leadership team. I will remain chairman of the board of Thrifty White and 100% dedicated to the success of this organization! I am proud to announce that the Thrifty White Board of Directors has met and elected Justin Heiser to replace me as president and CEO in January of 2024. We have full confidence in Justin and his team in guiding the company into the future."
Heiser said, "Beyond all his accomplishments, what stands out the most about Bob is his unwavering commitment to Thrifty White’s employee-owners and the patients we serve. Bob has always been very clear—“always do what is right for the patient, and in the end, it will be what is right for our employee-owned company."
Since joining the 100-store employee-owned pharmacy chain in 2007, Heiser has held several roles with the company with a focus on strategy, technology, business development and strategic partnerships that have allowed the company to deliver value to payor and pharma partners as well as the patients whom Thrifty White serves.
These efforts over the years led to the development of a proprietary technology that enables data-driven value-based care programs to be integrated into pharmacy workflow, thereby enabling pharmacists to close gaps in care and optimize quality and cost of care through partnerships with numerous payor and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Heiser, who was named chief operating officer of Thrifty White in January 2022, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science degrees at North Dakota State University. He is a member of the ND Pharmacists Association, MN Pharmacists Association, National Community Pharmacists Association and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.
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He serves on the North Dakota State University Pharmacy National Advisory Board and the Thrifty White Pharmacy Board of Directors.