04/26/2023

NACDS bestows industry's highest honor on John Standley at annual meeting

The Sheldon “Bud” W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the industry.

Sandra Levy

Senior Editor

FULL COVERAGE HERE

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores recognized NACDS past chair John Standley with chain pharmacy’s highest honor: the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award on the final evening of the 2023 NACDS Annual Meeting, held April 22-25.

From 2020-2022, Standley served as president of Walgreens. Previously, Standley served as CEO of Rite Aid from 2010-2019, with the additional title of chairman from 2012-2018.

The prestigious award—established in 1989—honors an individual who possesses qualities of great leadership, generous spirit and long-time contribution and service to the industry. The award was renamed in 1996 in honor of Bud (Sheldon) Fantle of People’s Drug Stores.

While leading at Rite Aid and Walgreens, Standley served twice on the NACDS board of directors. In addition, he served as NACDS chair from April 2014 to April 2015 while at Rite Aid.

NACDS President and CEO Steve Anderson (left) presents NACDS Past Chair John Standley (right) and his wife, Annie, with the 2023 Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award on the final evening of the NACDS Annual Meeting.

Previously, Standley served as CEO and board member of Pathmark Stores and held executive positions at several other grocery and retail companies, including Fleming; Fred Meyer; Ralphs Grocery and Smith’s Food & Drug.

In December 2022, Standley was elected to NACDS’ honorary board of directors.

NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson said, “Congratulations to John Standley on receiving the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award. I have had the privilege of knowing John since I first met him in Harrisburg, Pa., in 2008. What really stood out to me, and what I remember most now, was John’s intellect, intuition, and obvious dedication to everything he did."

“NACDS has benefited mightily from John’s vigorous engagement and tremendous leadership as NACDS chair and while on the NACDS board. John had a keen ear and eye for the supplier community. In his first remarks as NACDS chair, he keyed on the value of NACDS to suppliers—from the business opportunities to the fact that NACDS’ public policy positions are pro-patient, pro-consumer, pro-pharmacy, pro-retail, pro-employer, pro-employee and a positive for America," Anderson continued.

“His outstanding legacy remains. John is very deserving of this distinguished award—and we are particularly gratified to bestow this high honor on him during the 90th Anniversary Year of NACDS," Anderson concluded.