NACDS names Ayotte SVP of pharmacy, transformation and advocacy

Ayotte will lead NACDS’ advancement of state pharmacy scope-of-practice and operations, and opioid abuse prevention in the state regulatory and legislative arenas.

“Mike has dedicated his entire career to serving patients, to advancing the pharmacy profession, to innovating pharmacy operations, and to advocating before branches of government for policies crucial for the health and wellness of all Americans,” said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson.

“NACDS members are exerting tremendous leadership in reopening America and ensuring that our nation emerges even stronger than before the pandemic. Mike’s highly regarded brand of leadership, strategic vision and tactical expertise will bring great value as NACDS empowers the NACDS membership’s bold vision and amazing work.”

Most recently, Ayotte founded and operated Prestige Partners Consulting, a healthcare consulting firm. Prior to that, he served CVS Health for 30 years – in the capacities of CVS Pharmacy supervisor; director of government affairs; senior director of government affairs; head of state and local government affairs; and ultimately vice president of state and local government affairs.

Before his three decades with CVS, Ayotte served for 10 years as a pharmacist, store manager and pharmacy supervisor at People’s Drug – which was acquired by CVS in 1990. He began on his pharmacy path as a front-store stock clerk, pharmacy clerk and pharmacy technician for independent pharmacies in Massachusetts, where he received his degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences in Boston.

Throughout his career, Ayotte has served in leadership capacities in an array of public-private sector partnerships and industry associations. He also served on the Virginia Board of Pharmacy from 1997 to 2005, including the roles of vice chair and chair.

Ayotte will report to Anderson and will begin his new role Feb. 22.