Compliant Pharmacy Alliance Cooperative names successor to retiring CEO
STOUGHTON, Wis. — Compliant Pharmacy Alliance Cooperative on Tuesday announced that H. Edward Heckman, CEO, is slated to retire from the company this fall and to be succeeded by COO Jay Blackburn.
The purchasing cooperative said late Monday that plans call for Heckman to retire on Oct. 1, with the 42-year-old Blackburn taking the CEO reins on that date.
Heckman is the creator and has been with CPA for more than 20 years, serving in the organization’s top leadership position during all those years.
“Now that we have completed our transition preparation plans, I am announcing my plans to retire,” Heckman stated. “With our strong position in the growth areas of the community pharmacy industry, I believe CPA is exceptionally well-positioned for continued success and that the company’s future has never been brighter. With Jay’s leadership, I am confident that CPA and all our members will take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.”
“On a personal note,” Heckman said. “I am 64 years old and have been at the helm for 20 years. There are many things I’d like to do with my wife, my family, my grandchildren, my friends and other interests I would like to pursue while I am still in good health, and I look forward to getting started on that chapter of my life.”
Blackburn, currently COO, is responsible for all CPA day-to-day operations. Before being promoted to COO in September 2010, he was VP operations. During the last 7 years with CPA, Blackburn has seen CPA grow from 352 to 1,081 members.
“Jay’s experience and skills make him eminently qualified to be the next CEO of Compliant Pharmacy Alliance,” Heckman said. “The company has great momentum, a seasoned and proven management team, and a superb member-focused, profit-driven culture. I have no doubts that Jay will continue to grow our business and provide even greater benefits to CPA members.”
CPA chairman John Groesbeck applauded Heckman’s achievements in his years of service at the company and noted that he has set it on a course for continued success.“Ed has done a superb job during his 20 years as the CEO of CPA,” Groesbeck said. “Most notably he has developed a very talented and results-oriented management team. The board of directors has every confidence that under the leadership of Jay Blackburn, CPA will continue to deliver the outstanding performance that Compliant Pharmacy Alliance members have come to expect.”