Jack Dunn named 2014 NCPA Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year
AUSTIN, Texas — The National Community Pharmacists Association announced that Jack Dunn, owner of Jasper Drugs and Gifts in Jasper, Ga., was named the 2014 NCPA Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year.
Dunn received his award on Oct. 19 at the First General Session of the 116th Annual NCPA Convention and Trade Exposition held Oct. 18 to 22 in Austin. Upsher-Smith Laboratories sponsored the award.
The Independent Pharmacist of the Year award recognizes an independent pharmacist for exemplary leadership and commitment to independent pharmacy and to their community. The award is named in honor of someone who exemplified these qualities: Willard B. Simmons, a former executive secretary of NCPA and long-time NCPA Foundation trustee.
“We are excited to name Jack Dunn as the 2014 NCPA Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year award winner,” said Mark Riley, NCPA president, EVP and CEO of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association, and an independent pharmacy owner in Little Rock, Ark. “Jack has followed in the footsteps of his father to become an outstanding pharmacy owner in his own right. He is also a tireless advocate for independent community pharmacies in the state of Georgia and at the national level. It is because of the vision of leaders like Jack that America’s independent community pharmacies continue to stand out in the highly competitive pharmacy marketplaces.”
Dunn’s experience in pharmacy began before attending the Mercer School of Pharmacy. He worked in a variety of capacities at Jasper Drugs and Gifts growing up, because his father had cofounded the business in 1952. After obtaining his degree and license, Dunn went to work at the pharmacy full time, and eventually became the owner in 1979. In the ensuing decades he expanded the pharmacy, as well as the services available to patients. From compounding of specially tailored drugs to diabetes and asthma education, Dunn’s patient-focused, comprehensive approach helps improve patient outcomes.
In 2012, Dunn was one of five pharmacists in America to receive the McKesson Award for Diabetic Excellence. Dunn has opened up a second pharmacy in Marble Hill, Ga., to accommodate his growing customer base.
He has been an active member of the Georgia Pharmacy Association since 1973. His leadership skills culminated in him being named president from 2011 to 2012 and being chair of the board of directors. Dunn has also been actively involved with NCPA over the years.
“Upsher-Smith recognizes the increasingly important role that independent and community pharmacists play in health care today,” said Mark Evenstad, president and CEO of Upsher-Smith Laboratories. “We are proud to support the NCPA in honoring these dedicated individuals, who improve the lives of patients and serve their communities."