NCPA appoints new president

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — At its 113th annual convention and trade show exposition held earlier this month, the National Community Pharmacists Association named new officers and board members, including a new president.

NCPA said Lonny Wilson, an Oklahoma City, Okla.-based pharmacist, will serve as president of the association for one year. Wilson has 30 years of experience in community pharmacy and currently owns and operates three pharmacies in eastern Oklahoma County, including ValuMed Pharmacy in Fort Gibson and Midwest City, as well as Bestyet Discount Pharmacy in Harrah. In addition to his role as NCPA president, Wilson also will be part of the organization's board of directors.

“We congratulate Lonny Wilson on becoming NCPA president,” said NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey said. “He has been a tireless advocate for helping better position independent community pharmacies, with their focus on providing numerous patient care services, for the future. Part of those efforts also requires pushing state and federal officials to implement common-sense policies that level the playing field.”

NCPA named the following independent community pharmacy owners to serve on the board of directors:

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  NCPA president Wilson of Oklahoma City, Okla.;

  
  


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  NCPA president-elect Donnie Calhoun of Anniston, Ala.;

  
  


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  NCPA chairman Mark Riley, Little Rock, Ark.;

  
  


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  John Sherrer, Marietta, Ga.;

  
  


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  Bradley Arthur, Buffalo, N.Y.;

  
  


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  Keith Hodges, Gloucester, Va.;

  
  


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  DeAnn Mullins, Lynn Haven, Fla.;

  
  


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  David Smith, Indiana, Pa.; and

  
  


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  Immediate past president Robert Greenwood of Waterloo, Iowa.

  
  

The following were named to officer roles at NCPA:

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  First VP: Bill Osborn, Miami, Okla.;

  
  


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  Second VP: Brian Caswell, Baxter Springs, Kan.;

  
  


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  Third VP: Michele Belcher, Grants Pass, Ore.

  
  


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  Fourth VP: Hugh Chancy, Hahira, Ga.; and

  
  


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  Fifth VP: Jeff Carson, San Antonio, Tex.

  
  

Each individual will hold their positions in the association's governing body until the 114th NCPA annual convention and trade exposition, which will be held in San Diego next year.

“Community pharmacists play a vital role in improving health outcomes while reducing costs,” Wilson said. “First, local pharmacists help maximize the appropriate use of lower-cost generic drugs by dispensing 20% more generic drugs than out-of-state mail order facilities. Second, pharmacists provide critical, face-to-face patient counseling on the proper use of medications, and on combating diabetes and other common conditions.

“These small business health professionals also serve as pillars of the community and contribute greatly to local jobs and tax revenue,” Wilson added. “Independent community pharmacists are particularly vital in a number of underserved rural and inner-city areas, where they may be the only pharmacy option and health care resource for many miles around.”

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