NACDS unveils major staff realignment

ALEXANDRIA, Va. In a major realignment reflecting both its own previous commitments based on input from its members and the harsh realities of an economy still in crisis, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced today it would reorganize and streamline its staff.

The overhaul includes the consolidation of some departments and a reduction of 15 filled full-time positions, from 92 to 77, or 16%.

“In response to input from members, NACDS’ member-service priorities are to advocate for our members in public policy, communicate our members’ role as the face of neighborhood healthcare, and bring pharmacy and front-end business partners together for the purpose of conducting business, education and dialogue,” noted the group. “In addition, the NACDS Foundation is focused on pharmacy education, training and research for the public good.”

Among other results, the overhaul at NACDS will include these changes, the organization reported late this afternoon:

• The consolidation of the member relations, member services and industry affairs functions into one department from the current two departments
• Consolidation of the policy analysis function to put more “boots on the ground” in NACDS’ direct advocacy efforts
• A move to align and enhance pharmacy affairs activities more closely to NACDS government affairs and public policy activities, and to NACDS marketing, communications and media relations efforts
• A process to make the organization’s financial and administrative functions more efficient

NACDS called the changes “part of a comprehensive, multi-year plan to refocus and realign … activities and programs,” a process underway since February 2007, when it announced its so-called 1,000-Day Plan. The objective, said the group, “is for NACDS to truly represent our members by setting priorities and engaging in activities that are at the very core of what NACDS resources are intended for and that align with NACDS’ mission and merit a long-term commitment.”

The overhaul will create an organization more responsive to its members, NACDS reported, while reducing overall expenses.

As a result of the restructuring, NACDS will consolidate its member relations, member services and industry affairs functions into one department — prior to Thursday’s announcement these functions were performed out of two separate departments. In addition, the move also “consolidates the policy analysis function,” and realigns “and enhances pharmacy affairs activities more closely to government affairs and public policy activities, and to NACDS marketing, communications and media relations activities,” NACDS stated.

Nevertheless, the group acknowledged that the dismal economy played a role in the staff reductions. “Although today’s announcement is part of a comprehensive and continuous alignment of NACDS’ resources in support of its priority member services, the nation’s economic conditions also make it prudent to implement this step,” NACDS noted in a statement. “A responsive association must reflect its membership, particularly in times like these. No matter the industry, companies are turning to their associations for results-focused programs and activities during this difficult and historic economic climate.”

Despite the reduction in staff, added the group, “NACDS is well-positioned to respond to that challenge in an extremely effective and highly efficient manner.

“Reorganizations are very difficult, and NACDS sincerely appreciates the expertise, talent and dedication of the staff,” added the group. “To assist with the transition, NACDS is offering professional outside career counseling services to employees who have been impacted.”