New Rite Aid group VP pharmacy initiatives and clinical services to oversee Wellness Ambassador program

CAMP HILL, Pa. – Rite Aid has promoted Karen Staniforth, VP pharmacy for the chain's mid-Atlantic division, to group VP pharmacy initiatives and clinical services, the company said Monday.

In the new position, Staniforth will oversee Rite Aid's strategy around the Wellness Ambassadors, specially trained staff who work in its Wellness stores, answering customers' questions about health and wellness products and directing them to the pharmacy as needed. She will report to SVP pharmacy Dan Miller.

"Throughout her career, Karen has garnered critical knowledge and experience across several functional areas of the chain drug industry, making her a true asset to our company," Miller said. "Her valuable insights will guide us as we work to advance our clinical services and Wellness Ambassador programs, helping us highlight the expertise of our more than 11,000 pharmacists and providing superior care and health outcomes for our patients nationwide."

Staniforth started her pharmacy career in 1982 in Johannesburg and became regional sales manager for Novartis Pharmaceuticals in 1991, overseeing retail sales operations for the Swiss drug maker in Cape Town, South Africa. She began working for Rite Aid in 1998 as a graduate pharmacy intern after moving to the United States.