Founded by Independent Pharmacists, Serving Independent Pharmacists
WSPC is a cooperative of outstanding independent pharmacies. The leaders of WSPC are seasoned independent pharmacy owners, and our staff has significant experience in the pharmacy business. In short, we know the independent pharmacy model inside and out, and our combined experience ensures highest quality services and benefits for our members.
We Leverage Our Wide-Ranging Experience for Our Members
Accessible and Knowledgeable
Our member pharmacies have the opportunity to work with their peer advocates, who are experienced independent pharmacy owners in their region. Our staff is available with tools, advice and resources that help you improve your bottom line. Have a question? We can help.
Diverse and Wide-Ranging Experience
Our board members, staff, and peer advocates have years of experience buying, selling, owning and transforming independent pharmacies of all types—full line, clinical, apothecary, specialty, compounding and more. We understand your business.
Strong Relationships in the Industry
Our members are able to leverage WSPC’s long-term connections with our primary wholesaler and our other suppliers. We’ve established exclusive contacts for you, and can help you navigate those relationships.
Value Driven. Member Focused.
Cooperative
co·op·er·a·tive | nounA business or other organization which is owned and run jointly by its members, who share the profits or benefits.
"As a member of WSPC, you are part of a cooperative of outstanding independent pharmacies!”
Mission
To provide outstanding independent pharmacies with a competitive edge.
Vision
To be the premier coalition that provides innovative resources and programs to support successful and profitable independent pharmacies.
Values
- Professional. We are loyal, ethical and team-oriented.
- Accountable. We are committed to keeping our promises to members and with the vendors with which we have contracts.
- Focused on patient care. We are dedicated to independent pharmacies and passionate about helping them provide the highest quality patient care.
- Community involvement. We are a community of independent pharmacies who are committed to each other and to each of our local communities too.
- Growth-oriented. We are strategic forward-thinkers constantly looking for growth opportunities.
Our Statement of Commitment
We’re a proud coalition of Good Neighbor Pharmacy® members who share a commitment to achieving the highest-quality patient care. We hold each other accountable, and we take contributing seriously. By collectively aligning with the terms of our contract, we help each other accomplish our common goals.
History
After retiring as a Vice President at AmerisourceBergen Drug Company, WSPC Founder and Former President, Bob Dominguez, (pictured at right) met up with one of his good friends and former clients, Mike Douglas.
Bob and Mike both felt that many independent pharmacy stores working together to negotiate with suppliers could receive a better deal than an individual store by itself. To that end, Bob suggested they form a coalition of Good Neighbor Pharmacy owners. Together with other pharmacy owners, including our current EVP of Information Technology Jerry Van Pevenage, Bob and Mike co-founded the Tri-States Pharmacy Coalition, serving Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Since we did not officially have organization funds, Mike presented Bob with $1.00 to legally form the organization.
In 2013, we changed our name to Western States Pharmacy Coalition to reflect our growing geographical reach and hired our first employee. We grew in 2014 to include Generics and Member Services, and launched our semi-annual news magazine in 2015. Our first Strategic Business Managers were hired in 2016; in 2017, we further developed our network of Regional Leaders.
In 2018, John Bruce, Pharm D, became President & CEO. A former independent pharmacy owner, John challenged us to grow our membership and expand our services. His leadership is informed by an intimate understanding of the challenges that independent pharmacists face.
Bob Dominguez passed away in 2019, 10 years after founding WSPC. Through his dedicated and skilled guidance, we grew from an idea to a robust network of pharmacies. In 2019, we also officially changed our name from Western States Pharmacy Coalition to WSPC, extending our reach to the Midwest, South, and East Coast. Our important Regional Leaders are now called Peer Advocates, reflecting their key role in advocating for fellow independent pharmacists. WSPC represents the Well-Served Pharmacy Community, an outstanding coalition of independent pharmacies.
Leadership
Meet our Board of Directors & Support Staff
All of our board members are actively leading WSPC and are happy to answer your questions. Simply submit a message using our contact form and we will be in touch.
Board of Directors
Kevin DeMass, RPh
Kevin came to WSPC with a background in Hospital, Chain, Long Term Care and Independent Pharmacy Practice. He has served as a Good Neighbor Pharmacy® Western Regional Advisor, and is currently serving on the Good Neighbor Pharmacy® National Advisory Board.
Kevin joined WSPC because of the leadership team’s vision, experience, and unifying attitude toward independent pharmacy owners. He admires the coalition’s strong partnership with AmerisourceBergen and the Good Neighbor Pharmacy® program, and loves the organization’s fundamental attitude of putting money back into the hands of its members. He shares, “The strong contracting and negotiating, exclusive member pricing, and transparent model of pharmacists working for pharmacists are just pieces of what makes WSPC a winning organization”.
More about Kevin: Kevin and his wife have four children. Their eldest son is attending the University of Utah College of Pharmacy, and his daughter works by his side as a pharmacy technician. When they are not in the store helping patients, they prefer to be on the bottom of the ocean scuba diving together.
Vic Allen, RPh
Vic Allen has operated Vic’s Family Pharmacy in Nampa, Idaho for 30-years. A pharmacy graduate of Idaho State University, Vic has developed three successful pharmacy locations over his career, including one pharmacy he sold to another independent owner who is now thriving in his community.
Vic believes in the strong negotiating position WSPC maintains with key business partners. He notes, “WSPC believes in utilizing the experience of successful pharmacists to improve cost of goods and services necessary to run a profitable business”. Vic also values the support given to all aspects of community pharmacy ownership; especially in selling pharmacies to pharmacists, rather than big box corporations.
More about Vic: Vic enjoys skiing and spending time on the tennis court with his wife and their two children.
Craig Burgess, PharmD
Craig grew up working in his father’s independent pharmacy. After receiving his bachelor’s in Biology and Business from UNM, Craig decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and go to pharmacy school; earning his Doctorate in Pharmacy in 2010. Craig studied several niche pharmacy sub-specialties in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, veterinary compounding, hospice care, and long term care.
Determined to keep his family’s legacy thriving, Craig opened Four Corners Compounding in the same building as Pinon Family Pharmacy. In 2015, he received the ”Innovator of Pharmacy” award from the New Mexico Pharmaceutical Association.
More about Craig: In his free time, Craig loves spending time in the mountains with his wife and daughter.
Robert Leark, PharmD
Robert “Robbie” Leark owns two pharmacies in Ventura County and joined WSPC as a regional leader in 2013. He got his start in independent pharmacy at age 16 as a delivery driver, and went on to learn every aspect of ownership while attending the University of La Verne and USC School of Pharmacy. Robert was selected to pilot a program with USC School of Pharmacy and AmerisourceBergen to keep independent pharmacy thriving. He has served as a CPhA Academy of Pharmacy Owners Board Member since 2013.
More about Robert: Robert and his wife have three boys. He loves spending time with his family, and enjoys playing basketball, soccer, or golf. He is excited for the future of independent pharmacy and is looking forward to the expansion of WSPC.
Dana Porter, MBA
Dana Porter is a business-woman by education and a pharmacy owner by experience. She was educated at USC and has a degree in Business Management and Finance and received a MBA degree from Pepperdine University. She, along with her husband, Toby, and pharmacist partners, own a chain of five community pharmacies in Southern California. These pharmacies range in size from 1,500 square feet to 3,000 square feet and include USPS sub-stations, Hallmark, DME, gifts, and a coffee house. She has been working in the pharmacy business for over 15 years. In those years, she has negotiated purchases, sales, acquisitions, build outs and remodels of multiple pharmacies, as well as created and implemented concepts to increase front end sales and gross margins. She has also taught Business Management as Adjunct faculty at USC’s Pharmacy School’s Community Pharmacy Elective. She currently runs all the operations of the five independent community pharmacies she owns and makes sure all of her pharmacies are current on technology trends to stay on top of the changing pharmacy environment.
More about Dana: In her free time, Dana enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys. This time is usually on the soccer field watching her sons’ play.
Michael Saad, RPh
Michael Saad is the owner of two Community Pharmacies in Point Loma San Diego, and has been in business for the past 35-years owning pharmacies in both South Africa and the USA.
Michael believes that his membership in WSPC has been one of the best business decisions he has ever made. He goes on, “I am an ardent supporter of independent pharmacy and know that WSPC will keep me competitive and abreast with all the latest innovations and developments in community pharmacy”.
More about Michael: He was born, studied, and graduated in South Africa before emigrating to the USA 30 years ago. One of Michael’s hopes is that we pass on our passion for independent pharmacy to our students and future pharmacists.
Dirk White, RPh
Dirk White, along with Trish White, own the Harry Race Pharmacy in Sitka, Alaska. Dirk is a deeply passionate individual who lives to help those in need of pharmacy expertise. Problem solving and giving the individual attention a patient deserves are just two ways Dirk helps his community. Living local is especially inherent to the Harry Race Pharmacy. Dirk comments, “When you walk into the pharmacy, chances are we know you through neighbor and friend connections”.
Recently awarded the Good Neighbor Pharmacy® of the Year, Dirk is an influential piece of the authentic and sustainable community surrounding his independent pharmacy.
Dirk actively follows legislative topics of importance to independent pharmacies for WSPC and his home state of Alaska.
More about Dirk: Dirk has been a problem solver all his life. He takes great pride in his community.
Organizational Team
John Bruce, PharmD
Born in Anchorage, Alaska, John grew up from humble roots as the son of a gold-miner and a nurse. He discovered his passion at a young age, as he admired two of his parents’ best friends who were community pharmacists. John graduated from the USC School of Pharmacy and in 1973, opened Cal-Med Pharmacy in Mission Viejo, CA. He awards his successful 43-years in business to the invaluable networking opportunities he was exposed to while attending college and the support from his wife, Cheryl. John also served for nine years as a National Advisor to Good Neighbor Pharmacy and made lifelong friends who were peers and executives of AmerisourceBergen.
John was one of the early directors, but on the sidelines, serving the coalition’s three initial states: Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. A couple years later, permission was given to expand membership and services; first to the West region, and later to the entire United States. John’s responsibility was to lead and create a strategy to expand across the US. He then became CEO/President in 2018.
As WSPC’s leader, John’s root of decision-making stems from his experience of being a community pharmacist for 43-years. He understands the complexities that today’s pharmacists are going through, having lived through each speed bump that comes along with owning a store. “It is my time to give back to independent pharmacy and everything it has afforded me to accomplish in my life. It’s time to pay-it-forward”.
John is most proud of WSPC becoming a national Group Purchasing Organization and the growth he continues to see year after year. He believes this progress is made possible by the individuals on the WSPC leadership team, who share the same vision and strive to advance independent pharmacies.
John and his wife have five children together and nine grandchildren. His favorite things to enjoy are watching his grandkids grow up, traveling, golf and fly-fishing.
Deanna Bush
Deanna has over 25-years in the pharmacy healthcare industry – with a focus on relationship building, business growth, people leadership and talent development. She has extensive industry experience with all types of business partners; Retail and Specialty Pharmacies, Long-Term Care Facilities, Employers, Managed Care Payors, TPAs/GPOs, Hospitals, Unions and Governmental Agencies. Deanna’s leadership roles in Sales, Account Management and Operations includes leading teams of six to over 80 associates.
Deanna’s knowledge and expertise will help continue to honor the tradition WSPC has in the industry while creating new opportunities that will stimulate growth in revenue, profit and value for our members. In looking to the future, Deanna says, “WSPC will help our Members and Partners navigate industry changes, reimbursement pressures and the growing competitive landscape.”
To maintain her edge and focus, in her spare time Deanna plays pool (billiards) competitively and has even appeared in several national tournaments.
Vince Cardinale, RPh
Vince Cardinale became a member of the board at WSPC when he was invited to the table by Bob Dominguez and the other board members at the time. He joined because he wanted to help pharmacies become more competitive within the complex structure of pharmacy purchasing, and he wanted to help set the direction of pharmacy and wholesaler relationships.
Vince’s work on the board, and now as a staff member, has been personally fulfilling; he enjoys the fact that WSPC is at the top of the industry. He’s proud of what it’s been able to accomplish, and he’s proud of what he knows it will continue to accomplish.
Vince was chairman of member benefits/services and secondary vendor agreements.
More about Vince: “I am Italian!!!!”
“WSPC is our voice. Without it, we’re single independent pharmacies with little ability for change.”
Karen Carpenter
Karen joins the WSPC team with over 20-years’ experience providing Human Resource and administrative support to staff, management, and executives. Working for AmerisourceBergen she helped recruit, on-board, and implement associate benefits. She enjoys building relationships and seeing her team members succeed. As a people person, Karen enjoys event and meeting planning where she sees the value of developing relationships and connecting people. She has strong family ties to healthcare and the wholesale industry.
Much of Karen’s spare time is spent with her family and grandchildren. Karen enjoys mastering the art of cookie decorating. She utilizes her administrative and people skills by volunteering for her local hospice.
Alex Christenson
Alex joins WSPC after 10 years of wholesaler experience working for AmerisourceBergen. In his first job after college he worked in financial planning and analysis, building reports and projecting performance for ABC each year. Alex moved to the underwriting team where he became a subject matter expert on independent pharmacy buying groups. In that role, he underwrote deals and worked with the sales team to develop and participate in presentations to WSPC and other national buying groups.
During that time, Alex grew a deep love and respect for how impactful and important independent pharmacies are to the success of their communities. Those feelings and his immense respect for the leadership at WSPC led him to the buying group. Alex is excited to use his expertise to help members better understand and maximize the value of their pricing. By developing tools and translating data into information, Alex wants to enable the members and the team at WSPC to make the best decisions for long-term success and growth.
Alex grew up in West Chester, PA, graduated from LaSalle University, and still lives in the Philadelphia area. He is excited to marry his brilliant, beautiful fiancé Tori, a huge fan of the 76ers, and recommitting to golf.
Don Clarfeld
Don retired in 2014 after a distinguished career with AmerisourceBergen drug Corporation. Most recently as Lead Vice President, he was responsible for overall activities, performance and results for Community & Specialty Pharmacy sales in the Western U.S.
Growing up and working in his family’s drugstore, Don learned the business at an early age and remains a passionate advocate for independent pharmacies. From its inception, he was instrumental in the foundation and growth of Good Neighbor Pharmacy®.
Don serves as chairman of WSPC sales and marketing strategies.
Tim Cooper
Tim Cooper is excited to be part of WSPC and its expansion as an independent pharmacy advocate. During his 20 years with AmerisourceBergen, he worked in both hospital and retail pharmacy and was a four-time recipient of AmerisourceBergen’s distinguished President’s Club honor. He has developed key relationships in independent pharmacy through his involvement in the New Mexico Pharmacy Association (NMPHA), serving on the Wholesaler Golf Tournament Committee and presenting the Legend of Pharmacy Award. He is also active in the El Paso Community College Pharmacy Tech Advisor Board and served in 2007 and 2008 as President of the EL Paso Pharmacy Association.
As a U.S. Army Veteran, he values such qualities as loyalty, integrity, and a strong work ethic. In his off-time, he loves to spend time with his wife Bonnie of 29-years and his six grandchildren. His favorite hobbies include riding his Harley Davidson cross-country and being Santa Claus every year with The El Paso HOG Chapter.
Dwayne Depuy
Bio Coming Soon!
Melissa Ellis
Melissa’s love and passion for independent pharmacy began from her experience working at a local independent pharmacy on the Central Coast of California at the age of 15. She worked her way up to pharmacy technician, to store manager.
In 1992, she went to work for Bergen Brunswig, which we now know as AmerisourceBergen. In Melissa’s 25-year career with AmerisourceBergen, she held several different positions. Her most recent role was as a sales executive for community and specialty pharmacy. Her knowledge and love for Good Neighbor Pharmacy® are inspiring.
Melissa understands the rewards and complexities of owning an independent business. Together with her husband, she owns a dry cleaner business which has been family-owned since 1960. Melissa enjoys helping independent pharmacy owners grow and succeed in today’s changing market.
Kimmie Kavanagh
Kimmie has over 15-years of marketing experience acquired from various roles within corporate, nonprofit, and franchising organizations. She has worked with B2B brands and consumers on a global scale gaining insight into sales, strategic planning, digital marketing, management, and customer relations best practices.
Growing up, Kimmie became exposed to the construction industry from working in and around her father’s business. With this background, she took on her initial Marketing roles within custom home-building and wholesale. Her knowledge of business acumen began to expand at a very early stage in her career.
Throughout Kimmie’s career journey, and positions held, she’s been fortunate to have worn many hats, built or re-built processes from the ground up, and participated in high-level decision making. Above all, Kimmie’s true passion lies in helping others, “I love to interact with individuals; learn about their business, customers, challenges, and how it all affects them. My joy is offering an action plan, simplified processes, or savings that will truly make a difference while allowing them to focus on their expertise”. As WSPC’s Marketing Manager, Kimmie looks forward to growing the brand into an industry leader and developing marketing resources for members.
Kimmie is an Alumni of Texas Woman’s University, community volunteer, and resides in Arlington, Texas (Go Cowboys and Texas Rangers!) with her two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on her girls playing volleyball, and checking off her bucket-list aspirations.
Wayne Ketcham
For many, Wayne is an independent pharmacy living legend with a career spanning 55-years in the wholesale drug business. In 2017, Wayne retired from his distinguished 30-plus-year career with AmerisourceBergen. Throughout his years in the drug wholesale industry he developed a strong network and was known for his ability to problem-solve and apply his adept business skills.
Wayne went to work for AID Wholesale Drug as a delivery truck driver and married the love of his life, Debbie. His dynamic career includes playing professional baseball for the Hawaiian Islanders, working for multiple drug wholesalers like AID Wholesale Drug, serving as regional VP at Amfac Electronics, being honored multiple times as an AmerisourceBergen President’s Club recipient, and being recognized as a national sales person of the year. Wayne also brings a wealth of knowledge as an experienced business owner. He has a deep understanding of what is needed to make pharmacies thrive in today’s marketplace and has extensive knowledge of the West Coast pharmacy industry, including Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
Alex Jaramillo
Alex brings over 10 years of experience working with business owners and decision makers to help improve their businesses.
Alex was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, and grew up in Kentucky. He spent four years in the US Navy, working in Air Operations on the aircraft carrier, USS Eisenhower. Alex went on to attend the University of Kentucky and Strayer University, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He began his career in sales, gaining experience in retail management and business to business sales, insurance sales, medical device sales, and pharmaceutical wholesale.
With WSPC’s goal to expand across the US, Alex’s skill and experience is set to spread our message to pharmacy owners in the Mid-West. He shares, “I have been very impressed with the WSPC personnel that I have communicated with, and I expect this company to grow tremendously. The sky is the limit with WSPC, and that is very exciting”.
Alex is married to his wife, Rhea, with one daughter, Emerson. His father is from Cali, Colombia, residing there when Alex was age six to eight. At one time, he mentioned he could speak Spanish better than English! Alex is an avid golfer and loves the outdoors, traveling, and most sports.
Sheila Matthews
Sheila’s role with WSPC is focused on generics, working closely with members and with AmerisourceBergen to ensure WSPC has a competitive edge with generics. Sheila’s responsibilities have included membership services and other development projects.
Sheila’s experience and expertise includes multiple, diverse areas within the regional chain pharmacy and the wholesale industry. Sheila served 20-years in the generics arena, including a role as a key player in developing the industry’s first generic contract program for independent pharmacies. In addition, she successfully led her inside sales team, directed a regional generics team, and developed and implemented a number of analytical tools. At WSPC Sheila demonstrates the same analytical, and research skills, along with 30-plus years of solid connections in the pharmaceutical industry, to ensure members receive the best over-all value.
Victoria Maurino
At WSPC, Victoria’s role is to promote and deliver strategic programs and solutions to existing and future members, with the focus on driving value and executing on WSPC’s mission to provide Outstanding Independent Pharmacies with a Competitive Edge.
Victoria’s career began at AmerisourceBergen during her senior year at Chapman University. She graduated from Chapman in 2013 with a Major in Communications and Minor in English/Journalism. She started as a Sales Intern for Community & Specialty Pharmacy and was quickly promoted to an Account Manager- Pharmacy Solutions Specialist role, and finally a Sales Executive role in the Southern California territory. At WSPC she serves as our Senior Account Director for the Account Management Team, overseeing all of our members accounts.
Victoria has had experience working with Independent Retail and Long Term Care Pharmacies. She has had a very strong focus on Independent Pharmacies along with utilizing Good Neighbor Pharmacy® programs and solutions in her stores. Victoria’s passion and excitement for her job comes from the reward of seeing her stores succeed in a constantly changing industry. Look to her as a teammate and point of support in helping your business grow and thrive!
Julie Miramont
Bio Coming Soon!
James Oh
Jim is an experienced Account Manager with over 10 years in Sales and Marketing. He recently served as a Business Development Manager for a small sterile compounding pharmacy; specializing in medications for intrathecal pain pumps. He gained extensive knowledge in the inner workings of an independent pharmacy, compounding, and Medicare reimbursements.
Born and raised in Southern California, Jim is a second generation Korean American. He attended California State Polytechnic University of Pomona with a degree in English and also completed his certificate in Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu, Pasadena. Jim values the importance of his mise en place technique not only in the kitchen, but also at work. It has contributed to the success with his relationships by ensuring proper steps are never missed and key resources are easily accessible to create positive outcomes.
Jim enjoys cooking but not cleaning, playing instead of watching, and being outside rather than inside. He values bringing energy and strength in support to the community, driving through challenges, and sharing rewards in the many victories to come.
Chris O'Lear
Chris enjoyed a successful career on Wall Street, where he forged long lasting client relationships over the course of 22-years. He built global sales teams (from Hong Kong to Brazil) that were dedicated to delivering the best products available to help their clients succeed. Many of those clients are still lifelong friends, with relationships that extend well beyond the scope of investments, like taking family trips together or enjoying a casual hike on a Saturday afternoon.
Chris has experienced high levels of success in the financial world, but he walked away to relocate to Portland, where his wife has roots, to raise his young family and to focus on a career that does good for others. He comes from a family of physicians and grew up using independent pharmacies as he still does today, so the mission of WSPC is a perfect fit. Chris is excited to use his dedication to his clients and his sales management experience to supporting community health care and independent business.
Chris says, “I’m going to be a strong advocate for the success of independent pharmacies.” He brings his energy, openness to listen, and creative problem solving to empower your pharmacy. Why don’t you contact Chris for coffee or a hike and understand how WSPC could support you?
Karina Paavola
Karina’s career began as a national sales representative covering 25 states and supporting small local teams, colleges, and communities with their sports apparel needs after graduating from Linfield College. She graduated from Linfield in 2014 with a Major in Business Management while becoming a National Champion Softball Pitcher in 2011.
Her competitive drive, passion and desire to succeed has led her to being a champion on the field and amongst the local organizations she has supported the past five years. In her spare time, Karina enjoys exploring the small communities around Portland with her miniature Australian Shepard, Macey. Her hobbies also include DIY crafts and enjoying Washington and Oregon wine country.
Karina is excited to begin a new season at WSPC and to bring her experience, compassion and drive to support community health and independent businesses.
Dave Ray
Dave grew up on Florida’s Space Coast working in his father’s drug store as a Pharmacy Technician. They used Bergen Brunswig as their pharmacy wholesaler, and the relationships he built within Bergen Brunswig inspired him to join their team after graduating from Campbell University in North Carolina.
In 1992, Dave began his career as a Hospital Marketing Consultant with Bergen Brunswig, but his love for Independent Pharmacy inspired him to move back into the Independent Retail arena. During his 27-year career with AmerisourceBergen, he has had the pleasure of working with Hospital Directors, Long-Term Care and Independent Owners. He was a four-time recipient of AmerisourceBergen’s prestigious Presidents Club Award, and also won the National Top Regional Performer and Top Account Manager awards.
Dave is excited to be a part of the WSPC team and its mission to help independent pharmacy owners navigate the changing healthcare industry and continue to grow and thrive. During his time off, he enjoys spending time with his wife Ann of 28 years and their two boys. His hobbies include boating, fishing, scuba diving and salt water reef aquariums.
Jay Robinson, Jr., CPA PC
William J. “Jay” Robinson, Jr., CPA PC, joined the board of WSPC when invited by Bob Dominguez and other executive members, who wanted someone with a background in finance and accounting on the team. In fact, Jay had already been involved with WSPC through Bob, a close personal friend, working closely with the organization since its founding.
Jay was glad to accept, because he believes in WSPC and wants to see independent pharmacies thrive. He knew that as a board member, he’d have a voice in helping WSPC grow, and he wanted to be in a position to do that.
More about Jay: Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Jay was an air traffic controller who, in 1981, was personally fired by President Reagan for going on strike.
“I want to see WSPC develop and grow. I’m old school; I want to see independent pharmacies survive.”
Ashley Sherman
Ashley carries a passion for independent pharmacies as the third generation in her family. Her grandfather owned his pharmacy for 26-years, and her parents have now operated their own store for 10-years. Ashley’s love for this niche of the healthcare industry began to develop at a young age, “Experiencing first-hand, the impact of a small pharmacy on its local community, is indescribably moving. The level of personalized care, compassion, ethic, and advocacy behind the scenes is value that cannot be replicated outside of independents”.
In 2018, Ashley graduated from the University of Arizona; earning degrees in Business Entrepreneurship and Business Management. She went on to gain experience in the technology industry, assisting small business owners with their financial systems.
Ashley came to WSPC with a background in Marketing and Communications, previously working for a nonprofit organization and her parent’s pharmacy. She values the unique position she is in to expand our message and communicate directly with independent pharmacies across the country. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys exploring new restaurants in the Phoenix area and hiking with her golden retriever.
Nate Tischler
Nate is tasked with developing and implementing business solutions that maximize WSPC’s competitive edge and helps member pharmacies thrive in a highly competitive, dynamic industry. As Business Systems and Analytics Architect, Nate will be heavily focused on establishing “tools”, processes, and analytics for our organization and membership.
During the past 10 years, Nate developed a deep understanding of pharmacy from the wholesale perspective working at AmerisourceBergen in many leadership capacities in the areas of distribution, sales operations, and finance. He regularly led and participated in cross-functional projects related to maximizing customer contract realization, implementing new technology, and enhancing customers’ experience. Lastly, Nate established many solid relationships with teams nationwide and served as a trusted adviser for his colleagues and senior business leaders.
Jerry Van Pevenage, RPh
Jerry Van Pevenage is a co-founder of Tri-State Pharmacy Coalition, the forerunner to WSPC. He wanted to help independent pharmacies not just to survive in a challenging environment, but to grow. He sees the relationship between WSPC and AmerisourceBergen as a partnership. Jerry adds, “Of all the independent pharmacies that ABC serves, Good Neighbor Pharmacy® members are the cream of the crop, deserving the best service and the best prices”.
Jerry serves as Secretary of the Board for WSPC and is in charge of information technology and member communication.
More about Jerry: Jerry comes from hard-working, Belgian ancestors who were willing to do whatever it took to give their families a better life. Jerry is committed to family, faith, and the future of the independent pharmacy.
“WSPC has helped my own pharmacy remain profitable, putting me in a better position to serve my community in Davenport, Washington.”
Peer Advocates
Ahmed Atallah, PhD, RPh
Ahmed Atallah, PhD, RPh has been a community pharmacist for the last 30-years. After graduating from the Cairo University School of Pharmacy in 1975, he worked in the industry for five years before deciding to return to school. He then received a master’s degree in Radio Pharmacy and a Ph.D. in Toxicology from USC in 1986.
In 1988, together with his wife Samia, who is also a pharmacist (she was his pharmacy school sweetheart), they purchased Fox Drug of Torrance, CA. Realizing early on that to survive in such a competitive environment they needed to be at the forefront of innovation, they make of use new advances and are able to maintain a viable practice.
Today they own three pharmacies in the South Bay and two of their children are pharmacists, making theirs a four-pharmacist family.
All three of their pharmacies are members of WSPC, and they believe our coalition is essential for independents. We have strength in numbers, and not only does WSPC ensure the best contracts with our suppliers, but most importantly they ensure that our suppliers honor their commitment.
Ahmed plans to help more independent pharmacists like him join WSPC in order to strengthen the position of independent pharmacies and keep them viable in the ever-challenging field of pharmacy care.
Trenton Jenks, PharmD
Trenton Jenks received his Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from Idaho State University in 2006. Trenton spent the first six years of his pharmacy career in a community retail pharmacy. For the past five years, Trenton has practiced clinical pharmacy at a local hospice agency that serves 300 patients in both Idaho and Oregon. This role fulfilled his desire to grow as a leader and educator while increasing his knowledge in another aspect of pharmacy.
In 2014, Trenton purchased an independent community pharmacy in
Fruitland, Idaho. The pharmacy had been about to close its doors, but he and his staff were able to turn the business around quickly. They were one of three pharmacies nominated for Good Neighbor Pharmacy® of the Year in 2016.
In addition to his experience as an independent pharmacy business owner, Trenton brings extensive knowledge in hospice. In 2015, he became one of nine Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacists (BCGP) in Idaho. Trenton is also a current committee member of the National Council of Hospice & Palliative Professionals (NCHPP) pharmacist section.
Through his diverse career experiences, Trenton has learned the ins and outs of operating a successful pharmacy business. He understands the struggles pharmacy owners face. Trenton’s passion lives with the independent pharmacies, and he hopes to assist his comrades in the industry in any way possible. In his free time, Trenton loves traveling and spending time with his wife and four kids.
Shane Jensen, PharmD
Shane Jensen began his career as a pharmacist in 2002 at Family Plaza
Pharmacy in West Jordan, Utah, as the Director of Pharmacy. He helped grow the business and establish a respected customer-service-based practice. In 2007, Shane purchased Family Plaza Pharmacy. Shane is an entrepreneur at heart and loves the opportunity to be both a pharmacist and a business owner. He is heavily involved in the Utah Pharmacy Association as a board member and is now serving as the president elect.
He enjoys practicing as a pharmacist and interacting with his patients. As a cancer survivor, Shane can understand and empathize with many patients.
He now enjoys a healthy life and, as a result of his experiences, he has a unique perspective on life and his profession as a pharmacist. Shane enjoys being with his family, his wife Lyndsay and their four daughters who keep life exciting. As a family, they enjoy camping, boating, skiing, and traveling. Shane looks forward to meeting more pharmacy professionals and helping to improve this trusted profession.
Eugene Medley, PharmD, MS
Dr. Medley comes from a family of pharmacists, yet his professional journey began far from the pharmacy. For thirteen years he worked for the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation as an emergency medical responder ocean lifeguard for the San Diego Coast District. Through this work he developed a passion for assisting individuals in need.
During this time he also attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas undergraduate Biological Sciences program. While at UNLV, he worked at the Mirage Resorts Dolphin Habitat and Secret Garden of Siegfried and Roy. His time spent with the aquatic marine mammals and Siegfried and Roy’s exotic menagerie inspired a great deal of respect for veterinary companions.
Eugene then traveled east of the Rockies to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO where he received his Master of Science in Anatomy. At CSU he was also a graduate teaching assistant for the human and veterinary anatomy curriculum. On a whim, he submitted an application to the University of Colorado, Denver Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy and was accepted to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program. Thereby began his career as a pharmacist.
He and his wife Jennifer moved to San Clemente, CA where he is now in business with his father as an owner/operator of San Clemente’s only independent compounding pharmacy, Sea View Pharmacy, which is located across from the hospital. Jennifer and Eugene have three beautiful children named Dylan, Trevor, and Madeline, and live happily in San Clemente.
Kerri Okamura, RPh
Kerri has been a community pharmacist for 21 years and is currently the director of pharmacy operations/privacy officer for four stores on the island of Hawaii. The stores offer immunizations, diabetes education, MTMs, flavoring for prescriptions, DME, and more. Kerri is responsible for pharmacy operations and working with the pharmacy staff and store directors, as well as ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local privacy laws for all locations. She is also responsible for business development, establishing 340B contracts and forming partnerships with hospice agencies for her stores. “One of the things that attracted me to WSPC was the composition of its members and executive team,” Kerri told us. “I saw that they were a group with a great deal of experience with connections in the industry. They offer so much expertise and I know I can learn so much from them for my businesses. For the short amount of time our pharmacies have been with WSPC, I can already see this group will have a positive impact and will be beneficial to our business. To be given the opportunity to be a member of a group that is trying to promote and improve the industry of independent pharmacy made me want to get more involved as a Regional Leader, so I too could be a part of helping this industry.”
Jeff Sherman, PharmD
Pharmacy is definitely “in the blood” for Jeff. Jeff grew up in a small central coast California town where he worked in his father’s drugstore. “My dad set a standard for taking care of patients. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” Jeff said of the experience. After graduating Pharmacy school in 1990 from the University of Pacific, he worked in independent pharmacies for 20 years.
Jeff opened Sherman’s Apothecary Pharmacy in Salinas, California, in
2010 with his wife, Mindy. Jeff and Mindy strive to provide the very best service at their pharmacy. They value the chance to build relationships with their patients by providing services such as custom compounding and bio-identical hormone replacement.
“Joining the WSPC team as a Peer Advocate is an honor,” Jeff said. “This group does so much to help the independent pharmacy owner. My wish is to see independent pharmacy continue to be a valued resource in every community.”