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 regional leaders, 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 regional leaders 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.
History
Since launching in 2009 as Tri State Pharmacy Coalition, we’ve expanded from three states to nine (and growing). In 2013, we changed our name to Western States Pharmacy Coalition to reflect this growth. We grew in 2014 to include Generics and Member Services, and launched our semi-annual news magazine in 2015. 2016 saw introduction of our Strategic Business Managers, and in 2017 we expanded and developed our network of Regional Advisors.
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.
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 is a recent member to the WSPC family. He comes to us 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 their leadership’s vision, experience and unifying attitude toward Independent Pharmacy owners. He admired the coalitions strong partnership with AmerisourceBergen and the Good Neighbor Pharmacy® program. He loves the organizations foundational attitude of putting money back into the hands of its membership. Strong contracting and negotiating, exclusive member price file and pharmacists working for pharmacists make this a winning organization.
More about Kevin: Kevin and his beautiful wife have four children. Their oldest 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 comes to WSPC from Nampa, Idaho, where he has operated Vic’s Family Pharmacy 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, and supports all aspects of community pharmacy ownership, especially selling pharmacies to pharmacists, not to big box corporations. WSPC believes in utilizing the experience of successful pharmacists to improve cost of goods and services necessary to run a profitable business.
More about Vic: Vic enjoys skiing and spending lots of time on the tennis court with his wife and their two children.
Gary Basrai, PharmD
Gary Basrai has been an independent pharmacy owner for over 35 years, starting from one location shortly after completing his PharmD in 1977 at the University of Pacific, to currently owning and operating 10 locations in 4 different counties.
Gary has served as a board member for Alameda Alliance for Health (Medicaid HMO), performed the duties of President for the Alameda County Pharmacist Association, and continues to work as a consultant pharmacist for 340B Covered Entities, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, and Nursing Facilities.
His extensive knowledge and involvement in independent community pharmacy make him a valuable resource and member of the WSPC leadership team, bringing successful and intelligent business solutions to help independent pharmacies thrive.
More about Gary: Pharmacy is in the family blood; his son, brother, sister-in-law, and niece are all pharmacists!
“Keeping Independent Pharmacies ‘Independent’ is our obligation to all of our WSPC members.”
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, and he earned 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, and 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 he 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: 4-year-old twins and a 5-year-old. 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.
Michael Saad, RPh
Michael Saad is the owner of 2 Community Pharmacies in Point Loma San Diego and has been a 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 is an ardent supporter of independent Pharmacy and knows that WSPC will keep him 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 concerns 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 getting out from behind the counter to give folks the individual attention they deserve are just two ways Dirk helps his community. Living local is especially inherent to the Harry Race Pharmacy – when you walk into the pharmacy, chances are they 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
John Bruce has been instrumental in the growth of WSPC by aiding in its expansion. Through his efforts, WSPC has member pharmacies now located in California, Alaska and Texas in addition to the three founding states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. His passion and role as Executive Vice President is to bring additional growth through member development.
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 6 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.”
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.
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 todays changing market.
Krissy Jeffrares
Krissy received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and a Certificate in Marketing from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She started her career as a clinical laboratory sales manager in the Southeastern United States. As a territory manager, Krissy was responsible for developing and maintaining customer relationships throughout Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Through her passion, work ethic and resiliency she was promoted to sales team field training manager. In this role, she enjoyed the opportunity to learn and grow from others.
Recently, Krissy relocated to Southern California from Atlanta. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling on the West Coast and playing golf.
Krissy is committed to be a partner and advocate for WSPC members. She is excited to actively support the mission of WSPC and assist independent pharmacies succeed.
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.
Long Ma, Pharm. D
Long holds a Pharm. D degree from Roseman University School of Pharmacy in Las Vegas, NV. Over the past 14 years, he has gained valuable experience throughout the pharmacy industry with community/independent/specialty pharmacies, pharmaceutical regional account contracting, sales and marketing management, hospitals, medical devices (DME) and pharmacy compounding.
Building and developing relationships is key to his success. Long has made strong and powerful relationships with various pharmacy associations such as APHA, OCPhA, the Vietnamese Pharmacists Association and Indian Pharmacist Association. He works with pharmacy schools and has been invited as the Distinguished Honorary Speaker at events held by faculty, student body associations and alumni at USC, Western University, Loma Linda University, and Keck University Schools of Pharmacy.
Long was born and raised on the East Coast until moving to California in 1990. During his time off, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys going to the gym and taking his family out to places like the beach, Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm.
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 include Membership Services, such as our new WSPC News Magazine, marketing 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 will be the primary point of contact throughout Southern California, part of Northern California, and the Hawaii territory. Her role is to promote and deliver relevant 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 more recently as a Sales Executive in the Southern California territory. 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, providing them a competitive edge. 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!
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.
Jay Robinson, Jr., CPA, CFO
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.”
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 advisor 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: 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 for WSPC and is in charge of information technology and member communication.
More about Jerry: He 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.”
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 getting out from behind the counter to give folks the individual attention they deserve are just two ways Dirk helps his community. Living local is especially inherent to the Harry Race Pharmacy – when you walk into the pharmacy, chances are they 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.
Erica Willson
Erica’s role is to promote and deliver relevant 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.
Erica has over 20 years of experience in business, marketing, education, and sales. She draws from her experience to help her customers look at their business opportunities differently. Most recently as an Amerisource Bergen sales associate, she actively promoted Good Neighbor Pharmacy® programs and economic-driven solutions to both retail and alternate care pharmacies.
More about Erica: She grew up on a farm, and she and her husband currently own a family farm in rural Eastern Washington, which she says has taught her the value of a strong work ethic. Her experience owning a business and facing many demands like long hours, stressful conditions, uncontrollable markets, and navigating federal programs helps her connect and problem solve with her customers.
Regional Leaders
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.”
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.
Jeff Sherman, RPh
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 Regional Leader 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.”