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 national advisors, who are experienced independent pharmacy owners. 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 national advisors 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 independent 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 Executive Vice President, Board Secretary, 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, PharmD, 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 National Advisors, 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
Robert Leark, PharmD
Robert “Robbie” Leark owns five 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. He learned every aspect of ownership while attending the University of La Verne and the USC School of Pharmacy. Robert was selected to pilot a program with the USC School of Pharmacy and AmerisourceBergen to keep independent pharmacies thriving. He has been 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 about the future of independent pharmacy and is looking forward to the expansion of WSPC.
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 WSPC’s strong negotiating position with key business partners. He notes, “WSPC believes in utilizing the experience of successful pharmacists to improve the 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 subspecialties, including 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: Craig loves spending time in the mountains with his wife and three daughters in his free time.
Trenton Jenks, PharmD
Trenton Jenks received his Doctor of Pharmacy from Idaho State University in 2006. He spent the first six years of his pharmacy career in a community retail pharmacy. For the past five years, he has practiced clinical pharmacy at a local hospice agency that serves 300 patients in 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 National Council of Hospice & Palliative Professionals (NCHPP) pharmacist section committee member.
Through his diverse career experiences, Trenton has learned the ins and outs of operating a successful pharmacy business and understands the struggles pharmacy owners face. Trenton’s passion lives with independent pharmacies, and he hopes to assist his comrades in the industry in any way possible. Trenton loves traveling and spending time with his wife and four kids in his free time.
Dirk White, RPh
Dirk White and Trish White own the Harry Race Pharmacy in Sitka, Alaska. Dirk is a profoundly passionate individual who lives to help those needing 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 named President of the Alaska Pharmacy Association, 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.
Dirk is also a former recipient of the Good Neighbor Pharmacy® of the Year award.
More about Dirk: Dirk has been a problem solver all his life. He takes great pride in his community.
Organizational Team
Deanna Bush
Deanna has over 25 years of experience in the pharmacy healthcare industry, focusing 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 Payers, TPAs/GPOs, Hospitals, Unions, and Governmental Agencies. Deanna’s leadership roles in Sales, Account Management, and Operations include leading teams of six to over 80 associates.
Deanna’s knowledge and expertise will help WSPC continue to honor its industry tradition 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, Deanna plays pool (billiards) competitively in her spare time and has even appeared in several national tournaments.
Vince Cardinale, RPh
Vince Cardinale became a member of the WSPC board when Bob Dominguez and the other board members invited him to the table. He joined because he wanted to help pharmacies become more competitive within the complex structure of pharmacy purchasing and 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 accomplished and 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.”
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 ABC’s performance each year. Alex then 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 vital 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 hugemassive 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®.
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 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 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 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.
Kevin DeMass, RPh
Kevin has over three decades of experience in hospital, chain, long-term care, and independent community pharmacy practice settings. As a multiple pharmacy owner-operator and manager throughout his career, he has relied on principles of consistent application in strategic pharmacy industry insights, critical thinking and evaluation, patient-facing clinical services with optimal measured outcomes, plus successful team building and retention.
He most recently served as chairman of WSPC’s Board for nearly eight years and as a Good Neighbor Pharmacy® National Advisor for Cencora. He shares in the strong contracting and negotiating, exclusive member pricing, and transparent model of pharmacists working for pharmacists, which are the foundation of what makes WSPC a winning organization.
Kevin is thrilled to join the operations team at WSPC and looks forward to applying his knowledge to support, develop, and retain a productive and efficient team for our coalition members. Outside work, he loves to travel, golf, and scuba dive with his family.
Melissa Ellis
Melissa’s love and passion for independent pharmacies began when she, at the age of 15, worked at a local independent pharmacy on the Central Coast of California. She worked her way up to pharmacy technician and store manager.
In 1992, she went to work for Bergen Brunswig, which we now know as AmerisourceBergen. In her 25-year career with AmerisourceBergen, Melissa held several different positions. Her most recent role was as a sales executive for community and specialty pharmacies. Her knowledge and love for Good Neighbor Pharmacy® are inspiring.
Melissa understands the rewards and complexities of owning an independent business, having owned one herself. She draws on that experience today, helping independent pharmacy owners grow and succeed in today’s changing market. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and the laid-back life of chicken farming.
Kimmie Hack
Kimmie has over two decades of marketing experience acquired from various corporate, nonprofit, and franchising roles. She has worked with B2B brands and consumers globally, gaining insight into sales, strategic planning, digital marketing, management, and best customer relations practices.
Growing up, Kimmie was exposed to the construction industry by working in and around her father’s business. With this background, she took on her initial marketing roles in custom home-building and wholesale. Her business acumen began to expand very early in her career.
Throughout Kimmie’s career journey and positions held, she’s been fortunate to have worn many hats, built or rebuilt 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 and learn about their business, customers, challenges, and how they all affect 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 Director of Marketing, Kimmie looks forward to growing the brand into an industry leader and developing marketing resources for members.
Kimmie is an alumnus of Texas Woman’s University, a community volunteer, and resides in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (Go Cowboys and Texas Rangers!), with her two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on her girl, playing high school/club volleyball and drill team, and checking off her bucket-list aspirations.
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 are set to spread our message to pharmacy owners in the Midwest. He shares, “I have been very impressed with the WSPC personnel I have communicated with, and I expect this company to grow tremendously. The sky is the limit with WSPC, which is very exciting”.
Alex is married to Rhea and has one daughter, Emerson. His father is from Cali, Colombia, and he lived there from age six to eight. At one point, he mentioned he could speak Spanish better than English! Alex is an avid golfer and loves the outdoors, traveling, and most sports.
Send Alex Jaramillo a message.
Sheila Matthews
Sheila’s role with WSPC focuses on generics, working closely with members and 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 include 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 several analytical tools. At WSPC, Sheila demonstrates the same analytical and research skills and 30-plus years of solid connections in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure members receive the best overall value.
Send Sheila Matthews a message.
Julie Miramont-Quraishi
Julie was born in Barnsville, Ohio, and grew up in the small town of Powhatan Point. Her strong work ethic began at just 7 years old, when she held a paper route and delivered by foot. She went on to attend Belmont College, earning degrees in Business Administration and leadership and an Associate of Applied Business.
In 1984, she moved to Tampa, Florida, to begin her career in CIGNA Healthplan’s corporate office. Over time, Julie met a mentor and franchisee owner of 100 Taco Bell and KFC restaurants, 25 Papa John’s Pizza restaurants, and 2 Fun Bike Centers. She became an Executive Secretary and worked her way to Director of Corporate Affairs. Julie was later recruited to take on roles such as Senior Account Manager and Director of Marketing before being presented with an opportunity from AmerisourceBergen. She would go on to work with AB for 10 years as a GNP Manager/Advertising Manager and Sales Executive. During her time with GNP, Julie worked with WSPC members on the West Coast to help drive advertising and solutions. Julie said about working for WSPC, “Most of my entire career, I have worked for independent business owners. I want to help them be successful. Starting with AmerisourceBergen and knowing most of the WSPC board members, the passion they possess and the enthusiasm to drive opportunity to ensure successful members fit hand-in-hand with my passion: dedication and commitment to independent community pharmacy.”
Julie has been married to an independent businessman for 33 years. He is a home inspector and handyman. She loves home projects, design, and working beside him to pull up tile, remove walls, etc. Julie loves HGTV, football, especially her Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and being a Glam-ma to her only son’s child, Kailana Ann.
Jim Nielson
Jim has dedicated nearly four decades to the drug wholesale industry, building a well-rounded career that includes operations, sales, and business development. He grew up in Southeast Portland, Oregon, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Sales and Sales Management from Western Governors University. While pursuing his education, he balanced full-time work and served as his mother’s primary caregiver.
Beginning in 1984, Jim held various positions, ranging from filling orders to working as a Retail Merchandiser and Hospital Marketing Consultant. During this time, he earned several regional awards and became a three-time President’s Club winner at AmerisourceBergen/Cencora. Following a restructuring at Cencora, he joined WSPC, where he aims to support independent pharmacies and continue his family’s legacy in the industry. His father, who led Mutual Wholesale Drug in Portland, Oregon, hired Bob Dominguez as the sales manager when he was just 26 years old. For Jim, joining WSPC feels like a continuation of the family business.
Outside of work, Jim enjoys traveling, watching movies, and playing golf, a passion he inherited from his mother, who was one of Oregon’s top female amateur golfers in the 1950s. Now living in Lake Oswego, Oregon, he and his partner are taking on the adventure of home renovations while continuing to explore their shared interests.
Jim 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. There, he gained extensive knowledge of 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 an English degree and 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 his relationships’ success 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.
Cami Ottman
Cami was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and has lived in Vancouver, Washington, all her life. She graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Strategic Communications, focusing on Public Relations and Social Media Management. Throughout college, she worked as a freelance social media director to help small businesses grow their social media accounts and create images for brands.
Cami is excited to start her career here at WSPC and admires the compassion and care this team puts into their work. She looks forward to continuing to help WSPC grow its brand and providing all the help she can to aid our members and partners.
In her free time, Cami enjoys trying new restaurants in the area with friends, discovering new music, and listening to her twin brother’s record collection with him. Her hobbies include gardening, snowboarding, and sewing.
Karina Paavola
After graduating from Linfield College in 2014, Karina began as a national sales representative covering 25 states and supporting small local teams, colleges, and communities with their sports apparel needs. She majored in Business Management and became a National Champion Softball Pitcher in 2011.
Her competitive drive, passion, and desire to succeed have led her to be a champion on the field and amongst the local organizations she has supported for the past five years. Karina brings her experience, compassion, and drive to support community health and independent businesses.
Karina enjoys exploring the small communities around Portland in her spare time with her miniature Australian Shepard, Macey. Her hobbies include DIY crafts and enjoying Washington and Oregon’s wine country.
Dave Ray
Dave grew up on Florida’s Space Coast as a pharmacy technician in his father’s drug store. 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 enjoyed working with Hospital Directors, Long-Term Care, and Independent Owners. He was a four-time recipient of AmerisourceBergen’s prestigious Presidents Club Award and won the National Top Regional Performer and Top Account Manager awards.
Dave is excited to join 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 visiting saltwater reef aquariums.
Brian J. Rangitsch, CPA
Brian joins our WSPC team after working for over 34 years in public accounting. This position provides a rare opportunity to work with and serve various small businesses in many industries. Brian has seen the many challenges facing small businesses behind the scenes and is passionate about helping them succeed.
Brian was born and grew up in the rural town of La Grande, Oregon, until 24. He has had a long and rich work history being around small businesses for as long as he can remember. Brian’s parents were small business owners and strong community supporters, impressing on him how important it was to give back to the community. Brian attended Eastern Oregon University and graduated in 1984 with a BS in Business / Economics. Upon graduation, he began a career in management with Albertson’s Grocery Stores. He enjoyed the fast pace and the wide range of knowledge required to run stores but had always aspired to become a CPA.
He made that change in 1987 after attending Portland State University and Western Oregon State University to obtain the post-graduate accounting classes needed to take the CPA exam. After earning his CPA License, Brian joined the Public Accounting Firm Windedahl, Peters, and Thompson, CPAs, and worked as a Staff Accountant until 1995, when he became a partner with Windedahl, Rangitsch, and Thompson, CPAs. The Firm has grown over the years and is now known as WRGN, LLC Certified Public Accountants.
Brian enjoys being a part of non-profit organizations. He has served on various boards, including the Salem Area Institute of Management Accountants, Salem Art Association, Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Downtown Lions Club, Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation, Camp Fire USA Willamette Council, and more.
He shared, “I have always had a passion for small business success, as this is the fabric of our nation. I feel that cooperatives such as WSPC are critical in helping small businesses succeed and prosper when competing with large national chains. I am very excited to be a small part of this great organization that has contributed to the success of so many small pharmacies.”
Brian is married to the love of his life, Sherri, and has three daughters and grandchildren. He loves to spend time with his family and friends and be outdoors camping, hiking, golfing, and traveling with his RV whenever time allows.
Victoria Richards
At WSPC, Victoria’s role is to create, develop, and deliver strategic programs and solutions to existing and future members, focusing on executing 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 a Minor in English/Journalism. She started as a Sales Intern for Community & Specialty Pharmacy. She was quickly promoted to an Account Manager- Pharmacy Solutions Specialist role and a Sales Executive role in the Southern California territory. Victoria started with WSPC in July of 2016 as our first Strategic Business Manager in the Southern California/ Hawaii territory and moved on to become our Senior Account Director. Today, she serves as our Senior of Key Accounts + Project Manager.
Victoria has experience working with Independent Retail and Long-Term Care Pharmacies. She has a strong focus on Independent Pharmacies and utilizes Good Neighbor Pharmacy® programs and solutions. Victoria’s passion and excitement for her job come from the reward of seeing our members succeed in a constantly changing industry!
Bill Rowley
Bill Rowley joins WSPC with a world of expertise and knowledge, having had a successful career of 39 years with AmerisourceBergen.
Bill was born in Torrance, CA, and grew up in Los Alamitos, CA. He attended Cypress College, where he earned an associate in arts degree. Bill’s first job was working and making deliveries for a four-store independent chain at the age of 16. He stayed with the pharmacy chain for six years, working his way up to become a clerk and, eventually, store manager.
In 1984, Bill began his career with Bergen Brunswig as a merchandiser. Throughout his time at AmerisourceBergen, he progressed to become an account manager, business development manager, sales manager, director of strategic accounts, and director of buying groups—talk about someone who knows the industry inside and out!
Bill conveyed that he is truly focused on independent growth and success, which is his inspiration for maintaining the career he’s chosen with WSPC.
Throughout his career, Bill has received three President Club Awards. He shared that he has a twin sister and loves to travel outside of work.
Maryna Skiles
Maryna brings a rich background in financial management and accounting to WSPC. Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the International University in Kyiv.
Maryna began her career as an Operations Support Manager, where she led teams and optimized efficiency. She later shifted into training and development before moving to Portland, Oregon, where she gained valuable experience in the software and technology sectors as a Business Operations Manager. In this role, she oversaw accounting operations and contributed to HR and marketing initiatives.
Driven by a desire to innovate and create meaningful change, Maryna joined WSPC to promote financial efficiency and sustainable growth. She is dedicated to supporting independent pharmacies with her expertise in accounting and operations.
Besides her professional achievements, Maryna enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two daughters. Together, they love to travel and explore the great outdoors, creating cherished memories along the way. At home, they enjoy cozy family movie nights and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Nate Tischler
Nate is tasked with developing and implementing business solutions that maximize WSPC’s competitive edge and help member pharmacies thrive in a highly competitive, dynamic industry. As Business Systems and Analytics Architect, Nate will focus on establishing “tools”, processes, and analytics for our organization and membership.
During the past 10 years, Nate has 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 leads and participates 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 was a trusted adviser for his colleagues and senior business leaders.
National Advisors
Ahmed Atallah, PhD, RPh
Ahmed Atallah, PhD, RPh, has been a community pharmacist for the last thirty years. After graduating from 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 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 made use of new advances and were able to maintain a viable practice.
Today, they own three pharmacies in the South Bay, and two of their children are pharmacists, making their family 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 commitments.
Ahmed plans to help more independent pharmacists like him join WSPC, strengthening their position and keeping them viable in the ever-challenging field of pharmacy care.
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 now serves as president-elect.
He enjoys practicing pharmacy 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. 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’s undergraduate Biological Sciences program. While at UNLV, he worked at the Mirage Resorts Dolphin Habitat and the Secret Garden of Siegfried and Roy. His time 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, he 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 the 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.
Josh Pierce, PharmD
Josh grew up on his family’s farm in Mendenhall, Mississippi. He attended Ole Miss, earning his undergraduate degree (B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2010) and professional degree (Pharm.D., 2013).
As soon as he graduated from pharmacy school on a Saturday, Josh went to work the following Monday at McGuffee’s Drug Store in Mendenhall He had worked at McGuffee’s through pharmacy school and was blessed to be able to go right to work there after graduation, pending licensure Josh worked at McGuffee’s for four years as a pharmacist, and in 2017 he and his wife, along with another couple, purchased the pharmacy It was a lifelong dream to own his own business and to do so by the time he was 30 years old Josh was able to accomplish this goal at the age of 27 Since that purchase in 2017, he has also purchased an additional pharmacy, Little’s Pharmacy, about 25 miles away.
Looking to make a change in buying group, Josh came to WSPC with his team’s needs and pharmacies’ expansion in mind He noted, “We really liked the forward thinking of WSPC, the rebate program, and the cost of goods On our cattle farm, we always say, in reference to our genetic selection, ‘If you are satisfied with where you are today, you will be behind tomorrow’ After talking with several of the WSPC team members, it was evident to us that WSPC is moving forward and thinking about ways to be better tomorrow”.
Josh went on to share his thoughts about joining the WSPC team, “It is an honor and privilege to be a part of an organization that is looking to push independent pharmacy to the next level Nobody cares for their community and patients more than independent pharmacists, and I think WSPC gives us a more competitive edge to ensure that we are here to serve those folks for years to come”.
Josh and his wife just celebrated their six-year wedding anniversary. They have one daughter, who is three years old. Outside of the drug stores, the couple owns and operates a registered Red Angus cow herd in Mississippi. Josh also enjoys hunting, fishing, and cheering on the Ole Miss football team.
Jeff Sherman, PharmD
Pharmacy is definitely “in the blood” for Jeff. Jeff grew up in a small, central-coast California town where he worked at 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 from 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 building relationships with their patients by providing custom compounding and bio-identical hormone replacement services.
“Joining the WSPC team as a National Advisor is an honor,” Jeff said. “This group does so much to help the independent pharmacy owner. I wish to see independent pharmacies continue to be a valued resource in every community.”
Dan Vacca, RPh, MBA
A Pennsylvania native, Dan was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (BS Pharm) degree. He later earned a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Dan has been in the community pharmacy for over 30 years. In high school, he was introduced to the industry by working at a local community pharmacy, where he held his job during college. After graduating from college, Dan worked as a community pharmacist for a national chain and had several district management roles in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida. In 2012, Dan bought his first community pharmacy in North Palm Beach, Florida, with his wife Heidi, a pharmacist. Together, they opened their second pharmacy in 2017 and have served the community with both pharmacies.
Dan was drawn to WSPC because of the cooperative’s business model, which is operated by pharmacists and its members, who share in the profits and benefits. He noted, “I’m inspired to work with WSPC due to the strong commitment and support this team provides to the partnership with independent pharmacy owners.”
Dan and his wife, Heidi, have two children and enjoy traveling and spending time with family.