WSPC is a cooperative proud of its mission-driven focus to provide competitive growth to our members in an ever-changing industry. Adaption is one of the key proponents of a successful team. In this pivotal time, we continue to champion this focus. Therefore, we share with you the key updates within our core Leadership and Board of Directors teams.
John Bruce, PharmD, announced his retirement effective May 31, 2024, as President and Chief Executive Officer of WSPC, serving since 2018 as an original founder of our cooperative fifteen years ago. John was a pharmacy owner for 43 years before dedicating his experience to helping independent pharmacy owners.
“I had something special, and it’s the opportunity to be your president for the past six years. But alas, this is not the end. As it is in life, the sun will rise tomorrow. Your WSPC Board of Directors has elected Deanna Bush as your next President and CEO. With all her years in the corporate pharmacy world and her kindness and professionalism, she will guide WSPC and continue our road ahead. She has chosen Kevin DeMass, RPh (Current WSPC Board Chair), as the next Chief of Operations. I give love to all of you as my wife, Cheryl, and I pursue the next journey of our lives together. She has been my constant companion and supporter of my work. We hope our trails will cross again.” – John R. Bruce, PharmD.
Our Board of Directors elected Deanna Bush, our now former Chief of Operations, SVP, to the President and CEO role, succeeding John Bruce, PharmD. Seeking a candidate with a unique understanding and insight into WSPC, the board identified Deanna’s unparalleled organizational experience and knowledge to match her demonstrated strategic and operational capabilities.
“Deanna has worked on all sides of the pharmacy spectrum over her career and is uniquely equipped to step into this role. We’re excited by her vision to evolve, diversify, and grow the coalition with the highest impact.”
“Huge thanks to John for his vision and perspective to WSPC; he is a true inspiration. I appreciate all his guidance and support as I step into this important role.” – Deanna Bush.
Joining the WSPC Executive Team
Deanna has appointed Kevin DeMass, RPh, as her Chief Operations Officer, SVP, filling her vacated position.
“These are exciting times for WSPC, as our mission and commitment to independent community pharmacy and our members has never been more important. I thank John for his service and look forward to working with Deanna as we enter our next era of doing what we’ve always done: helping people.” – 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.
Following Kevin’s leadership as outgoing Chair, the Board of Directors voted to approve a new Chair: Robbie Leark, PharmD. Robbie has served on the WSPC Board since 2017.
Robert, also known as “Robbie,” 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. He was selected to pilot a program with the USC School of Pharmacy and AmerisourceBergen to keep independent pharmacies thriving. Robbie has served on the CPhA Academy of Pharmacy Owners Board Member since 2013.
He is excited about the future of independent pharmacy and is looking forward to the expansion of WSPC.
Do you want to learn more about WSPC, send us an email or give us a call 844-977-2498 today!
