July 2025
Dear Colleagues,
For me, this time of year is always an opportunity to reflect and reset — preparing for our new residents and team members, resetting in the warm summer weather (probably on a sailboat with a book), and reflecting on the past, present, and future. Reflecting on the past, I would like to thank our Section Advisory Group (SAG) and Section Committee members and leaders, who you can see listed on our website. Through their dedicated work this year, several key initiatives, including webinars and toolkits, were completed, focusing on:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Strategies for High-Cost Medications, Cell and Gene Therapy
- Succession Planning
- 340B Legislation
- Drug Diversion/ DEA Readiness
- Centralized Shared Services
- Multi-Hospital Organizational Structures
Reflecting on the present, it has been the most memorable and energizing year to serve as your chair for the Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders. The executive committee has been forward thinking and driven in our work this year. I want to thank Lindsey Kelley, immediate past chair, and Bill Kernan, director-at-large, for their service to the section. I know we are in good hands as Anthony Scott steps in as your chair, along with Amanda Hansen and Della Bahmandar continuing to serve the committee as directors-at-large.
Reflecting on the future, the section executive committee focused its energy on refreshing our strategic plan. The plan centers on the critical areas that impact the pharmacy leaders of today and tomorrow, which are addressed by our SAGs. Three key areas of focus will be represented by the SAGs: people and culture, process and sustainability, and policy and innovation. Within these key areas, we have redirected our SAGs to clearly define the outcomes you can expect from them. I am confident the incoming chairs and vice chairs for the section’s groups are ready to take their new charges and provide valuable direction for our members.
Finally, I would like to highlight and recognize the leadership and legacy of Stephen F. Eckel, the recipient of the 2025 John W. Webb Lecture Award. He will present his lecture at the ASHP Conference for Leaders in Chicago in October — I hope to see you there!
It has been an honor to serve you, and I look forward to the continued work of the section.
Warmly,
Katherine (Kat) Miller, PharmD, MHA, DPLA, FASHP, FKCHP
Chair, Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders
