IPC Staff Spotlight: Samantha Pomeroy
If you’ve ever sat across from Samantha Pomeroy (or hopped on a call with her), you already know the deal: she shows up prepared, she listens hard, and she genuinely believes independent pharmacies are the backbone of their communities. Five years into her IPC journey, Sam’s still bringing the same fire she walked in with, plus a whole lot of wisdom earned along the way.
You’ve been at IPC for five years now. How did you land here?
Honestly, it was a “right person at the right time” moment. Kelli Stovall, our VP of Pharmacy Services and Clinical Programs, and I had worked together before, first at a hospital where I was one of her IV room technicians, and later at USA Drug, a wonderful chain of independent pharmacies. When she told me about a position opening up at IPC, I was actually hesitant at first. I loved patient care and was not sure I wanted to not see my patients every day. But I already knew IPC from our pharmacies using the warehouse, and I trusted Kelli. So I took the leap. Five years later, I’m really glad I did.
What’s a typical day look like for you?
First, coffee. Always coffee. Then emails, making sure no fires need to be put out and no member is sitting on something urgent. From there, my day is a mix of vendor meetings (the partners who help IPC bring real benefits and discounts to our members) and consultation calls with pharmacy owners where I’m really digging into their business and looking for ways to help them grow. In the background, I’m always researching. At the beginning of the year, it was all about the 10 IRA drugs, MTF platform, and Beacon. Troubleshooting issues alongside our pharmacies and sharing what I learn back with the rest of the team. Now I am heavily focused on making sure our pharmacies are earning performance dollars through the EQuIPP platform, looking at ways to structure new 340B contracts, and helping pharmacies know how to navigate applying for rural rate contracts.
What’s the most rewarding part of supporting independent pharmacy owners?
I’ve been in pharmacy, predominantly independent pharmacy, since 2002. And honestly, supporting small businesses is in my DNA. These pharmacies are the true foundation of their communities. They’re the ones sponsoring the local Little League team, delivering medications after hours, and helping older neighbors prep for bad weather. So many of the pharmacies I work with have been family-run for generations, and the stories they tell about the people they serve are unmatched. Watching what they do every day and getting to play a small part in keeping their doors open? That’s the reward right there.
How do you define success in your role?
Success for me is when a light bulb turns on for a pharmacy owner. When they walk away from our conversation feeling hope again, that little spark of “okay, we can do this.” I spent most of my career behind the bench, so I know how hard it is to move the needle in this industry. If I can help a pharmacy take one step forward, or even just give them the motivation to keep fighting, that’s a win at the end of the day. Independent pharmacy has been fighting for a long time now, and I want our members to know they’re not fighting alone.
Tell us a fun fact about your career path that people might not know.
I spent several years doctor detailing, basically doing sales for a group of independent pharmacies to grow their compounding business. And I absolutely loved it. The collaboration with local providers, thinking outside the box to treat patients who weren’t seeing results from traditional medications, the patient stories that came back to us? Incredible. I’m a total nerd at heart when it comes to compounded formulations, the chemistry, the math behind it all. I loved working in the compounding lab. It’s still one of my favorite areas to consult with members today.
What’s a valuable career lesson you’ve learned since joining IPC?
Influence comes from trust, not titles. The most impactful moments aren’t when you have all the answers. They’re when you consistently show up prepared, listen to what pharmacies are actually struggling with, and help them move forward in a practical way. That’s really shifted how I think about growth and leadership.
Can you share a member moment that stuck with you?
Yes, and this one still gets me. At the end of last year, a pharmacy owner reached out to IPC for help. He was just a few weeks away from closing his doors. He’d left his PSAO, gone direct with his payer contracts, and the consultant he’d hired had fallen out of touch during a tough season in their own life. He was in limbo, unable to process through many payers, turning patients away, dealing with serious cash flow issues. We rolled up our sleeves and went to work. Together, we got him contracted directly with his payers, negotiated better rates and terms (some better than what he had before), and walked him through all the education that comes with it because contracts are complex. After it was all said and done, he told me, “Samantha, I was a few weeks away from having to close my door, so thank you so much.” That’s why I do this.
What does life outside of work look like for you?
I’m an outdoors girl through and through. Hiking, national parks with my husband, traveling, just being in the woods. I’d take the mountains over the beach any day (though the beach is amazing too). I’m a sucker for sunsets, sunrises, and stars, and I’m always pausing to say my thank yous when I catch a good one. I also love to garden. I have a greenhouse and a garden every year, and there’s nothing like playing in the dirt and watching flowers and plants come to life.
