I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years, and before joining IPC, I was at another buying group where I worked closely with Mark Kinney, our Executive VP of Government Relations. When a position opened up on his team, the opportunity to focus more broadly on state and federal pharmacy advocacy from the East Coast made perfect sense. But what really sealed the deal was visiting IPC’s headquarters in Sun Prairie — meeting the team and seeing the warehouse in action showed me that this was a place where I could grow professionally and make a real impact for independent pharmacies. 

I’ve been with IPC for almost 11 years and in the industry for nearly 20. One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is our pharmacy advocacy work in Ohio. We helped uncover and address serious Medicaid managed care PBM reimbursement overbilling and underpayment issues in Medicaid managed care, working closely with policymakers, partners, and member to achieve cost-based reimbursement. From that one state success, IPC’ s GR team has built greater state-level success in 6 other states, foster our continuing reform work in a dozen more, and laid the groundwork for a federal reform bill we continue to champion. When we get that bill passed, it’ll be one of the most impactful advocacy wins of my career.

We’re helping members understand how to go beyond the script. With the launch of IPC’s Digital Health company and growing opporutnities for pharmacy enhanced services, independent pharmacies are being challenged to adapt. IPC is helping members make that transition through expanded services and strategic support.

We’re also seeing growing member engagement in advocacy efforts — and that’s been one of the most powerful developments. Pharmacy owners interact with their communities more than most politicians ever will. And that pharamcists-patient trust has political influence. We’re helping members harness that influence, and even encouraging their patients to speak up. They’re realizing they can’t wait for someone else to step in — they must be part of the change.

I wish more people recognized that IPC is so much more than a just buying group with a warehouse. We offer a range of services that support pharmacy owners in ways many don’t realize — from IT infrastructure and contracting support to government advocacy and operational insights and services.

We’re the only truly national GPO for independent pharmacies offering this full suite of services. Whether members find the most value in advocacy, business savings, or technology support, everything we do is designed to help them survive, succeed, and grow.

Take the risk. Early in my career, I had the chance to work on presidential campaigns and didn’t take it. I stayed on the “safe” path. I wish I had taken that leap — those high-stakes environments offer invaluable experience, even if the outcome is uncertain. And honestly, you learn the most from campaigns you lose, not the ones you win. Still, I’m grateful for where my career path led me, because it brought me here.

It’s not a single moment, but a constant reminder: members help us see the real-world impact of policies. They show us how legislation affects workflow, patient care, and profitability at the counter. That insight helps us shape better policy and advocacy strategies for independent pharmacy. We bring the policy expertise — they bring the operational reality. It’s a critical partnership we in the GR Department need to effective represent our members.

Great question. I’d include:

• A copy of IPC’s original incorporation papers
• All versions of the IPC logo over the years
• The first IPC newsletter ever sent to members
• The first audited balance sheet as a cooperative
• A photo of the founding board of directors, along with their stories
• And of course, some classic IPC swag — because no time capsule is complete without that!

What keeps me here is the mission — serving independent pharmacy owners who face more challenges than most people realize, but who are incredibly dedicated to their communities. I also feel extremely fortunate to work alongside a team of professionals who truly care. To succeed at IPC, you have to care — about the work, about our members, and about the people you work with. I’m proud to be part of that culture.