Members at the Center of Every Decision
Published: August 14, 2025
IPC board leaders are active pharmacy owners who bring real world insight to every conversation. They help set strategy, support leadership, and keep the cooperative focused on what helps independent pharmacies thrive. Their perspective is shaped by daily patient care and the realities of running a business. In their own words, here is why they serve and what that service means for members.
Chris serves because disciplined governance keeps members first. “Providing strategic vision is an important thing. The board I always say serves as guardrails to the management team. We are not micromanaging the cooperative, but we are steering the cooperative in the right direction. So really the board focuses on keeping the cooperative laser focused on the needs of its members.” His focus is simple. Clear direction and accountability that lead to outcomes owners can feel in their stores.
Chris Darling
IPC Board Member
Kari VanderHouwen
IPC Board Secretary
Kari serves because collaboration moves the mission forward. “The IPC board is made up of some of the most innovative pharmacy owners that I know. I really am proud to be part of that group.” She keeps the charge front and center. “Our primary responsibility is to ensure the cooperative is being run in a manner that best fits our mission and purpose.” For Kari, strong governance protects members and strengthens the path ahead.
Vicki serves to elevate real member issues and turn them into action. “We just want to continue to see independent community pharmacy succeed.” She believes in honest conversation that leads to solutions. “I bring member issues in front of other people so that we can really brainstorm the best path forward and have that impact our membership.” For Vicki, every discussion comes back to what helps owners care for patients and run healthy businesses.
Vicki Einhellig
IPC Board Chair
Beshoy Gerges
IPC Board
Beshoy serves to connect experience with progress. “It provided me a bigger picture of the pharmacy profession and being able to connect with other pharmacy owners and seeing how everybody does things in a different manner, and you are able to collaborate together, come up with better ideas, and at the end, affect our profession in the long run.” He keeps the goal clear. “Make sure our voices are heard.” For Beshoy, representation and collaboration drive better decisions for members.
The IPC Board’s work is shaped by the real-world challenges members face and the shared belief that independent pharmacies are stronger together. Their vision, collaboration, and leadership keep members at the center of every decision.
