Where Member Voices Shape Every Decision
Published: August 14, 2025
At IPC, the Board of Directors isn’t just a leadership body, it’s made up of active pharmacy owners who understand the realities of independent pharmacy from the inside out. Every decision is grounded in their firsthand experience of caring for patients, managing staff, and navigating the business challenges of today’s pharmacy environment.
For IPC Board Member, Chris Darling, serving on the board means steering with intention. “Providing strategic vision is an important thing,” he says. “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, keeping the cooperative laser focused on the needs of its members.” That focus, Chris believes, ensures the cooperative’s direction leads to tangible results owners can see in their stores.
Chris Darling
IPC Board Member
Kari VanderHouwen
IPC Board Secretary
Collaboration is at the heart of how the board works. As IPC Board Member, Kari VanderHouwen explains, “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.” That innovation is paired with a commitment to purpose. “Our primary responsibility,” she adds, “is to ensure the cooperative is being run in a manner that best fits our mission and purpose.”
The board also serves as a direct line for member issues to be heard and addressed. IPC Board Chair, Vicki Einhellig, sees her role as turning those concerns into meaningful action. “We just want to continue to see independent community pharmacy succeed,” she says. “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 her, every conversation circles back to the same question, what helps owners care for patients and run healthy, sustainable businesses?
Vicki Einhellig
IPC Board Chair
Beshoy Gerges
IPC Board
That collective problem-solving is part of what draws IPC Board Member, Beshoy Gerges, to serve. “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,” he explains. “You are able to collaborate together, come up with better ideas, and at the end, affect our profession in the long run.” His goal is clear: “Make sure our voices are heard.”
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.
Make Your Voice Heard! Vote Today!
The IPC Board shapes the future of the cooperative, and your vote shapes the board. Voting is quick, easy, and secure through your Dashboard at www.ipcrx.com, vote today!
