Greg Wasson, David Heist and Lou Martire Honored with Chain Pharmacy's Highest Honors at NACDS Annual Meeting

PRESS RELEASE

Palm Beach, Fla. — Capping off a highly-successful Annual Meeting, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) recognized three industry icons with chain pharmacy’s highest honors.

Gregory D. Wasson, former president and CEO, Walgreens Boots Alliance received the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award. David H. Heist, director of industry affairs and customer relations at Bayer Consumer Care, and Lou J. Martire, vice president of trade and industry development for Energizer Household Products, Energizer Holdings, Inc. each received the Robert B. Begley Award.

Wasson began his career as a Walgreens pharmacist in 1980 and over his nearly 35-years of industry served in several positions including president of health initiatives, executive vice president, and president and chief operating officer. Following the completion of the global merger with Alliance Boots, Wasson retired as president and CEO in December 2014. During his industry career he also served as chairman of the NACDS Board of Directors.

The Sheldon “Bud” W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 1989 to recognize exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the industry. Chain pharmacy’s highest honor, it was renamed in 1996 in honor of Bud Fantle of People’s Drug Stores.

“Greg Wasson is fully-deserving of this lifetime recognition award,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “He has served the industry for more than 35 years with a strong commitment and passion for pharmacy, patients and customers. I valued Greg’s astute industry vision when we worked together during his tenure as NACDS chairman. And tonight we congratulate him on this distinctive pharmacy honor.”

Heist, who has announced he will retire this May, has served 20 years in his position with Bayer Consumer Care. Prior to Bayer, Heist held sales and trade relations positions at companies including, SmithKline, Menley & James, Alco Standard, Vita-Fresh Vitamin Co and Mennen.

Since his first day in 1972, Martire has served in various increased capacities with Energizer Holdings Inc. He will retire this May following 42 of service with the company.

The Robert B. Begley Award — established in 1980 – is named in memory of former NACDS Chairman of the Board Robert B. Begley. It honors an individual who possess qualities of great personal warmth, generous spirit, and long-time service to our industry.

“With combined experience that surpasses 75 years in the industry, David Heist and Lou Martire are true leaders who have set the bar high for the work they have done to further the industry,” said Anderson. “Their service, commitment and dedication are examples to those who will continue to serve the industry in years to come. We congratulate them on receiving the Robert B. Begley Award, and wish them well in their well-deserved retirements.”

All three award recipients were recognized by their colleagues, friends and family at the NACDS Annual Meeting dinner and awards ceremony last evening.