Seeking New Heights, NCPA Appoints New Leadership

Former generics industry leader promises to lend political clout to the nation's independent community pharmacists.

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) appointed generics industry advocate Kathleen Jaeger its executive vice president and chief executive officer. The choice is indicative of a newly energized NCPA, which at its annual convention urged members to “get into politics or get out of pharmacy.”

As former president and CEO of the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) and a licensed pharmacist, Jaeger boasts both an in-depth knowledge of health care industry and a knack for navigating the political landscape of Washington. According to NCPA, Jaeger is an “ideal choice” to succeed Bruce T. Roberts, RPh, and lead the association to “new heights.”

“Kathleen brings to NCPA a demonstrated track record of successful advocacy along with a first-hand pharmacy background,” said NCPA President Joseph H. Harmison, PharmD. “Kathleen’s knowledge of the pharmacy industry and proven Washington expertise make her a perfect fit for NCPA.”

During Jaeger’s 8-year tenure at GPhA, she successfully advocated for a number of legislative and regulatory policies that proved beneficial for the generics industry. With these successes under her belt, Jaeger now turns her full attention to independent pharmacies and their role within the changing health care system.

Citing the cost and therapeutic benefits of pharmacist-provided care, Jaeger announced her first priority as CEO: “We need to ensure that independent community pharmacists are indispensible to America’s health care system today, tomorrow, and beyond.”