Head of NCPA to step down

ALEXANDRIA, Va. Bruce Roberts will step down as EVP and CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association this summer, the NCPA announced Wednesday.

Roberts, who has served as the head of the group for eight years, said he would step down on June 25.

“After nearly nine years at the helm of NCPA, the time seems right to turn over the reins of the association,” Roberts said in a statement. “I’m proud to have led a team that has done so much to position community pharmacy in a more favorable light in our healthcare system. The stronger voice we’ve developed for NCPA in the political arena is producing policies that help local pharmacists continue to care for their patients. With NCPA on solid footing and well positioned to do great things in the coming years, I have decided it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter.”

SVP and COO B. Douglas Hoey has been designated to serve as acting EVP and CEO after Roberts leaves and until a replacement is found. Roberts will go on to become president and CEO of BeneCard PBF, a “prescription benefit facilitator” that bills itself as an alternative to the traditional pharmacy benefit manager model.

“Bruce Roberts’ vision and passion for independent community pharmacy have greatly benefited NCPA members, and his service has been deeply appreciated,” NCPA president Joseph Harmison said. “Bruce helped NCPA develop into both an extremely effective advocate for community pharmacists as well as a source of market-oriented solutions to support our members.”