NASP appoints Jim Smeeding as executive director

TAMPA, Fla. — The National Association of Specialty Pharmacy has named James Smeeding its first executive director, the group said Tuesday. The announcement was made during its first Specialty Pharmacy Conference in San Diego, which drew more than 500 participants.

Smeeding is the founder of the University of Texas College of Pharmacy's Center for Pharmacoeconomic studies and has worked for a variety of companies and organizations, including the TPG National Payor Roundtable, the Jestarx Group, Digital Health Dialog and others.

"Specialty pharmacy is the fastest-growing segment in pharmacy, and we need a strong leader to support NASP's commitment of creating a strong, unified voice for all stakeholders," NASP CEO Gary Cohen said. "Jim is that leader. He is an experienced, skilled leader who is committed to our core values of improving patient outcomes and fostering a strong environment of collaboration."