PTCB names retired Air Force colonel as CEO, executive director

WASHINGTON — The country's largest organization that certifies pharmacy technicians has a new leader.



The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board announced Thursday the selection of retired Air Force colonel Everett McAllister as its new executive director and CEO, replacing interim executive director William Schimmel, who will return to his role of associate director.



McAllister has worked in various healthcare leadership positions for 27 years, previously serving as deputy director of the pharmaceutical operations directorate for Tricare management activity in the office of the assistant secretary of defense. In this role, he served as the senior Department of Defense military pharmacist and policy adviser.



In other news, the PTCB announced the launch of the CREST Initiative Survey to collect professional feedback on recommended changes to its certification program. Recommendations include the creation of specialty pharmacy technician exams and additional certification requirements, such as requiring a minimum period of practical experience, criminal background checks and completion of an accredited education program. The CREST Initiative began last year with a summit focused on consumer awareness, resources, education, state policy and testing related to pharmacy techs.



"Changes to the PTCB certification program have potential to impact hundreds of thousands of pharmacy technicians nationwide," PTCB director of professional affairs Megan Sheahan said. "Candidate eligibility requirements have remained largely unchanged since the organization's founding in 1995."

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