NACDS Elects 2025-2026 Officers, Welcomes New and Returning Members to NACDS Board of Directors

Rick Gates speaks here in his capacity as NACDS vice chair and as chair of the NACDS Political Action Committee. Gates was elected as NACDS chair of the Board, and will accept the gavel on Tuesday morning.

During the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Annual Meeting, the Association proudly welcomed a dynamic slate of newly elected officers and Board of Directors members, alongside the re-election of current directors to continue their impactful service.

Rick Gates, senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer, Walgreen Co., will serve as the new chair of the NACDS Board of Directors, succeeding Kevin Host, senior vice president of pharmacy, Walmart, who completed his term and who will remain on the NACDS Board of Directors.

In addition, David Warner, president and chief executive officer, KPH Healthcare Services, Inc., was elected NACDS vice chair, and Karen Staniforth, senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer, Rite Aid Corp., was elected NACDS treasurer. Each officer will serve a one-year term.

"As we stand at the pivotal intersection of innovation and advocacy, Rick Gates brings not just profound expertise, but a visionary passion for evolving the pharmacy's role," said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson. "Under his leadership, we are poised to advance toward a future where pharmacies epitomize accessible, patient-centered care, making healthcare more approachable and integrated into American life."

The following new NACDS Board of Directors members were elected:

• Anthony DalPonte, president of pharmacy and health, Albertsons Companies, Inc.
• Sherri Keeth, vice president and DMM, Sam's Club
• John McGrath, senior vice president of pharmacy, H-E-B
• Richard Stephens, senior vice president of pharmacy, Costco Wholesale dba Costco Pharmacies
• Aaron Wiese, president, Hy-Vee, Inc.

The following NACDS Board of Directors members were re-elected to three-year terms:

• Rick Gates, senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer, Walgreen Co.
• Mark Griffin, president and chief executive officer, Lewis Drugs, Inc.
• Kevin Host, senior vice president of pharmacy, Walmart
• Rick Keyes, president and chief executive officer, Meijer, Inc.
• Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health, The Kroger Co.
• Bob Narveson, chairman, Thrifty White Pharmacy
• Dain Rusk, vice president of pharmacy, Publix Super Markets, Inc.
• Karen Staniforth, senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer, Rite Aid Corp.

NACDS Annual Meeting photos are available for use by the media.