Reflecting on a year of leadership and gratitude—All In: One Profession. United.

Guest blog from President Alex Varkey

As my tenure as President of APhA draws to a close, I find myself deeply reflective of the extraordinary work accomplished this year, the incredible individuals I’ve had the honor of working with, and the collective strength of the pharmacy profession. The theme of my presidency—"All In: One Profession. United."—was not just a slogan, but a guiding principle that informed everything we did as an association. This year has been a testament to the resilience and dedication of our members, the outstanding APhA staff, and our partners in pharmacy from advancing pharmacy practice to fostering collaboration across diverse sectors.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this year was the opportunity granted to chair the APhA Board of Trustees and to lead our board through a critical retreat, where we focused on refining our procedures and strategies to ensure we continue to operate as an exceptional board. With guidance from the American Society of Association Executives, we successfully shaped a vision that aligns with the evolving needs of the profession.

A cornerstone of our work this year was the development of the 2024–2026 APhA Strategic Plan. Having the privilege of leading the Strategic Directions Committee as President-elect last year. In this endeavor, I established a new process to ensure the alignment of our operational plans and budget with the overall strategic goals of APhA. This process will guide us in meeting the needs of our members and the changing landscape of pharmacy practice for years to come.

This year also marked a significant milestone with the approval of policies aligned with APhA's bylaws changes, as well as the development of a new, streamlined process for APhA Board elections. These reforms will help our association remain agile and responsive as we continue to advocate for the pharmacy profession.

As part of our ongoing efforts to make APhA more inclusive and responsive, we approved important changes to our membership structure, creating a more collaborative environment. These changes were driven by member feedback from webinars, Coffee & Conversations sessions, and extensive discussions. I’m proud to say that we added two new voting-member positions to the APhA Board, representing pharmacy technicians and New Practitioners, reflecting our commitment to diversity in leadership.

Under my leadership, we successfully transitioned our APhA Well Being Steering Committee into a permanent board advisory committee, the APhA Well Being Advisory Committee, solidifying our commitment to addressing the well-being challenges faced by pharmacists and all pharmacy personnel. We also secured funding to further support pharmacy well-being initiatives and resources, recognizing the importance of safeguarding the health of those who dedicate themselves to the communities they serve.

This year also saw the selection of the 2025–2028 APhA Treasurer, ensuring the future leadership of our financial operations after Greg Fox’s distinguished six-year tenure.

Throughout my presidency, I had the privilege of engaging with pharmacy leaders across the country and around the world. From our joint session with State Pharmacy Association Executives, where we discussed advocacy efforts at both federal and state levels, to the groundbreaking meeting of executive officers of both APhA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists at APhA Headquarters, our work has brought us closer together as a global pharmacy community.

The conversations I had at state, national, and international meetings continue to inspire me. I had the honor of attending the APhA Institute on Substance Use Disorders, where I was reminded of the powerful impact our profession can have on public health. I also had the privilege of speaking at numerous meetings, including the Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners, where we discussed our pivotal responsibilities in public health and primary care and the future role of artificial intelligence in pharmacy practice.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of APhA’s members, staff, and leaders, including our amazing board. A huge thank you to each one of you who has been "All In" this year. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such passionate and inspiring individuals who are committed to advancing pharmacy practice.

As I look to the future, I am excited for what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to grow, learn, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and communities. We must continue our efforts to advocate for meaningful reforms in PBM regulation and ensure the sustainability of our roles in public health and patient access to pharmacy services through practice and payment reform. I am confident that the progress we have made this year will pave the way for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.

Thank you once again for your commitment, your hard work, and your dedication to the pharmacy profession. Together, we are one profession, united.

For every pharmacist. For all of pharmacy.