Hubert H. Humphrey Award
2026 Hubert H. Humphrey Award Recipient
Tom W. Butler, RPh
Tom W. Butler, born in 1944 in Huntsville, AL, built a lifelong career in pharmacy and public service. A graduate of the University of Alabama and Auburn University, he practiced in community and hospital settings and briefly owned his own pharmacy. Butler served 12 years in the Alabama House and later in the Senate, championing healthcare, veterans’ services, school funding, and AED access in public schools. He has held numerous board and community leadership roles and received many honors, including induction into the Alabama Pharmacy Association Hall of Fame. Tom and his wife, Karen, have two daughters and four grandchildren.
About
The Humphrey Award, named for the noted pharmacist, long-time APhA member, and public servant (senator from
Minnesota and U.S. Vice President) was established in 1978 to recognize APhA members who have made major
contributions in government and/or legislative service.
Criteria
The nominee must be an APhA Member who is an elected or appointed official and who has served or is serving
in government regulatory or legislative arena. Nominations must be made by an APhA Member. Remington Honor
Medalists are not eligible.
Nomination process
The nominator is responsible for submitting a complete award nomination.
The online nomination submission is to include the following items:
A letter from the nominator describing the most important achievements of the nominee and explaining why the
nominee meets the criteria for the award
Letters of recommendation are optional; two letters are preferred with a maximum of six accepted letters
A current curriculum vitae or detailed résumé
Selection process
The selection is made by the APhA Board of Trustees based upon careful review of complete nominations.
Nature of award
The award consists of a medal bearing the likeness of Hubert H. Humphrey, on a polished metal pedestal
mounted on a marble base, which is inscribed with the recipient’s name and date of presentation. The award
is presented during the APhA Political Leadership Reception at the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition. The
recipient also receives a complimentary APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition registration and reimbursement
for meeting-related travel expenses, according to current travel policies and up to the maximum amount
budgeted by APhA.
Past Recipients
2025 Nicki Chopski, PharmD, ANP
2016 Larry D. Wagenknecht
2014 Earl L. "Buddy" Carter
2012 Stephen W. Schondelmeyer
2003 Rep. Stephen R. Ehardt
2001 B. E. “Bobby” Parham
2000 Leticia R. Van de Putte
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