The Texas Pharmacy Association’s (TPA) Board of Directors seeks candidates for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to assume the role September 1, 2024. The Association seeks a dynamic, visionary candidate who is mission-driven, and an experienced for-profit or nonprofit business leader with proven results who is skilled in successfully executing strategic plans and empowering high-performing staff. The CEO reports to the elected Board of Directors.

About TPA

The Texas Pharmacy Association (TPA) is a respected voice for the profession as the largest professional organization representing pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists in Texas. Established in 1879, TPA is recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c)(6) non-profit, tax-exempt organization governed by a 17-member Board of Directors elected by the members of the Association. Located in Austin, Texas, TPA currently has a staff of nine employees and an annual operating budget of $2.5 million. This is an in-office position.

• Mission: Elevate the profession and advance the practice of pharmacy to care for patients.
• Vision: TPA is the preeminent organization that unifies, strengthens, and protects the profession of pharmacy in Texas.

Position Overview

The following is a summary of major job responsibilities and qualifications. A complete job description will be provided to all candidates selected for an interview. Responsibilities include all facets of directing and managing the Texas Pharmacy Association (TPA) and its three related entities—the Texas Pharmacy Foundation (TPF), the Texas Pharmacy Association Political Action Committee (PharmPAC), and the Texas Pharmacy Association Services Corporation (TPAS)—each within the policies adopted by the respective leadership of the three organizations.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the following for confidential consideration:

1. Resume or curriculum vitae.
2. Cover letter addressing how applicant is qualified to fulfill the position description, including a vision for how a state pharmacy executive can assist in elevating the profession and advancing the practice of pharmacy.
3. Upon request, the names and contact information of at least three professional references.

Applicants will commit to criminal, civil and credit background checks. Applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format to Lisa Goerlitz at lgoerlitz@texaspharmacy.org. Questions regarding the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Mary Klein, at marysueklein@gmail.com. Review of applications will commence as received with application deadline May 10, 2024.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Governance

• Assist and advise the organization’s leadership.
• Assure that the organization is professionally and effectively operated.
• Lead strategic and long-range planning.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to various leadership and governance groups.
• Support leadership and governance groups.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to external groups.

Financial

• Maintain an effective and financially viable organization.
• Oversee the development of annual budgets, monthly financial reports and financial projections.
• Adhere to all financial policies and directives.
• Oversee all fundraising efforts and corporate vendor endorsements.
• Oversee annual independent audit/review for each entity.

Administration

• Establish and enforce all office procedures and policies as well as all personnel policies.
• Direct staff and hold regularly scheduled staff meetings.
• Oversee human resources, including the hiring of staff, maintenance of salary administration procedures, staff performance evaluations, and approval of promotions and terminations.
• Ensure appropriate information technology (IT) and office equipment needs are met.

Communications and Marketing

• Plan and/or direct the organization’s communication and marketing efforts.
• Assure timely/accurate member publications including electronic newsletters; member alerts and action alerts as needed; Texas Pharmacy quarterly magazine, TPA Annual Report, and others.
• Correspond with membership through electronic vehicles and/or direct mailings.
• Utilize social media.

Education

• Direct the continuing education programs for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
• Assure the success of the Rxperts Center for Excellence.
• Make meeting site visits as necessary, handle negotiations and contracting for meeting needs (conference & expo, leadership retreat, etc.).

Membership

• Increase membership numbers, member retention and dues-related income.
• Serve as liaison to TPA affiliated organizations; pharmacy student organizations and colleges of pharmacy.
• Participate in state and national pharmacy organizations and meetings as necessary to include APhA, NCPA, NACDS, NASPA, ASCP and others.

Political Action

• Direct all financial aspects of the PharmPAC, including all report filings with the Texas Ethics Commission.
• Implement comprehensive fundraising campaigns to support the PharmPAC.
• Provide background information on candidates running for public office in Texas to assist in the PharmPAC disbursement of contributions and candidate endorsement process.
• Represent the Association at political candidate forums, receptions and other events, as needed.

Public Affairs

• Direct the Association’s public policy, government relations and grassroots activities.
• Register as a lobbyist in Texas.
• Hire and supervise any contract lobbyists.
• Serve as liaison to other pharmacy organizations, members and lobbyists.
• Manage recommendations of pharmacists and/or pharmacy technicians for external appointments to legislative, regulatory and other entities.
• Maintain public policies for the Association, to include preparation of Board recommendations for approval and conversion of approved recommendations to TPA policy manual.

Pharmacy Practice

• Influence change to enhance the role and relevance of pharmacy in Texas.
• Oversee pharmacy practice issues, staying abreast of recent changes and current trends.
• Serve as, or oversee, preceptor for student pharmacist interns on P4 APPE rotation at TPA.
• Oversee the Professional Recovery Network peer assistance program including funding, staffing, reporting, and effective program operations.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Degree in pharmacy, public affairs, public policy, government, or health care administration preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of association management or other proven leadership/management experience.
• Experience in public policy, government relations, state government, pharmacy issues and/or associations a plus.
• Understanding of the profession of pharmacy and/or the health care industry.
• Understanding of nonprofit and professional association management preferred.

Credentials, Certificates, and Licenses

• Pharmacist license preferred.
• Certified Association Executive (CAE) preferred.

Compensation

Compensation package will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.