NACDS to Honor Retiring President and CEO at Annual Meeting
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) will honor Steven C. Anderson, its retiring president and CEO, at its annual meeting next month.
Anderson, who announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2026, is stepping down after 20 years of service for the Arlington, Virginia-based trade organization and the pharmacy industry.
As NACDS leader, Anderson worked to strengthen the association's institutional infrastructure and long-term viability, further solidify its financial and operational foundation, and elevate its national influence on issues that affect people, pharmacies, suppliers and the broader healthcare system.
"During his tenure, pharmacies moved from being underappreciated in the healthcare system to being recognized as essential, frontline providers of care in communities across America," Rick Gates, chair of the NACDS board of directors and senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer of Walgreens, said in a February news release first announcing Anderson's retirement.
The tribute takes place during the April 21 meeting's board of directors dinner and entertainment. "It will be an opportunity to celebrate what Steve and this industry have accomplished together — and it will be a powerful statement about NACDS’ effective positioning for the future," Gates said in a release about the upcoming meeting and celebration.
The NACDS board of directors will kick off a national search for a successor in the weeks ahead.
NACDS represents traditional drug stores, supermarkets and mass merchants with pharmacies, supplier partners and international members.
