Ohio Pharmacists Association Announces Next Executive Director

 

The Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) has announced David E. Burke, R.Ph., MBA, PharmD (Hon) as their next Executive Director.

Perhaps best known for his work in various levels of state and local government, Burke has been an active advocate for the profession of pharmacy. While a member of the Ohio Legislature, his work on the Pill Mill Bill and with the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee has set the stage for the advancement of the profession of pharmacy. Additionally, as an independent pharmacy owner for a quarter of a century, Burke has previously managed a staff of 12 employees and a revenue of $7 million annually.

Burke had this to say, “As a pharmacist and public servant with extensive leadership and business ownership experience, I am humbled to have been selected as the next Executive Director of the Ohio Pharmacists Association. I look forward to utilizing my expertise in organizational administration to inspire my colleagues and give back to the profession I love and to the state organization that helps shape its future: The Ohio Pharmacists Association.”

OPA President Aimee O’Reilly added the following, “The OPA Board of Trustees and I are thrilled to bring Dave on as the next Executive Director. Dave’s passion for the profession of pharmacy is evident in everything he does, and we look forward to ushering in the next era of OPA. We’d also like to take a moment to thank Interim Executive Director, Don Bennett, R.Ph., MBA for his diligent work over the last several months.”

Burke and Bennett will work in tandem over the course of the next month. Burke will officially take over after the completion of OPA’s Annual Conference, April 14-16, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Burke received his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University (ONU) Raabe College of Pharmacy in 1990, Master of Business Administration degree from Capital University in Columbus, and an honorary Doctorate of Pharmacy from ONU in 2015..

OPA, established in 1879, represents more than 4,000 pharmacists, pharmacy educators, and pharmacy students throughout the state. It is OPA’s mission to unite the profession of pharmacy and encourage interprofessional relations, while promoting public health through education, discussion, and legislation.