Celebrating Pharmacy Trailblazers: 2024 Excellence in Innovation Award Honors Innovative Patient Care Solutions
Maple Grove, MN – February 11, 2025 – Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC (Upsher-Smith) and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 NASPA Excellence in Innovation Award. This prestigious award, overseen by NASPA and sponsored by Upsher-Smith, honors pharmacists nationwide who demonstrate exceptional innovation in advancing patient care and the pharmacy profession.
The Excellence in Innovation Award celebrates pharmacists whose groundbreaking practices, methods, or services have significantly enhanced patient outcomes and/or propelled the profession forward. Each year, more than 40 state pharmacy associations present the award to deserving recipients.
“Highlighting the achievements of innovative pharmacists dedicated to improving patient care is a privilege for us at Upsher-Smith,” said Jim Maahs, Head of Commercial, Upsher-Smith. “We are proud to recognize these trailblazers whose efforts are transforming pharmacy practices and making a meaningful difference in their communities.”
Krystalyn Weaver, PharmD, JD, Chief Executive Officer of NASPA, added, “It’s a privilege to honor these outstanding pharmacists whose innovative contributions are advancing patient care and the pharmacy profession. We are grateful for the support of Upsher-Smith and the participation of state pharmacy associations in recognizing excellence through this award.”
The 2024 Excellence in Innovation Award recipients include:
• Alabama: Elise A. Dasinger, PharmD
• Arizona: Tincy Maroor
• Arkansas: Jenny Wells, PharmD
• California: Diana Arouchanova, PharmD, APh
• Colorado: Lynn A. Flach, PharmD, BCPS
• Connecticut: Kimberly Tynik, PharmD, CSP, PRS
• Delaware: Saf Abraham, RPh
• Florida: Kelsey Cook, PharmD
• Georgia: Tyler Cole Whitaker, PharmD, BC-ADM, CDCES
• Hawaii: Garret Hino Jr., PharmD, BCIDP
• Illinois: Mayur V Shah, PharmD
• Indiana: Lynn Thoma, PharmD
• Iowa: Lynn Kassel, PharmD, BCPS
• Kansas: Paul Schiferl, PharmD, BCPS
• Kentucky: Emily Gatewood, PharmD
• Louisiana: Nancy Caddigan, PharmD
• Maryland: Amy Howard, MS, PharmD
• Massachusetts: Bhuren Patel, RPh
• Michigan: Amber Lanae Martirosov, PharmD, MSc, BCPS
• Minnesota: Derek Borkowski, PharmD
• Missouri: Jason Wang, PharmD
• Nebraska: Miranda J. Kuhr, PharmD
• Nevada: Beth Slamowitz, PharmD
• New Hampshire: Brittney Sorbello, PharmD, BCOP
• New Jersey: William Ashnault, RPh
• New Mexico: Alexandra Herman, PharmD
• New York: Kara Smith, PharmD
• North Carolina: Olivia Caron, PharmD
• North Dakota: Maari Loy, PharmD, BCPS, MBA
• Ohio: Alison Cook, RPh, PharmD
• Oklahoma: Benjamin Jolley, PharmD
• Oregon: Thanh Le, RPh and Sandy Le, PharmD
• Pennsylvania: Courtney B. Smith, PharmD, CSP, BCMTMS
• Rhode Island: Caitlin Kennedy, PharmD, MHA
• South Carolina: Patricia H. Fabel, PharmD
• Tennessee: Steve Pate, DPh
• Texas: Carlos Irula, PharmD
• Vermont: Martin Irons, RPh, CDCES
• Virginia: Henry Ranger, PharmD, RPh
• Washington: Jacqueline Eide, PharmD
• Wisconsin: Dan Persells, PharmD
• Wyoming: Sommer Pederson, PharmD
About Upsher-Smith
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC, now a member of Bora Group, is a trusted U.S. pharmaceutical company that strives to improve the health and lives of patients through an unwavering commitment to high-quality products and sustainable growth. We bring generics and brands to a wide array of customers, always backed by our attentive level of service, strong industry relationships, and dedication to uninterrupted supply. For more information, visit www.upsher-smith.com.
About Bora
Founded in 2007, Bora Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Bora” or “the Company”, 6472.TW) now is the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in Taiwan with well-connected global distribution to supply more than 100 countries around the world. Bora is dedicated to becoming a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing by offering its clients the best quality, efficiency and reliability. For more information, visit www.bora-corp.com.
About NASPA
NASPA is dedicated to enhancing the success of state pharmacy associations in their efforts to advance the profession of pharmacy. NASPA represents state pharmacy associations and other stakeholder organizations and promotes leadership, sharing, learning, and policy exchange among its members and pharmacy leaders nationwide. For more information, visit www.naspa.us.