| 2018 Candidate Bios |
Click here to submit your ballot today!Online voting will occur until April 13. Ballots will be tabulated by the MPhA staff under the supervision of the Board. The results will be announced soon after by Molly Ekstrand, MPhA President, on behalf of the Board of Directors.
President Elect Candidate Treasurer Candidate Member-at-Large/Metro Candidates Rural Member Candidates President Elect CandidateCraig Else, PharmDDirector of Innovation and Integration, Fairview Statement of why Craig would like to serve: I have grown up in pharmacy, working in my father’s community pharmacy starting in Junior High and as a hospital pharmacy technician starting in High School. I have been active in pharmacy professional associations for 27 year including as Board member for MPhA and MSHP and MSHP President (2007-2008). I have a passion for advancing our profession, achieving the Triple Aim goals (improved patient experience, improved health of populations, and lower cost of care). I believe Minnesota has and continues to lead the nation in innovative pharmacy practice helping to keep our population among the healthiest in the nation. However, there are many challenges ahead and we must continue to work closely with our partner organizations and the other health professions to drive change in our practice models. Craig’s Biography: Craig is the Director of Innovation and Integration for Shared Clinical Services and Chief Operating Officer for IntegraDose at Fairview in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He also works part-time at Allina Unity Community Pharmacy. He received a B.S. in Pharmacy in 1991 from North Dakota State University, Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota in 2004, and a Masters in Health Service Administration from the University of St. Francis in 2010. Craig has held various technician, staff pharmacist, clinical and leadership roles at 17 different hospitals and 19 retail pharmacies over 37 years of pharmacy practice. A little bit about Craig: I have been married for 24 years to my lovely wife Carol and we have three children, Tanner (21), Tyler (18) and Callie (16). Much of my non-work time has been spent with my children as a youth sports coach and as Cubmaster/Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts. I now play hockey three times a week and continue to volunteer as a merit badge counselor with Boy Scouts. Treasurer CandidateTim Affeldt, Pharm DDirector of Specialty/Infusion Operations at Fairview Pharmacy Services The opportunities in health care are at an all-time high for pharmacists. As the health care system attempts to move from a fee for service payment model to a value-based payment model, I believe pharmacists can make a huge impact in this transition. As pharmacists, we need to educate and advocate for ourselves and our place at the table in health care reform. I believe my background over the past 20 years in both retail pharmacy leadership positions, along with my time in an academic health system, has given me experience in having those discussions with law makers and policy makers. I believe I can help advocate for pharmacists across Minnesota and make sure we have a seat at the table. I believe the best way to do this is with MPhA and that is why I would like to serve. Tim's Biography: Tim joined Fairview Pharmacy Services (Fairview) in September, 2013 as Director of Specialty/Infusion Operations. Prior to joining Fairview, Tim was with Walgreen Company for 19 years, where he held various positions within the organization. Tim is a graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and is a former Pharmacy Alumni Society board member and remains active at the College of Pharmacy as a mentor to first year students, with the Leading Change in Pharmacy program and is a Century Mortar Club board member. Tim holds an Adjunct Assistant Professorship at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in the Department of Pharmaceutical care and Health Systems. Additionally, Tim is a member of the Minnesota American Diabetes Association (ADA) Community Leadership Board and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) MinnDakotas Chapter Board. A little bit about Tim: Outside of my life at Fairview, I am married to Christina and have four children that take up most of my time. If I have time outside of family, it is spent watching or playing some type of sporting event. I'm most passionate about hockey and golf. I also devote a lot of my time to the two diabetes organizations (ADA and JDRF). Both professionally as a pharmacist and personally (I live with T1D everyday), I'm very interested in advocating for better treatments and finding a cure for diabetes. Member-at-Large/Metro CandidatesAmanda Brummel, PharmD, BCACPDirector, Clinical Ambulatory Services at Fairview Pharmacy Services Statement of why Amanda would like to serve: I have a passion for moving the pharmacy profession forward and enjoy working interprofessionally to advance the role that pharmacists can have within the care team. As our healthcare landscape changes I feel it is important for our profession to be thinking about the future and the opportunities that we have to advance the care we provide our communities. Amanda's Biography: Amanda Brummel, PharmD, BCACP serves as the Director of Clinical Ambulatory Pharmacy Services. Dr. Brummel has been employed by Fairview Pharmacy Services since 1999 when she graduated from the University of Minnesota. While at Fairview, she has built and practiced Medication Therapy Management (MTM) in multiple clinic locations, was the clinical supervisor for the MTM department, the MTM Operations & Program Manager. Currently Dr. Brummel has responsibility for the MTM program, the clinical development and integration of ambulatory pharmacy services in the Fairview Health Network, including transitions of care and quality outcome measurement. She works closely with the Fairview Medical Group and the Fairview Network in our population health approach and new payer product development. Dr. Brummel is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of MN. She has published multiple articles on MTM and pharmacy’s role in the care team. A little bit about Amanda: I enjoy spending time with my family- I have a son and two daughters who are in the tween, teenage years so that alone keeps me busy! I love to garden and in general spend time outdoors hiking, biking, and relaxing. I also enjoy reading. Ann Byre, PharmDVice President, Pharmacy Services, Pharmacy Services at Allina Health Statement of why Ann would like to serve: I have a passion for advancing pharmacy services in all areas of pharmacy practice, both locally and nationally. I have truly enjoyed my current term as an MPhA board member and want to continue to give back to the profession in this manner. Ann's Biography: A lifelong MN resident, in her current role as the Vice President of Pharmacy Services at Allina Health, Ann Byre leads pharmacy strategy across the continuum of care at one of Minnesota’s largest health systems. Prior to joining Allina Health in 2009, she held a variety of pharmacist and leadership roles at Minneapolis based Target Corp. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences at South Dakota State University. She currently serves as a board member for the Minnesota Pharmacist’s Association, as chair for the Vizient Pharmacy Business Council, as secretary for the Foundation Board at Dakota County Technical College, as a long term Leadership Networking Partner for the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and will join the SDSU College of Pharmacy’s Dean’s Council later this year. A little bit about Ann: In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Cullen and two children, Brady (9) and Vivianna (6). In addition to advancing pharmacy practice, her interests include traveling, reading, volunteering, and visiting the family cabin. Michelle Johnson, PharmD, BCACPPharmacist at Fairview Pharmacy Services Statement of why Michelle would like to serve: I would like to continue my service with the MPhA board. We have made substantial progress in rebuilding MPhA over the last four years I have served on the board. I would like to continue to represent pharmacists using my experiences from 20 years in community, independent pharmacy, and clinical practice to strengthen MPhA and pharmacy opportunities in Minnesota. Michelle’s Biography: After graduating in 1997, I worked in a rural critical access hospital for six months before moving to a position at the Fond du Lac Reservation, where I worked for two and a half years. During that time I experienced pharmacy being fully integrated into the clinic care team. After relocating to the Twin Cities I worked for Goodrich Pharmacy for 14 years, managing one of their locations for 11 years, and developing two MTM practice sites. I have worked for Fairview Pharmacy for the last 3 years in the retail division, and recently moved to a clinical position managing the ambulatory warfarin program and doing targeted MTM for anemia patients. A little bit about Michelle: I have been a Girl Scout leader for my daughter's troop for the last eight years, and cookie mom the last two years. I also volunteer at our service unit's day camp. Hobbies include running, scrapbooking, and spending time with my husband and children. William Larson, PharmDMedication Adherence Program Director, Allina Statement of why William would like to serve: Pharmacists have so much to offer as medication experts, yet we are often underutilized. I have greatly enjoyed my career as a pharmacist, but I would now like to give back to my profession and help it to move in new directions which serve more people in creative ways. I believe I have organizational and clinical skills which I can offer to the MPhA board and the pharmacists of our State. William's Biography: I specialize in assisting individuals living with HIV with their medications. I focus on medication adherence, so that individuals with HIV can live long healthy lives. I am committed to preventing new HIV infections in all groups within our community. I am interested in the optimal treatment of conditions that affect our health as we age, including smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. In addition to my position at the Allina Uptown Clinic, I also work at infectious disease clinics at Park Nicollet and North Memorial. I am a graduate of the University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, where I received Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees. I am a licensed pharmacist. I have worked in a variety of areas, including poison information for Hennepin County, psychiatric pharmacy with the State of Minnesota residential treatment facilities, and managed care with PCS Health Systems (now CVS-Caremark). I am a recipient of 2012 Mentor of the Year award from the Pharmacy Alumni Society, College of Pharmacy, and University of Minnesota. I am the immediate past-president of the Pharmacy Alumni Society. I am board certified in Geriatric Pharmacy (BCGP 2016) and Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (BCACP 2017) A little bit about William: I live with my spouse, Rich, in Minneapolis west of the Uptown area. I enjoy travel, cruising, cooking, and fitness. I grew up in Benson, MN and I am kept busy helping my folks, who are currently residing in Willmar, MN. Jonathan Pin, PharmD, MBAClinical Review/MTM Pharmacist Statement of why Jonathan would like to serve: I believe that medication management is the most defining component of a patient's healthcare. Throughout my experience as a pharmacist, I am constantly strategizing for new and innovative ways to improve the practice of pharmacy. I want to serve on the Board of Directors because it will provide me with the resources and platform to advance the profession. As a recent graduate, I can contribute the unique perspective of those that are just starting their career. There is a demographic gap between the majority of practitioners and student pharmacists, which can create barriers as MPhA strives to represent the entire pharmacy academy. My goals as a board member for MPhA would include 1) expanding the role of pharmacists/technicians, 2) increasing membership from diverse practice settings, and 3) fostering the relationship between MPhA and other health organizations. I have attended several Legislative Days and ALNEs as a member, and as a board member I know I will be able to do more. Jonathan's Biography: I graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2016 with a PharmD and MBA. During my time at the College, I was heavily involved in many organizations including College Board, MPSA, APhA, NCPA, and MPhA. My leadership experience as a Class Representative and executive member of MPSA (VP of Finance) has helped me develop the skills that are necessary for leading the profession forward. I started my career in community pharmacy as a staff pharmacist at CVS (inside Target) and shortly was promoted to a pharmacy manager. Throughout my time at CVS I was able to make a great impact on my community by promoting medication adherence, administering immunizations, and fostering talent in future leaders. I served as the myPatientCare Captain for my district, where I helped both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians maximize patient care using pharmacy services. I am currently a Clinical Review/MTM pharmacist at Prime Therapeutics where I am helping my patients obtain the medications they need. A little bit about Jonathan: I currently serve as a mentor for the College of Pharmacy with hopes to become a preceptor in the future. I enjoy attending pharmacy programs including Legislative Day, ALNE, Board of Pharmacy meetings, and drug representative dinners. I am passionate about empowering pharmacy technicians so that pharmacists can do more. I find that the opioid crisis is an alarming issue and we need to quickly find solutions to address it. I believe a majority of chronic health conditions can be attributed to mental health problems, so I am passionate about increasing access to quality resources to improve mental health. I am also interested in pharmacy business and discovering ways to make healthcare more affordable for patients. Outside of pharmacy, I really enjoy traveling to new places and attending concerts, festivals, or sporting events. Most of my free time is spent watching TED Talks or comedy shows. Rural Member CandidatesHeather Bibeau, PharmDDirector of Retail Pharmacy at Bigfork Valley Hospital Statement of why Heather would like to serve: I have previous experience as a MPhA Board Member at Large and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to represent my fellow pharmacists. Working at a Critical Access Hospital in the very rural community of Bigfork, MN (population 446) I see first-hand the health care needs of my community and the issues we face such as poor reimbursement, drug shortages, pharmacist provider status, access to healthcare, staff retention, prescription drug abuse and so much more. I feel very passionate about representing the pharmacists within the rural communities of Minnesota and want to ensure resources, continuing education opportunities, and outreach is provided to this population. I will ensure rural pharmacists have a voice within MPhA. Heather's Biography: Dr. Bibeau lives in rural Grand Rapids and is the Director of Outpatient Pharmacy services. Heather has a background in community and long-term care pharmacy practice. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology from the College of St. Scholastica and her doctorate from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in Duluth in 2010. She oversees participation in the 340B program as a contract pharmacy and the operation of three telepharmacies as the pharmacist-in-charge. She also serves as a consultant pharmacist for the Minnesota Department of Corrections. She is dedicated to spreading awareness and preventing prescription drug abuse in her community. She began a drug take-back program at Bigfork Valley Hospital and educational discussions with the community and high school students. She also serves as the chair of the Grand Rapids Area Pharmacists group and is a preceptor for the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. A little bit about Heather: I enjoy spending my free time with my husband and our five (yes five!) poodles (Buster, Mika, Luna, Gidget & Remy). I am a self-proclaimed crazy poodle mom! I also enjoy challenging knitting projects, reading, and riding motorcycle. Reid Smith, PharmD, PhDDirector, Strategic Development and Accounts at Ventegra, Inc. Statement of why Reid would like to serve: I am fortunate to live in MN where pharmacy has been at the forefront of innovation; however, we have seen other states move ahead with their respective scopes of practice. We must advocate for changes that are in both pharmacists' and patients' best interests. I have been a Rural Board Member for MPhA for two years. I use the unique perspectives that my education and expertise in managed care give me to inform my contributions that will best help MPhA advocate for positions that help overcome the inertia of the status quo impacting pharmacy. As pharmacists, we must work with local, state and national leaders to create necessary changes for improving pharmacy and healthcare, and MPhA provides an appropriate avenue for this type of collaboration. I have a calling to serve the organizations in which I believe. MPhA is the voice of pharmacy in MN, and it must continue to influence the future of pharmacy and healthcare. I hope to continue to play a part in this crucial role. Reid's Biography: I am a lifelong resident of Minnesota where I grew up in Esko, just south of Duluth. I received an undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the College of St. Scholastica, and a PharmD and PhD (in Social and Administrative Pharmacy) from the U of MN College of Pharmacy. During graduate school I worked as a casual pharmacist with Essentia Health's community pharmacies in Duluth and in the surrounding area. After completing my graduate education in May 2015, I began my career with Ventegra, a Pharmacy Services Administrator based out of Glendale, CA. As it is a virtual company, I am fortunate to work out of my home office in Minnesota (with just a bit of traveling). I have several roles within Ventegra, but the majority of my time involves clinical account management, clinical programs development, and business development. A little bit about Reid: I live in Esko (15 miles south of Duluth) with my wife Kristen, who is an inpatient pharmacist at Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospital, and our three-year-old son, Graham. Our home borders Jay Cooke State Park where we like to run or hike in the summer and cross-country ski in the winter. We also golf in the summer and spend time playing all sorts of card and board games with friends. |
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