Drug Store News includes five Publix associates on its 2024 list of honorees

Drug Store News honored the accomplishments of five Publix associates on its annual Top Women in Health, Wellness & Beauty list. Among them, Allison Bassett, Leila Blacking, Heather Hughes and Vanessa Vera have been recognized as Rising Stars, while Kimberly Watson has received the prestigious Business Excellence Award.

The Rising Star Award recognizes women who are considered up-and-coming leaders in their profession. A recipient is someone to watch who has had significant accomplishments and/or achieved notable success.

The Business Excellence Award recognizes women who have demonstrated achievement, growth and success. A recipient knows the importance of innovative ideas, education, decision-making, mentoring and community service.

“We are grateful to our leaders for their exceptional contributions to both our company and their communities,” said Publix Vice President of Pharmacy Dain Rusk. “We are proud of their dedication to continually enhancing our industry and fostering an environment of inclusivity. Their efforts serve as a driving force behind the advancement and success of Publix Pharmacy.”

Rising Star Award honorees

Senior Manager of Pharmacy Procurement Allison Bassett

Bassett has been with Publix Pharmacy since 2011, serving in various roles, including pharmacist, pharmacy supervisor, manager of strategic relationships, manager of clinical services and currently serving as the senior manager of procurement. Bassett is a respected and knowledgeable leader who has made a significant impact on every team she has led. She always seeks ways to improve current processes to help her business area achieve its goals.

Manager of Pharmacy Business Development Leila Blacking

Blacking started working with Publix Pharmacy in 2015 in a strategy support position. In 2022, she became the manager of pharmacy business development. In this role, Blacking has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and strategic thinking. She has worked with Publix technology to implement tools that help Publix’s retail associates work more efficiently, allowing them to spend more time serving pharmacy customers.

Pharmacy Regulatory Affairs Manager Heather Hughes

Since 2006, Hughes has held various roles at Publix Pharmacy, becoming the first manager of central processing in 2010 and pharmacy regulatory affairs manager in 2023. She has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and process improvement, notably through her work during the coronavirus pandemic. As the regulatory affairs manager, Hughes promotes regulations to further pharmacy operations and improve patient care.

Manager of Central Fill Operations Vanessa Vera

Vera has eight years of experience at Publix, with roles including pharmacy manager and operations manager at central fill. With almost two decades in the pharmacy field, she has a proven track record as a strategic, resilient and influential leader. Vera emphasizes teamwork and communication for departmental growth. She has worked to build a diverse, engaged and proficient team focused on enhancing patient care through central fulfillment services.

Business Excellence Award honoree

Director of Pharmacy Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Kimberly Watson

Watson joined the Publix Pharmacy team in 2006. She has held various positions on the team, namely as a brand procurement manager and senior manager of pharmacy procurement. She has consistently delivered creative solutions to problems and met key performance indicators. She works with pharmaceutical companies on pricing, was a lead on the commercialization of the COVID-19 vaccine, and is a respected leader devoted to mentoring and developing associates.

To read about the recipients of this year’s Top Women in Health, Wellness & Beauty Award, visit DSN announces 2024 Top Women in Health, Wellness & Beauty winners | Drug Store News.

About Publix Pharmacy

Publix Pharmacy has over 1,300 locations throughout Publix’s eight-state operating area. In addition to the company’s standard retail pharmacy, Publix Pharmacy operates a dual-accredited specialty pharmacy that dispenses and provides support for more complex medications not typically found at traditional pharmacies, such as those developed to treat rare diseases. Customers can create a Publix Pharmacy account through rx.publix.com or by downloading the Publix Pharmacy app to manage and pay for their prescriptions online, receive timely refill reminders and enjoy other services like curbside and drive-thru pickups, and delivery, where available. Publix Pharmacy also administers vaccines for flu, shingles, pneumonia, RSV, COVID-19 and more, and it offers conveniences like syncing prescription refills and medication for pets.

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