Denise Carpenter has joined the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS) as president and chief executive officer.

Previously, Carpenter was president and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association. "Health care is a significant concern for all Canadians, and community pharmacy is playing an increasingly substantial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of our health care system," she stated.

TORONTO — Denise Carpenter has joined the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS) as president and chief executive officer.

CACDS said Friday that in her new role, Carpenter will provide strategic leadership and direction to the association and serve as the primary CACDS representative with federal and provincial governments, pharmacy regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.

"Health care is a significant concern for all Canadians, and community pharmacy is playing an increasingly substantial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of our health care system," Carpenter said in a statement. "I look forward to working collaboratively with governments and our partners in the broader pharmacy community to help bring into focus a future in which pharmacy is enabled and fairly compensated to provide professional, convenient and accessible patient care."

In May, CACDS had appointed Ian McKinnon as interim CEO, taking over for president and CEO Nadine Saby, who resigned.

Previously, Carpenter was president and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA). In holding that post from 2009 to 2012, she led the development and implementation of a multiyear strategic plan to support a renewed vision of growth for the Canada’s nuclear industry. To realize this vision for an expanded industry, CNA enhanced its government and regulatory affairs programs and policy priorities as well as its communications research and initiatives.

Before that, Carpenter was senior vice president of public and government affairs for Epcor Utilities Inc., where she was responsible for the company’s positioning, reputation strategy and communications.

Carpenter has been honored by Global TV as a "Woman of Vision" and by the YWCA with a Woman of Distinction Award, and she has twice been named one of Alberta’s 50 most influential people by Alberta Venture magazine.

CACDS represents operators of nearly 6,000 pharmacies that employ almost 20,000 pharmacists across Canada. Services provided by CACDS include representation of industry viewpoints to governments and stakeholders, authoritative research, and partnership initiatives, all of which are designed to enhance the value of community pharmacy for patients and consumers.