ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Thomas O’Donnell is slated to join the National Association of Chain Drug Stores as vice president of federal government affairs.

NACDS said Thursday that O’Donnell will start in the post on July 9 and will report to Carol Kelly, senior vice president of government affairs and public policy.

Currently, O’Donnell serves as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman (D., N.J.).

"We are thrilled that Tom will soon join NACDS’ highly regarded and highly effective government affairs and public policy team," NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson said in a statement. "Tom’s extensive legislative and political experience position him exceedingly well to serve as NACDS’ chief legislative advocate for community pharmacy"

Before his role with Rothman, O’Donnell was chief of staff to Rep. Phil Hare (D., Ill.) and Rep. Rush Holt (D., N.J.). O’Donnell also served as a professional staff member on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and held legislative positions with Reps. Lane Evans (D., Ill.) and Patricia Schroeder (D., Colo).

"In this key role, Tom will spearhead the strategic direction for and overall management of NACDS’ federal legislative advocacy program, including serving as a resource and advocate on Capitol Hill and advancing the association’s grassroots and political affairs activities," Anderson stated. "Tom understands the dynamics of politics and policy and will work to enhance NACDS’ positions on issues that impact community pharmacy and patient care."