ARLINGTON, Va. – Ben Pearlman, Esq., has joined the staff of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS). He fills the role of director of state government affairs. Most recently, Ben served as senior director of government and public affairs for Shipt, Inc.

Ben Pearlman

At NACDS, Pearlman will lead advocacy efforts in the following states: Connecticut; Delaware; Maine; Massachusetts; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New York; Vermont; and Wisconsin. Coordinating and collaborating with in-state members and partners, he will develop and implement unique state strategies and plans to help address state legislative and regulatory issues impacting pharmacies and the patients they serve.

Pearlman reports to Mike Ayotte, NACDS’ senior vice president of pharmacy, transformation and advocacy. He joins Sandra Guckian, Leigh Knotts, Jill McCormack and Mary Staples on the NACDS state government affairs team.

“Ben brings to NACDS more than 15 years of diverse experience in areas ranging from healthcare to business regulation and other industries,” said NACDS president and CEO Steven C. Anderson. “His expertise in government affairs, regulatory oversight, lobbying compliance and policy implementation will prove a vital addition to NACDS’ pro-patient, pro-pharmacy advocacy at the state level. He will contribute mightily to the Association’s work on behalf of NACDS members and the Americans who rely on them.”

Before working at Shipt, Pearlman led state government affairs in more than 25 states in the northern region of the United States for Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Previously he served as senior manager of government and regulatory affairs for Comcast Cable; as an attorney and lobbyist for Serlin Haley, LLP; as legal counsel for the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture in the Massachusetts General Court; as a federal relations assistant for Indiana University’s Office of Government Relations; and as a legislative correspondent for U.S. Rep Peter Visclosky (D-IN) (1985-2021).

Pearlman earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from American University. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law.

Pearlman started in his new role at NACDS on January 9.