NOVI, Mich.— Chain Drug Marketing Association, Inc., the distributor of the profitable Quality Choice private label program, announced that John Galvan has been elected chairman of the board.

John Galvan

Galvan succeeds Nancy Wharmby who served as chair since 2018. Along with CDMA president Michael Boivin, Wharmby helped lead CDMA to record setting years in growth and profit.

Galvan is the vice president of Operations for Fruth Pharmacy, a family-run company that operates 22 drugstores across West Virginia and Southern Ohio and is typically the go-to retailer in small communities that fly under the radar of large discount stores.

A graduate of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Galvan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. He began his career as a store manager for Walgreens in the Greater Chicago area before moving up in the company to become the Manager of Pharmacy Operations/Marketing. After spending over sixteen years with Walgreens, Mr. Galvan moved to Fruth Pharmacy as a Director of Operations in 2011 before adding his current role as VP of Operations in 2016.

When asked about his new responsibilties, Galvan said “It is an honor to take over as Chairman of the board for CDMA.  This past year has been a trying time for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.  CDMA remained strong during COVID and provided customers with products and services to care for the nation. CEO Mike Boivin and previous Chair Nancy Wharmby, helped lead CDMA through these times to ensure CDMA will continue to be able to provide customers with the products and support needed for a strong future.  I look forward to assisting Mike to grow the strength and variety of products that CDMA has to offer to their existing and new customers.”

Lynne Fruth, president of Fruth Pharmacy commented, ”As the first woman to hold the CDMA Chair, Nancy Wharmby led the Board for two years during a difficult time in our country. Nancy worked closely with CEO Mike Boivin to significantly grow Quality Choice Private Label sales. At the request of the Board, Nancy extended her term for an additional year. Nancy’s leadership and work ethic has brought CDMA to a great place for this transition to industry veteran, John Galvan. John has extensive experience in retail pharmacy and will do a great job helping continue CDMA’s growth.”

Nancy Wharmby, past chair and EVP at Medicine Center Pharmacy added, “CDMA was formed by a group of business professionals with the purpose of helping their businesses become profitable, but also to help each other through the process of collaboration. With a solid industry background, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, John Galvan is uniquely qualified to work with Mike Boivin and the Board to grow CDMA while also focusing on the process of collaboration and growth of CDMA customers. It is a privilege to pass the gavel to John and to wish John, Mike and all associated with CDMA continued growth and success.”