COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The HDA Research Foundation, the non-profit organization of the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA), recognized Michael Conley of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. with the 2018 Nexus Award for Lifetime Achievement at the HDA Business and Leadership Conference in Colorado Springs. The award is made possible through the support of Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group, and Mylan Inc.

From left: John Gray, HDA, and Michael Conley, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

First presented in 1956, the Nexus Award is the pharmaceutical distribution industry’s highest individual honor, recognizing exceptional character; accomplishments; and leadership in HDA, the industry and community.

“As the pharmaceutical industry has changed, Mike’s leadership, built on a foundation of honesty and integrity, has remained constant. In all stages of his career, through his longtime role as the ‘face’ of Novartis trade relations, he has demonstrated a deep industry knowledge and driving passion for his work and peers,” said John Gray, president and chief executive officer, HDA. “HDA and the HDA Research Foundation are pleased to honor his dedication and service through the 2018 Nexus Award for Lifetime Achievement.”

A 30-year veteran of the pharmaceutical industry, Conley began his career at Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals (now Novartis). He has served in a variety of roles at Novartis, including as director of customer development; product manager for Estraderm, as well as the company’s mature product portfolio. He also has held various sales positions, including manager of sales administration for the Ciba-Geigy Specialty Field Force.

Appointed to vice president of trade operations and analytics in 2016,  Conley leads the strategy and implementation efforts for the Novartis trade accounts, customer service, return goods and order management groups, working with key retail and wholesale accounts. He graduated from Old Dominion University.

A champion of HDA, Conley has served as a member and former co-chair of the HDA Industry Relations Council. Additionally, he is a member of the HDA Research Foundation board of directors. Through his strategic guidance, the Foundation launched an initiative to build partnerships with business schools, particularly with supply chain management programs, beginning with Rutgers Business School in fall 2017.

Beyond his professional experience,  Conley has made an impact in the Mendham, N.J., community, where he lives. Among other activities, for nearly 10 years, he has organized the Fore the Kids annual golf tournament benefiting the Spectrum360 school. The tournament raises more than $100,000 annually to serve children, adolescents, young adults and adults on the autism spectrum and with behavioral and related disabilities.

“Mike has been an enthusiastic contributor throughout his many years of leadership in HDA, his work with the HDA Foundation, and most importantly, in his community,” said Perry Fri, executive vice president, industry relations, membership and education, HDA; and  chief operating officer, HDA Research Foundation. “Generous voices like his are an important asset to all, and one of the hallmarks of every Nexus winner.”