TOPEKA, Kan. – Robert Tinsley has been named chief executive officer of Currus (formerly Kansas Independent Pharmacy Service Corp.), succeeding Pete Stern, who is retiring after 29 years. Tinsley, comes from the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), a national pharmacy group purchasing organization, and resides in Phoenix, Arizona. He most recently served as vice president of Pharmacy Services of IPC.

Jake Windscheffel, chairperson of the Currus board of directors, says the directors are gratified that the extensive search culminated with Tinsley’s selection. “We are extremely pleased to have on board a pharmacy executive with the leadership skills and practical experience that Rob Tinsley demonstrates,” Windscheffel said. “He managed an independent pharmacy for a number of years where he executed strategies for improved patient care and operating effectiveness. As importantly, he has shared that knowledge with other independent pharmacies in his current role with IPC.”

“His expertise will help lead our organization as independent pharmacies face an increasingly challenging, and exciting, future. We are confident he will build upon the strong foundation established at Currus during Pete Stern’s tenure and advance the continued vision for Currus of ‘Supporting independent pharmacies in the pursuit of healthy communities’.”

Currus launched a national search for a new CEO in April, 2019, following the announcement that Stern would be retiring in November after serving as CEO for 29 years. The search attracted candidates from across the country. A board-appointed search committee of independent pharmacists has been assisted by the executive search firm of Gallagher MSA Search, Kansas City, Missouri, in narrowing the applicant pool. Spencer Fane, served as counsel to Currus.

Rob Tinsley’s career has included both the information technology and the independent pharmacy industry. These two careers overlapped about twenty-one years ago. During his time supporting independent pharmacists directly, he has developed a passion for their continued success. He is a thought leader on the “buy and sell” side of wholesale drug distribution and managing the challenges that all pharmacies have with the pharmacy benefit management companies.

Tinsley is expected to be on the job by December 1. Tinsley and his wife, Sonja, and two sons will be relocating to Kansas in the near future. Currus Chief Operating Officer Chellie Ortiz will facilitate the transition. “The directors look forward to working with Chellie to provide a smooth transition to new leadership and thank her for agreeing to serve in this role,” Windscheffel says.