BOSTON – H-E-B was honored for its political engagement during the Political Involvement Reception at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Total Store Expo Saturday night.

NACDS vice chairman Richard Ashworth, president, operations at Walgreens (l) presents the award to H-E-B chief operating officer Martin Otto, a former NACDS chairman of the board and a current NACDS board of directors member.

H-E-B chief operating officer Martin Otto, a former NACDS chairman of the board and a current NACDS board of directors member, accepted the 2019 “Politically Engaged Pharmacy Award,” or PEP Award, on behalf of the company, in recognition of its exemplary leadership and participation in the NACDS Political Action Committee (NACDS-PAC). The award is presented to a company or individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the advancement of pharmacy through political engagement.

“Under the leadership of Martin Otto and his team, H-E-B helped to advance pro-pharmacy, pro-patient legislative priorities, exemplifying their steadfast commitment to these goals,” said NACDS vice chairman Richard Ashworth, president, operations at Walgreens. Ashworth presented the award in his capacity as chairman of the NACDS-PAC.

The bipartisan NACDS-PAC supports federal congressional candidates who advance pro-patient and pro-pharmacy policies.

NACDS also welcomed Major Garrett — CBS Chief White House Correspondent  — as a guest speaker at the event.