TORONTO — The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) announced Thursday that Sandra Hanna will take on the role of interim chief executive officer effective September 3, 2019.

“On behalf of the board of directors, members and associates of Neighbourhood Pharmacies, I am pleased to announce the promotion of Sandra Hanna to interim CEO,” says Karl Frank, chair of the board at Neighbourhood Pharmacies. “Sandra is a proven leader with a thorough understanding of pharmacy practice, operations and business development that will assist members and the Association to address the industry headwinds and future opportunities. She is a charismatic and collaborative team player with a talent for motivating people and delivering results. She has the unanimous support of the Board.”

Hanna is a graduate of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, a practicing pharmacist, and currently completing her Masters in Health Law at Osgoode Hall Law School. Hanna transitions into the interim CEO role after serving for the past two years as the Vice President, Pharmacy Affairs at the Association. Hanna will be focused on executing the remaining two years of the three-year strategic plan and helping to navigate the pharmacy industry through transformation while continuing to build strong relationships with stakeholders.

“I’m honored and excited by the opportunity to lead Neighbourhood Pharmacies’ team, to represent Canada’s leading pharmacy brands,” says Hanna. “Thank you to Justin Bates who has led the Association over the past 3 years and to the Board for its confidence in me. It’s an exciting time in pharmacy. There are many opportunities ahead and I am looking forward to working with our members and associate members – some of the industry’s greatest leaders, to continue to innovate, and carry out the Association’s ambitious strategic plan and execute on our vision for pharmacy.”

Prior to her role at Neighbourhood Pharmacies, Hanna’s counsel was sought by pharmacy retailers, manufacturers and service providers in her capacity as chief innovation officer at Gold Links Health Solutions. She continues to practice in an independent pharmacy in Guelph, Ontario and has a passion for innovation in health care.