AUSTIN, Texas — The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) presented Heather Zenk, president of Supply Chain Operations and Distribution Services, AmerisourceBergen, with the Distribution Management Award for Industry Leadership. The award, which recognizes an individual for their exceptional contributions to the pharmaceutical distribution industry, was presented today at the HDA 2022 Distribution Management Conference in Austin, Texas.

“Heather is an extraordinary industry leader,” said Chester “Chip” Davis, Jr., president and CEO of HDA. “She brings to her work a relentlessly patient-focused perspective and expert technical knowledge that has enhanced supply chain security and protected our healthcare supply, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she has helped lawmakers and others understand the unique complexities behind the safe and efficient delivery of medicines and healthcare products. HDA is delighted to present her this leadership award in recognition of her achievements and the accomplishments that are sure to follow.”

Zenk oversees AmerisourceBergen’s entire U.S. distribution network of human and animal health products. She also leads the company’s COVID-19 response team, helping AmerisourceBergen team members, hospital systems and dispenser customers as well as manufacturer partners navigate the challenges of the pandemic.
She played an integral part in the development and enactment of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA, Title II of the Drug Quality and Security Act). She has subsequently worked to develop technical solutions for implementation, while ensuring that pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors and dispensers understand their unique regulatory responsibilities under the law. Further, through her extensive knowledge of DSCSA and product availability issues, Ms. Zenk has sought to educate lawmakers and regulatory agencies alike on the distribution industry’s commitment to the safe and reliable access of lifesaving medications for Americans.

Zenk is a longtime, active participant in HDA, and has served as a member of the organization’s Industry Relations Council, Traceability Implementation Work Group and Women’s Executive Forum Advisory Board. She is a frequent speaker at HDA events, including the Distribution Management Conference, Traceability Seminar and International Pharmaceutical Distribution Conference, and other industry conferences in the U.S. and around the world. Zenk also contributed to and led several teams recognized with HDA’s Distribution Management Award — in 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Over a 20-year career, Ms. Zenk has employed her pharmacy, procurement, distribution and supply chain experience to a range of roles at AmerisourceBergen. She previously served as Senior Vice President of Replenishment; Vice President of Secure Supply Chain Operations; and ran the company’s Romeoville Distribution Center. She also was an SAP business liaison and ran operations at the AmerisourceBergen Canadian distribution network. Previously, Zenk was a pharmacist and manager of generic procurement and strategic solutions for Walgreen Co.

A graduate of the College of St. Benedict, she received her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota.