TORONTO — Denise Carpenter has been named president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores.

Before joining CACDS, she served as president and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) from 2009 to 2012.

In that capacity Carpenter led the development and implementation of a multiyear strategic plan to support a renewed vision of growth for the country’s nuclear industry. To realize this vision for an expanded industry, CNA enhanced its government and regulatory affairs programs and policy priorities as well as its communications research and initiatives.

Previously Carpenter was senior vice president of public and government affairs for Epcor Utilities Inc., where she was responsible for the company’s positioning, reputation strategy and communications.

Carpenter has been honored by Global TV as a Woman of Vision and by the YWCA with a Woman of Distinction Award, and she has twice been named one of Alberta’s 50 most influential people by Alberta Venture magazine.

In May, CACDS had appointed Ian McKinnon as interim CEO, taking over for president and CEO Nadine Saby, who resigned.

CACDS represents operators of nearly 6,000 pharmacies that employ almost 20,000 pharmacists from coast to coast. Services provided by CACDS include representation of industry viewpoints to governments and stakeholders, authoritative research, and partnership initiatives, all of which are designed to enhance the value of community pharmacy for patients and consumers.