Meijer president and CEO Rick Keyes (l) will serve as NACDS chairman of the board and Kroger Health president Colleen Lindholz to perform duties of vice chair.

ARLINGTON, Va.— NACDS  announced on Wednesday that Rick Keyes, president and CEO, Meijer, Inc., will serve as NACDS chairman, effective June 1. Colleen Lindholz, president, Kroger Health, The Kroger Co., will perform duties of the NACDS vice chair, in addition to her role as treasurer.

Keyes assumes the chairmanship, per the NACDS bylaws, following the transition of outgoing NACDS chairman Richard Ashworth to a new role in a new company.

“Rick Keyes embodies the extraordinary leadership, reliable continuity and vibrant member engagement that are among NACDS’ core strengths,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven Anderson. “Rick brings to the chairmanship a perspective that is crucial to all NACDS chain and associate members alike, which he earned in leadership roles across pharmacy, store operations, supply chain and manufacturing in his more than three decades at Meijer, Inc. In addition, Rick is an extremely dedicated association leader, as demonstrated by his service as an NACDS officer and as a member of the NACDS Executive Committee and Board of Directors.”

Regarding Lindholz’ role, Anderson said, “NACDS also appreciates the willingness of Colleen Lindholz – another brilliant industry leader – to step up and fulfill expanded responsibilities as vice chair for the benefit of the membership.”

“NACDS directly supports the ability of its members to effectively serve the public as both pharmacies and health and wellness destinations. NACDS also plays an equally vital role in serving as a force multiplier of retailer and supplier collaboration, which helps meet the constantly evolving needs of customers and patients. This work is important every day, and has never been more important than now, when we are responding aggressively to COVID-19. I am enthusiastic about working with the entire NACDS board of directors, the organization’s members, and the NACDS staff in this mission-critical work,” Keyes said.