MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Upsher-Smith and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) have honored the 2021 NASPA Excellence in Innovation Award recipients. Forty-one pharmacists from across the nation were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the profession of pharmacy. The annual award is coordinated by NASPA and sponsored by Upsher-Smith.

“Upsher-Smith is proud to partner with the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations to recognize deserving pharmacists from across the country who have managed to shine brightly for their patients, even in the shadow of a global pandemic,” said Rusty Field, President and CEO of Upsher-Smith. “These men and women have worked tirelessly to improve patient care in their communities and it is an honor to recognize them for their exemplary service.”

Joni Cover, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Acting CEO of the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations added, “Throughout the pandemic, pharmacists have worked tirelessly on the frontlines to protect patient health. NASPA is pleased to continue its tradition of spotlighting dedicated pharmacists who are advancing the profession of pharmacy. We are very grateful to our longstanding partner, Upsher-Smith, and participating state pharmacy associations for their continued support of the Excellence in Innovation Award.”

The 2021 Excellence in Innovation Award recipients include:

• Alabama: Jessica Hung, PharmD
• Alaska: Erin Narus, PharmD
• Arizona: Nicole Scovis, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CMWA
• Arkansas: Blake Torres, PharmD
• California: Danielle C. Colayco, PharmD, MS
• Colorado: Michelle L. Izor, PharmD
• Connecticut: Amy Ricupero, PharmD, MEd.
• Delaware: Chaitanya Gadde
• Florida: Jade D. Montejo, PharmD
• Georgia: Lindsay J. McCoy, PharmD, BCPP
• Illinois: Harry M. Zollars, PharmD
• Indiana: Patrick Sorgen, PharmD, CSP
• Iowa: Casey Villhauer, PharmD, BCGP
• Kansas: Lawrence Davidow, RPh
• Kentucky: Hope Maniyar, PharmD
• Louisiana: Carl J. Savoie, RPh
• Maryland: Arnold J. Honkofsky, RPh, SCC
• Michigan: Meijer Pharmacy Team
• Mississippi: Anna Kathryn Ward, PharmD
• Missouri: Lisa M. Cillessen, PharmD, BCACP
• Montana: JoEllen Maurer, BSPh, MHA, BCPS
• New Hampshire: Bethany A. Francis, PharmD
• New Jersey: Antonio V. Minniti, RPh, FACA
• New Mexico: Rebecca DeMoss, PharmD
• New York: Mayank Parikh, PharmD
• North Carolina: Claire Austin, PharmD
• North Dakota: Brody Maack, PharmD
• Ohio: Alexa S. Valentino, PharmD, BCACP, TTS
• Oklahoma: Chris Schiller, PharmD
• Oregon: Julie Dewsnup, RPh, CDE
• Pennsylvania: John DeJames, RPh
• Rhode Island: Kerry LaPlante, PharmD, FCCP, FIDSA
• South Carolina: Ranarda Jones, PharmD, MBA
• Tennessee: Jason Vinson, PharmD
• Texas: Aaron Gibson, PharmD, MS
• Virginia: Kristi R. Fowler, RPh
• Washington: Ahmed Ali, PharmD
• Washington, DC: Samir Balile, PharmD
• West Virginia: Matthew Rafa, PharmD
• Wisconsin: Trisha Seys Ranola, PharmD, CDCES, BCGP, FAIHM
• Wyoming: Matt Meyer, PharmD