DEERFIELD, Ill. — Kermit Crawford, president of pharmacy, health and wellness at Walgreen Co., will retire at the end of this year. He will, however, continue to serve as a senior counselor to president and chief executive officer Greg Wasson.“Words cannot capture the magnitude of Kermit Crawford’s impact on Walgreens and our people, on America’s retail pharmacy industry, and on the health and well-being of millions of customers and patients we have been privileged to serve over the years,” says Wasson. “Kermit has been so much more than a colleague — he has been a mentor, a friend, an inspiration, a guiding light and the architect and driver of Walgreens’ strategy to advance the role of community pharmacy in America.

“Kermit has well positioned Walgreens for the future, and I appreciate his willingness to serve as my senior counselor and continue his remarkable influence on our company and future — and I look forward to working together in our new capacity.”

Crawford plans to join the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy as executive in residence and senior advisor to the dean. He is currently a member of the School of Pharmacy’s board of councilors.

In addition, Crawford will serve as national chair for the American Diabetes Association’s new Ad Council nationwide campaign. He was recently named Volunteer of the Year by the association, which he has long served as a member of the board for the northern Illinois and Indiana region.

“After 31 years with Walgreens, starting as a pharmacy intern in my 20s, the time is right to retire from the company to broaden my horizons and seek new ways to serve,” says Crawford. “I love Walgreens, and cherish my years and friends here and the incredibly dedicated people across the company.”

As he mentioned, Crawford started at Walgreens as a pharmacy intern in 1983. He ascended steadily through the ranks, rising from pharmacist to store and then district manager, ultimately winning promotion to vice president of store operations.

In 2007 Crawford was promoted to corporate senior vice president, followed by his appointment in 2010 as executive vice president of pharmacy services.

In September 2010 he was promoted to president of the division, and a year later his role was expanded to include leadership of all pharmacy, health and wellness services.