Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by Hurricane Irene and the recent earthquake (they should name earthquakes). Our own staff fared well, with only minor damages and power outages reported. Following is the thank you I sent to our own team immediately after Irene:

Joey, Will, Leroy, Louis, Andre, Keith, Jule, Mallery, and Joe,

Thank you so much for your vigilance this past weekend in protecting 2215 from the winds of outrageous fortune! You guys rock. I got regular updates and despite it being my job to worry, never had to because I knew you were doing everything possible to ensure our building weathered the storm, AND the earthquake. I understand we’ll be doing some additional evaluations of the building to ensure there was no lasting damage from either event. Meanwhile, I want to acknowledge that your early action prevented what would have almost certainly been significant damage to our seasonal enclosure (tent) on the Potomac Terrace. Monitoring for water table changes and possible leakage assured us that if something had failed, we would have been ready to respond.

On behalf of the staff, leadership, and membership of APhA, thank you!

Dick Penna, a long-time leader in the profession, former APhA staff member and former Executive Vice President (EVP) of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), passed away on August 17. While we knew it was coming, today there’s a hole that used to be filled by his smile, warmth, and bigger-than-life optimism. Life goes on, and I know Dick was prepared for this better than we were, yet it’s a good time to reflect on his life and what he contributed to so many.

I spoke with Ed Feldmann, former APhA staffer, last week about Dick. The two were contemporaries at APhA. Ed joined the staff in 1959, and Dick was on the APhA staff from 1966 until 1985 when he left to join and ultimately lead AACP as EVP.

Ed told me that Dick led professional affairs at APhA. The Remington Honor Medal (Penna was the 2002 recipient) profile says Dick was executive secretary of the Academy of General Practice of Pharmacy, later to become the Academy of Pharmacy Practice. He was from California and was considered APhA’s point man on the cutting edge of a major reshaping of practice. Dick advocated for the pharmacist’s role in medication therapy, which was generally considered taboo at the time by the medical community. Pharmacists were prohibited from “counter prescribing” before Dick, APhA and other leaders effectively showed the way for pharmacists to step up and share their expertise with patients and prescribers.

As part of this revolution, Dick also spurred the publication of the first Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs (the “OTC Handbook”), so that pharmacists who were counseling patients on OTC use would have the resources to do so effectively.

I first met Dick when he was EVP of AACP. He was both gracious and passionate, and was truly a change agent. I enjoyed hearing his stories, and about his love for wine making. I think this photo, which was his Remington portrait, really captures his radiant smile. A love for the profession flows through the Penna family bloodline, as Dick’s brother Peter is also a pharmacist and profession leader. Dick leaves behind a great legacy and through his work and mentorship, we know that countless patients have lived better lives.

We will miss you, Dick.

On August 1, three new staff started. Joe Janela, APhA’s new Chief Financial Officer, Mindy Smith, the new Executive Director of the APhA Foundation, and Abbie Laugtug, Director, Government Affairs, officially joined the APhA team.

Each of these folks brings unique and important skills and energy to our organization. After a week or so of seeing them in action, I’m totally convinced of our wisdom in asking them to join our team.

APhA held our 15th annual Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) on the weekend of July 15–17. In May, I met with the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA–ASP) National Executive Committee, and they asked me, “What can student pharmacists do for the profession?” Share your stories, I said. And lead from where you are, rather than waiting to “be in a leadership position.”

SLI is about leadership. The weekend teaches leadership skills to 180 attendees—student pharmacists and advisors—that they can take back to their chapters. Supported by Procter & Gamble, SLI invites one chapter officer each from APhA–ASP Chapters and satellite campuses. Here are some highlights from the 2011 SLI.

On Friday, student pharmacists conducted approximately 60 visits to Capitol Hill with their Members of Congress and congressional staff. In my welcome address, I described how APhA is an innovative, forward thinking organization that’s historically for stuff. Then breakout sessions focused on fundraising 101, membership recruitment, and working with local organizations. That evening, there were tours of APhA headquarters—including a barbecue dinner on the terrace—and a late-evening scavenger hunt on the National Mall.

That’s right! An old fashioned scavenger hunt with a new twist or two. After the barbecue, each National Executive Committee (NEC) member led students from one or two APhA–ASP Regions on a photo scavenger hunt of the national monuments. The result was some great mingling and team building within each group.

There were multiple recognition categories for the hunt, including the following:

• Enthusiastic: entire team jumping in front of the Lincoln Memorial
• Professional: most creative pharmacy-related picture
• Creative: spell out a pharmacy word, bonus points for the most letters
• One Team: as many people as possible in a human pyramid
• Patriotic: with someone in uniform
• Attention to Detail: with the most unusual animal possible

Sara McElroy, APhA–ASP National President, sent me a couple of photos that I thoroughly enjoyed. I especially liked the one in which Region 3 student pharmacists spelled out “hydrochlorothiazide,” which won in the Creative category. Members of this team were also very proud that the drained reflecting pool was in the background, representing HCTZ’s diuretic effect.

On Saturday, returning presenter Sheryl Benzon of Dream Ventures, Inc., provided an all-day leadership development training seminar that included lessons on leadership skills, interpersonal communication, and getting results. There was also a chapter advisor meeting and regional networking sessions. On Sunday, the five members of the APhA–ASP NEC presented on education, communications, policy and advocacy, awards and scholarships, and updates for the coming year.

I’m privileged to work with the incredibly motivated and talented APhA staff who put together SLI with the student leaders. Through our Association’s investment in APhA–ASP, our profession is dedicated to the success of student pharmacists as our new generation of leaders. For these leaders, and for all of you, I share an old Irish blessing: May you go forward with the strength of three!

For about 159 years, APhA has held open membership elections to determine who leads the organization. Members either self-nominate for President-elect and Trustees positions or are nominated by another member in the case of Honorary President. The nominating committee, appointed by the APhA President, considers all of the nominations and independently slates candidates on a ballot that is intended to maintain diversity, innovation, insight, savvy, and leadership on the APhA Board of Trustees and the organization at large. Paramount to the achievement of those goals is your vote!

Candidates for President-elect for 2012–14 are Nancy A. Alvarez of Chadds Ford, PA, versus Steven T. Simenson of Anoka, MN. Nominated for election to serve the 2012–15 term on the APhA Board of Trustees are: Jean-Venable “Kelly” R. Goode of Richmond, VA, versus Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner of Baltimore and Daniel E. Buffington of Tampa, FL, versus Timothy J. Stroup of Leavenworth, KS. Daniel A. Hussar of Philadelphia is running unopposed as Honorary President.

If you are reading this as an APhA member and haven’t yet voted, what are you waiting for? The deadline for this year’s election is fast approaching, so go now to pharmacist.com to learn more about each candidate and for information on how to vote. It’s a precious right you have to help determine the leadership of your profession, and I guarantee you’ll feel good about it when you complete the 5-minute process.

As always, thanks for reading!

I’m pleased to report that on June 8, ballots for APhA’s 2011 elections process were sent to our members. Depending on voter preference, ballots were sent either electronically or by regular mail. The 2011 APhA Voter’s Guide that contains the bios and election statements for the candidates is posted online. The elections will run from June 8 to July 29. Questions can be addressed to Martha Paterson at mpaterson@aphanet.org. We all owe thanks to the candidates for their willingness to serve.