It is hard to believe 50 years have passed since I started my journey with ASHP. I remember arriving at the 1978 Midyear Clinical Meeting in San Antonio as a nervous resident and hoping to find my first job. I walked in with uncertainty and left with a profound sense of belonging, knowing I had found my professional home. That Midyear meeting set the course for the rest of my career.

Every part of my ASHP journey — as a volunteer, board member, president, treasurer, and ultimately CEO — has been meaningful because of you. You welcomed me into your hospitals and health systems. You shared your experiences and challenges, and you inspired me with your tireless dedication to the patients who rely on our expertise and care.

We achieved more than I ever imagined when I stepped into this role in 2011. Together, we’ve helped drive the dramatic evolution of our profession through programs and policies that elevate patient care and pharmacy practice. Just this month, we reached a milestone of more than 65,000 members who are committed to shaping the future of the profession.

ASHP’s accomplishments are significant. But what I value most is the incredible pharmacy community that got us here: members who support each other, advocate for patients, and inspire others to do more. Everything ASHP achieves is a result of our members and their expertise and dedication.

I am indebted to the ASHP CEOs who came before me: Gloria Francke, Joseph Oddis, and Henri Manasse, who, together, built this incredible organization and established an enduring legacy of excellence.

I am also profoundly grateful to ASHP’s exceptional staff and senior leadership team, whose tireless work ensures that ASHP continues to meet the evolving needs of our members and a dynamic healthcare landscape, and to our Board of Directors, whose trust and support have provided a steady hand along the way.

I retire confident in ASHP’s bright future. Doug Scheckelhoff, my colleague and friend, will begin serving as interim CEO on Feb. 1. He is an excellent leader and will ensure a strong, seamless transition as the board selects the next CEO. The board will choose someone who embraces ASHP’s mission and culture of excellence and will guide ASHP and its members to new heights.

I end this message and my tenure as CEO with a very full heart. Thank you so very much, as always, for all you do for our patients and our profession.

Sincerely,

Paul

Posted on January 30, 2026