February 2026
As we step into the new year, I hope you and your teams are finding both momentum and purpose in the work ahead. This season invites reflection on the progress we’ve made and the leadership it takes to balance the demands of new initiatives, recruitment pressures, and leadership directives. Every day, you navigate complex operational, clinical, and workforce challenges while advancing patient care and supporting your teams. I am continually inspired by the innovation, resilience, and collaboration demonstrated across our section, and I am energized by the opportunity to work alongside you in the year ahead.
One notable strength of ASHP and SPPL is the depth of resources available to support you in your leadership roles. From evidence-based guidelines and policy positions to leadership development programming, networking forums, and practice toolkits, ASHP provides practical support for the real-world challenges pharmacy leaders face. Our section’s webinars, podcasts, and member communities offer opportunities to learn from peers who are addressing similar issues while growing your knowledge base. I encourage you to take full advantage of these offerings and to share your own experiences so we can continue learning from one another. A few recent highlights are mentioned below for your reference.
- A Succession Planning Toolkit to support pharmacy leadership, ensure operational continuity, and enable seamless transitions.
- Pharmacy Technician Mentorship Resource Guide to support effective mentoring relationships and professional development within the pharmacy technician community.
- Employee Engagement & Retention Toolkit to help organizations can support their employees' professional growth, ensure continuity in operations, and achieve long-term success. Additional resources are also underway to help pharmacy leaders and staff navigate generational differences, foster mutual respect, and build stronger, more cohesive teams.
I also want to highlight the recent AJHP publication, titled “Pharmacy executive and mid-level manager perceptions of leadership in contemporary health-system pharmacy.” This survey provides a timely snapshot of the evolving responsibilities and pressures facing pharmacy leaders, including growing operational complexity, workforce strain, and the need for stronger leadership development pipelines. Importantly, the survey underscores the increasing strategic role of pharmacy leaders within health systems and the critical importance of adaptability, communication, and data-driven decision-making. This article not only validates many of the challenges we experience daily but also reinforces the value of engagement within professional communities like SPPL, where shared insight and collaboration can help us navigate these demands more effectively.
Lastly, I want to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of advocacy, another area where our collective voice has never been more important. Pharmacy leaders are uniquely positioned to speak to the value of medication management, workforce sustainability, access to care, and the safe expansion of pharmacist roles across the continuum. Decisions being made at the federal, state, and organizational levels directly affect how we staff our departments, deliver care, and support innovation. Whether through engagement with ASHP-related policy initiatives or outreach in your local communities, your voice helps ensure pharmacy’s perspective is represented in decisions that shape the future of healthcare.
Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to advancing pharmacy practice. I look forward to connecting with you in the coming months and working together to support our future!
With gratitude and respect,
Tony Scott, PharmD, MBA, DPLA, FASHP
