2026 Guest CEO Blog: Jeffrey M. Gonzales, PharmD, MS, BCPS, CDCES

Day One

The experience began with the Pinnacle Awards, which provided an inspiring reminder of the profound impact pharmacists and pharmacy leaders continue to have on our profession and the patients we serve.

I was particularly struck by hearing about Kari Trapskin's work in Wisconsin. It is easy to talk about provider status and payment for pharmacy services, but Kari has been doing the hard work of turning those conversations into meaningful action. She has been helping lay the foundation for our profession to not only be recognized for the services we provide, but to be compensated fairly for the value we bring to patient care. Hearing about her efforts reminded me that progress often starts with dedicated individuals willing to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.

I was equally inspired by Wendy St. Peter and the work of AKHOMM. They have tackled a disease state that healthcare as a whole continues to struggle to manage effectively and have developed a blueprint that empowers pharmacists to make a meaningful difference. Beyond creating a successful program, they have demonstrated that pharmacists can lead in complex areas of patient care and achieve outcomes that improve lives.

The work of Amanda Huber and the team at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center Immunization Clinic was another highlight. Their creativity and innovation were remarkable. It was incredible to learn how they took tools and technology originally designed for a different setting and adapted them to improve patient care in the ambulatory environment. Their work exemplifies the ingenuity that exists throughout our profession and serves as a reminder that some of the most impactful innovations come from those closest to patient care.

Day Two

One of the most memorable experiences of the trip was visiting Capitol Hill and advocating for the profession at the national level. As pharmacists, we know the value we bring to patients every day, but it was powerful to participate in conversations aimed at shaping policy and advancing our profession on a broader scale.

The icing on the cake was having the opportunity to share a meal with my local representative, Congresswoman Madeline Dean. Years ago, when I first moved to Abington, Pennsylvania, she represented our community in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. It was incredibly meaningful to see her now serving on the national stage and advocating on behalf of the constituents she has represented throughout her career. It felt like a full circle moment and a reminder of the importance of civic engagement and relationship building.

I also greatly appreciated the opportunity to sit in on discussions with the Foundation Board and hear about the exciting initiatives being considered for the future. Thank you for allowing me not only to observe but also to contribute my thoughts and perspectives. I was energized by many of the ideas discussed, particularly the medication reconciliation project that Ben proposed. The concept has tremendous potential to improve patient care and demonstrate the value pharmacists bring across the continuum of care. I am excited to see how that work develops and the impact it may ultimately have.

Day Three

Tuesday was an absolute whirlwind, in the very best way.

The day began with a meeting with Michael and Ben to discuss APhA, member engagement, and the future of the organization. As someone who deeply values professional involvement, it meant a great deal that they took the time to have such an open conversation and were willing to hear my thoughts and experiences. I left that discussion feeling energized and optimistic about the future of our profession and our organization.

Another unforgettable experience was attending a hearing on Capitol Hill. Seeing the legislative process firsthand was fascinating, but having the opportunity to witness discussions related to ECAPS made the experience even more memorable. It felt like one of those moments where you realize you may be witnessing a chapter of pharmacy history being written in real time.

The meetings that followed were equally impactful. Ruby is an amazing person and leader. I enjoyed the opportunity to talk with Ruby about leadership, career development, and, of course, Philadelphia sports. Hearing about her professional journey and leadership experiences provided valuable insight and perspective.

Visiting Mason's studio and getting a behind the scenes look at the work he does was another highlight. The amount of effort, creativity, and skill required to effectively communicate the profession's story is impressive.

My conversation with Ellyn left me in awe of the tremendous amount of coordination and planning that goes into creating meetings, learning opportunities, and member experiences. It is often easy to overlook the work happening behind the scenes, but her dedication was impossible to miss. It truly reinforced the idea that not all superheroes wear capes.

I also appreciated the opportunity to meet Aneesh and learn more about his work in strategic partnerships. I was grateful that he was willing to hear some of my own ideas and perspectives regarding potential partnership opportunities. It was a great example of the collaborative culture that exists throughout the organization.

Ending the day with Melissa was the perfect way to conclude an incredible experience. Melissa's kindness, positivity, thoughtfulness, and enthusiasm are truly infectious. She creates an environment where people feel welcomed and valued, and it is clear how much she contributes to the culture of the organization.

For me, however, the ultimate highlight was visiting the library. It has always been one of my favorite places within the APhA building. There is something special about being surrounded by the history of our profession. You can almost feel it in the room. Having the opportunity to see the original APhA Constitution was extraordinary. Being invited to sign it was something I never imagined would happen and is a moment I will cherish forever.

Closing

I would like to extend my thanks to you, Ben, Michael Hogue, John, Keaton, Ruby, Melissa, Aneesh, Ellyn, Mason, Mary, Nancy, Elizabeth, Valentino, Amanda, Magaly, Michael Baxter, and everyone else who played a role in making this opportunity possible.

What made this experience so special was not simply the places I visited or the meetings I attended, but the people I met. Every individual I interacted with demonstrated an incredible passion for advancing the profession of pharmacy and improving patient care. The talent, dedication, and vision within APhA and the APhA Foundation are truly inspiring.

What you all do every day is nothing short of magical. You work tirelessly behind the scenes to create opportunities, advocate for our profession, foster innovation, and support pharmacists across the country. Thank you for allowing me to be part of that magic, even if only for a few days.

This experience has left a lasting impression on me, and I will carry the lessons, relationships, and memories with me throughout my career.