Jenelle Sobotka, PharmD, FAPhA
(#157) APhA Pres: 2012-13
Academic Journey
Dr. Sobotka received her B.S. and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Iowa.
In 2016, Sobotka was hired by the University of Cincinnati to develop the fully online, MS and Graduate Certificate program in Pharmacy Leadership.
Sobotka has received several honors and awards including the 2024 APhA Gloria Niemeyer Francke Leadership Mentor Award, University of Cincinnati Faculty Excellence Award, the Kappa Epsilon National Career Achievement award and is a Fellow with the FIP, APhA, the Hong Kong Academy of Pharmacy and the National Academies of Practice for health care professionals.
Career Journey
Early roles included community pharmacy and VA Internal Medicine clinical specialist roles in Iowa City. Sobotka then joined the Iowa Pharmacist Association where she held roles in education program development, training and implementation of pharmaceutical care practice, and legislative advocacy for the pharmacists of Iowa.
Sobotka was recruited to Procter & Gamble, serving as Global Director of Professional Relations at their Cincinnati headquarters. After 12 years at P&G, Sobotka left to join Ohio Northern University to support education in leadership development. In 2016, Sobotka joined the University of Cincinnati to develop the fully online MS and Graduate Certificate program in Pharmacy Leadership.
APhA Journey
Sobotka has also had extensive volunteer involvement with pharmacy associations at the state, national, and international level. She was elected to two terms on the APhA Board, while working at P&G. She was 2012-13 President of the American Pharmacists Association. She was the first industry pharmacist elected to the APhA board in over 40 years.
Personal
Hobbies - Professional Involvement: Over 20 years of global experience with the Federation of International Pharmacists (FIP); former Treasurer to their Academic Section and currently serving as Chairman to their Foundation Board. AACP - 2019-20 Chair of the Leadership Development SIG. Appointed to serve on the ACPE International Commission and began a one-year term as the Chair in February 2026.
Married to her high school sweetheart, Jon Sobotka. They have a daughter Jamie, and a son-in-law Chris - with a beautiful grand doggie named Nora.
Mentor?
Tom Menighan, APhA President then CEO - prioritized transparency in his communication and his actions.
Tips for the path toward APhA Leadership/Presidency?
“Just say yes!” If opportunities arise for a position or role, consider two things carefully.
Don’t “over-doubt” yourself and your qualifications. Don't overthink that you need more preparation/development – when you are qualified. Just Go for It!
Don’t wait for that point in life when you “have more time” to be professionally involved. Leaders are always busy. Yes, you must balance your work/personal life capacity with involvement. But don’t “over-doubt” your capacity to add professional engagement to your life. The rewards personally and professionally will surpass your time commitment and provide lifelong memories and relationships!