Executive Fellowship Alumni Spotlights

Sajel Lewis, PharmD, BCPS
Senior Manager, Professional Engagement
Board of Pharmacy Specialties
ASHP Executive Fellow 2022-2023

Introduction
My name is Sajel Lewis, PharmD, BCPS, and I currently serve as the Senior Manager of Professional Engagement at the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). In this vital role, I represent BPS at various professional events, fostering influential connections and communications with stakeholders. My responsibilities include strategic planning, environmental scanning, and the development of effective communication strategies, all geared towards promoting BPS as the global standard in pharmacist board certification.

Furthermore, as a crucial member of the BPS PACE (Professional Affairs, Communication, and Engagement) team, I collaborate closely with the 14 BPS Specialty Councils. This role allows me to work alongside our volunteer subject matter experts, who are instrumental in shaping the standards and policies of pharmacist board certification. These councils ensure that our certification process remains robust, relevant, and adaptable, thereby maintaining the global prestige of BPS certifications. As pharmacy continues to evolve and expand, my role at BPS also grows, offering more opportunities to work with diverse experts and continually enriching my professional experience.

Professional Journey
My journey in pharmacy began with a PGY1 hospital residency, a foundational experience that greatly shaped my career. In this role, I worked with interdisciplinary teams and the pharmacy team, including technicians and pharmacists, to deliver high-quality patient care. This residency not only enhanced my clinical skills but also sparked my interest in pharmacy administration, showing me ways to impact patient and pharmacist care beyond direct clinical engagement. After completing my residency, I ventured into the ASHP Executive Fellowship. My residency experience was instrumental here, as it provided me with a deep understanding of ASHP's members and their challenges, allowing me to contribute effectively to projects and initiatives.

During my time with ASHP, working under the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), I was involved in strategic initiatives, practice advancement, and policy development within the pharmacy profession. My role encompassed various aspects of non-profit association management, including HR, finance, marketing, and government affairs. Notably, I led the Pharmacy Accountability Measures (PAM) group and played a key role in developing the Well-Being and Resilience Guide for Residency Programs, leveraging my residency experience to inform these projects.

Fellowship Reflections
The ASHP Executive Fellowship in Association Leadership and Management was a pivotal chapter in my career. It immersed me in the intricacies of association management and provided a foundation in leadership and strategic communication. This fellowship deepened my commitment to making a national contribution to the pharmacy profession. It equipped me to support pharmacy volunteer leaders and subject matter experts more effectively to create resources for ASHP members and improve patient care.

The knowledge and skills I gained during the fellowship, combined with my residency experience, have been integral to my current role at BPS. They provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, particularly in pharmacy practice and patient care. The connections and community I built with health-system pharmacists during this period continue to be significant assets in my professional life.

Advice for Young Professionals
For young professionals aspiring to leadership roles in pharmacy, I advise embracing an open mindset and the readiness to adapt to new opportunities. As Kasey Thompson, the COO of ASHP and Director of the ASHP Executive Fellowship, once told me, "It's good to run towards something, not away." This advice has been pivotal in my career. Pharmacy often leads us down unexpected paths, as it did with my transition to a non-traditional role in association management in Washington, D.C. Stay receptive to the possibilities and the people you encounter along your journey. The field of pharmacy is interconnected, and the relationships you build can have a profound impact on your career trajectory.

In the dynamic healthcare landscape, especially in pharmacy, adaptability and a continuous learning mindset are essential for success. Engage in diverse roles, seek mentorship, and be open to new ideas. Remember that leadership is as much about personal growth and resilience as it is about managing teams and projects. Every experience, challenge, and opportunity you embrace contributes to your journey, shaping you into an empathetic and effective leader in healthcare.

Lance King, BSPharm
Chief Advancement Officer
Success Academy Charter Schools
ASHP Executive Resident 1992-1993

Introduction
Since May 2023, I have served as Chief Advancement Officer at Success Academy Charter Schools (SA), one of the fastest-growing and highest-performing public charter school networks in the country. SA is the fifth largest school district in New York State, serving more than 20,000 K-12 students in 53 schools across New York City, more than 95% of whom are students of color and more than 75% are economically disadvantaged. I lead a team of 20 fundraising professionals responsible for a $500 million campaign, securing philanthropic resources that fund SA’s innovation and growth.

Professional Journey
After completing my year-long fellowship (then known as the ASHP Executive Residency in Association Management), I was offered an opportunity to join ASHP’s government affairs team as a Regulatory Affairs Associate, monitoring the activities and rulemaking of various federal regulatory agencies that impact pharmacy practice (e.g. FDA, DEA, HHS, OSHA, and others), as well as lobbying for ASHP’s position on significant healthcare reform efforts by the Clinton administration. Later, I was asked to lead the launch of the ASHP Student Forum as its first Director and to serve as ASHP’s liaison to what was then only 76 colleges of pharmacy.

In 1995, my alma mater came calling, and I became the first full-time Director of Development for the College of Pharmacy at The University of Texas at Austin, as the university was preparing to launch its first-ever $1 billion campaign. I later returned to the ASHP Research & Education Foundation as its first Director of Development to lead the Foundation’s endowment campaign which I had previously suggested to honor my mentor and retiring ASHP CEO, Dr. Joseph A. Oddis. I later became the Foundation’s first Director of Programs. In 1999, I returned to UT Austin, first to the College of Pharmacy, and later moved on to lead the corporate and foundation relations team for the overall University campaign, a decision which cemented my career path in philanthropy.

After a combined 11 years at ASHP and UT Austin, I went on to hold fundraising leadership positions at the University of Colorado Foundation and Stony Brook University before serving as Executive Vice President at Grenzebach Glier & Associates, an international philanthropic management consulting firm. Later, the San Francisco Symphony brought me out west before I returned to Colorado to be part of an historic effort with others at the Gill Foundation to secure marriage equality for all LGBTQ Americans. At the beginning of 2018, I moved back to New York where I was honored to join the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation as Chief Development Officer, leading all fundraising efforts for the Foundation and the Clinton Presidential Center – coming full circle with my D.C. experiences in the 1990s. (It’s worth noting that President Clinton remains grateful to the pharmacy associations that supported his efforts to pass comprehensive healthcare reform legislation.) After more than five years at the Clinton Foundation, I was recruited to Success Academy.

Fellowship Reflections
My professional identity and career trajectory have been significantly shaped and influenced by my early and invaluable experience as an ASHP Executive Fellow in Association Leadership and Management. I shall be forever indebted to the individuals who made the program what it is today and left an indelible mark on me and so many others, namely the visionary leadership of Dr. Joe Oddis and my incredible preceptor Dr. Mary Jo Reilly. In addition, Bill Zellmer, Chuck King, Stan Lowe, David Almquist, and many other ASHP executives, staff, and board members made time for me, counseled me, and provided context for policies, organizational dynamics, and decisions, both large and small.

Through the program, I began to develop what became for me somewhat of a “sixth sense” of contextual competence. To me, contextual competence was a key ingredient in the “secret sauce” of the program, and it has served me well for 30+ years. Understanding cause-and-effect relationships within an organization, the interdependencies of departments and teams, and being able to recognize and evaluate the broader implications of decisions and actions have proven invaluable to me. A keen sense of contextual competency has enabled me to better navigate large, complex organizations, internal politics, and staff-volunteer relationships, making me more nimble, more self-aware, and more adaptable. In short, a better leader and more adept manager.

Advice for Young Professionals
The association world and the larger nonprofit sector has grown and changed dramatically over the past 30 years, spawning the creation of enumerable post-secondary, graduate, and post-graduate programs focused on nonprofit management and leadership. I was fortunate that a hallmark of my UT pharmacy education was a commitment to student professional development, exposure to professional pharmacy associations, and an awareness of programs like ASHP’s.

What Joe Oddis had the foresight to create back in 1968 was unprecedented and has stood the test of time, continuing to evolve with ASHP and the sector. When I applied for the program, I saw an opportunity to combine my hard-earned degree in pharmacy with my passion for policy and politics. And yet, it would become so much more than that, and has led to a true vocation.

My advice to young professionals is to find your passion and follow it with all your heart and all deliberate effort. The ASHP Executive Fellowship opened the world to me and reinforced that I alone was responsible for my career trajectory. And what a ride it has been. It also affirmed the critical role and importance of caring, selfless mentors, and I am forever grateful to them for the potential they saw in me.

Mark Hayes, BSPharm, JD
Senior Vice President, Policy and Advocacy
Ascension
ASHP Executive Resident 1988 - 1989

Introduction
In the complex world of health policy and law, few professionals carry the dual distinction of being both a pharmacist and a lawyer. Mark Hayes is one such individual whose career trajectory encapsulates over two decades of influential work in health care legislation and policymaking. Hayes served as ASHP Executive Resident from 1988 to 1989, during which he had experience under the mentorship of Joe Oddis and Mary Jo Reilly, who launched his career in health law and policy in Washington. His journey is a testament to personal achievement and reflects the broader U.S. health care policy shifts over the years.

Professional Journey
Hayes's career is notably marked by his tenure on the staff of four U.S. Senators, a role that placed him at the heart of health care reform discussions in the country. His most significant contribution came as the Health Policy Director and Chief Health Counsel for the Senate Finance Committee under Senator Chuck Grassley. Here, Hayes's expertise was instrumental in drafting and negotiating critical health care provisions within landmark legislation, including the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit and Medicare Advantage programs in the Medicare Modernization Act and an influential role in the creation of the Affordable Care Act. These pieces of legislation were pivotal, reshaping the landscape of Medicare, Medicaid, and the broader health care system in the United States.

In 2015, Hayes embarked on a new venture, founding Hayes Health Policy Strategies PLLC. He established this firm to provide strategic legislative and regulatory counsel to diverse health care clients. His work involves a deep dive into the legislative framework, where he crafted policy options and advocated for his clients' interests before the halls of Congress and regulatory bodies. This role demands a thorough understanding of health policy and a nuanced appreciation of the legislative process, the communication process of public affairs, and the political dynamics of Capitol Hill.

Before founding his firm, Hayes was a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig LLP, where he represented a broad spectrum of clients in the health care sector. His responsibilities ranged from guiding hospital systems through the regulatory aftermath of the Affordable Care Act to advising trade associations on policy and legal strategy. His experience at Greenberg Traurig underscored his ability to navigate the complex regulatory environment post-ACA, providing clients with insights and strategies to adapt to the new health care paradigm.

His efforts in community health initiatives further distinguish Hayes's career. While serving as Vice President of Saint Louis 2004, he was instrumental in spearheading initiatives to revitalize the St. Louis region, focusing on enhancing health outcomes and reducing disparities. His creation of the Access to Health Partnership, which evolved into the Saint Louis Regional Health Commission, underscored his dedication to enhancing healthcare access and outcomes. His pivotal role in obtaining federal funds for improving the streetscape of Washington Avenue in Downtown St. Louis played a crucial part in its revival. This turnaround transformed a zone plagued by years of urban decay into one of St. Louis's most sought-after neighborhoods. Hayes also led the effort to mobilize a strategic coalition of business leaders, top elected officials, and community influencers to advocate in Congress, securing $18.9 million in federal funds for priority initiatives to contribute to the St. Louis revitalization effort.  His work in this area demonstrates a commitment to shaping policy at the national level and driving change at the community level, addressing the social determinants of health, and improving the lives of individuals.

Hayes also serves in a leadership position for the Saint James United Methodist Church, where he served for ten years as the Chair of the Church Council, the church’s leadership team. During this period, Saint James UMC partnered with the District Office for the Northern Virginia District to combine their adjoining properties. With Hayes’s leadership and the partnership with Pastor James Henry, Saint James embarked on this transformative journey in 2013, selling its three-acre property in the Beauregard neighborhood in 2015 to AHC, a nonprofit developer. This collaboration led to the creation of St. James Plaza, a 93-unit affordable housing complex that has quickly become a home for many. While the church transitioned to a smaller, renovated building nearby, this endeavor revitalized the community. It also strengthened the congregation, drawing in new members inspired by the church's commitment to its mission. Hayes continues to serve Saint James UMC today as the staff parish relations committee chair.

Since February of 2016, Mark has served Ascension where he is currently the senior vice president of policy and advocacy. Ascension is one of the nation’s leading non-profit and Catholic health systems, with a mission of delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with particular attention to serving those living in poverty and the most vulnerable. His responsibilities include shaping federal and state policy strategies to advance Ascension's Strategic Plan. His leadership role focuses on external advocacy, engaging with federal and state policymakers to align with Ascension's goals. He collaborates with internal leaders as the organization navigates the immediate and long-term political and policy landscape. By focusing on Ascension's Mission, Vision, and Values, he ensures that policy development and advocacy efforts are consistent and reflect the organization's priorities, thereby steering Ascension through the complex healthcare policy environment with a clear and focused approach.

Fellowship Reflections
ASHP’s Executive Residency laid the foundation for Hayes, and his educational background as a pharmacist, coupled with his legal acumen, equips him with a unique lens through which to view health policy. His Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law have provided him with the multidisciplinary background necessary to navigate the complex intersection of health care, law, politics, and policy.

Hayes recalls many vital learnings and experiences from the ASHP Executive Residency. The opportunity to be mentored by Joe Oddis was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Joe taught so much through the example he set for those around him. There were many one-on-one sessions about leadership and management style and discussions about the profession's opportunities and challenges. It was apparent he cared personally for everyone at ASHP, which came through in how he was always present with whomever he was with. Anyone in ASHP could join him in the conference room at the end of the day to discuss issues or unpack a particular challenge facing the association. Joe was proud of what ASHP had achieved, and he would tell stories of the early days when ASHP was just forming and was working out of the basement at APhA. Joe always listened carefully and sought ways to lead ASHP to further success. Joe was also a leader internationally. His example set a vital lesson about how the profession benefits from engagement worldwide, looking for ways to shape the profession, and learning from leaders in other countries. He taught his leadership style through his example of treating everyone with respect, offering feedback by asking insightful questions, and leading the other person to explore new ideas and ways to overcome challenges.

Mary Jo was also an essential influence and mentor for the residents. Mary Jo was the COO and number two at ASHP. She ensured things got done, and her example demonstrated the value of hard work. There were many sessions with Mary Jo discussing the operational ins and outs of running an association and how to meet the daily challenges effectively. Mary Jo was the moving force responsible for ensuring everything ran smoothly– ensuring the organization stayed on track and the guiding hand behind everything ASHP did. Her caring and consistent guidance throughout the residency was essential to the program's lessons and success.

Advice for Young Professionals
The ASHP Executive Residency was foundational for Hayes. The experience provided crucial leadership, management, and hard work lessons that launched his career in Washington. As the health care landscape continues to evolve, professionals like Mark Hayes play a critical role in shaping the policies that will define the future of health care in America. His career is an example for aspiring health policy professionals, illustrating the impact one can have through a dedication to public service, a commitment to health care reform, and an unwavering belief in the power of policy to transform lives.

John Coster, BSPharm, MPH, PhD
Senior Technical Advisor, Medicare Drug Rebate and Negotiation Group
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
ASHP Executive Fellow 1984 – 1985

Introduction
For the last 10 years, I have been working at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is an operating Division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. From August 2014 through August 2022, I served as the Director of the Division of Pharmacy for the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, which is responsible for operating the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, as well as working with state Medicaid programs on their pharmacy coverage and reimbursement policies. Since September 2022, I have been serving as Senior Technical Advisor in the Medicare Drug Rebate and Negotiation Group, which is in the Center for Medicare, and is responsible for setting up the new Medicare drug rebate and drug negotiation program.

Professional Journey
In 1984, I graduated with a B.S. in Pharmacy from St John’s University College of Pharmacy in New York. After completing my ASHP Executive Residency in 1985, I completed a Ph.D. in health policy at the University of Maryland Graduate School and then worked on Capitol Hill for four years for the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. I like to think I was hired because I was a pharmacist. My responsibilities for the Committee included drug pricing and pharmacy access issues, and I worked on legislation relating to Medicaid drug pricing, pharmacy Drug Utilization Review (DUR) and the 340B Drug Discount Program. After leaving Capitol Hill, I worked on legislative, regulatory and policy issues for various national pharmacy organizations before joining CMS in 2014.

Fellowship Reflections
Having been active in student pharmacy associations in pharmacy school, I was bitten by the political bug early on, so the ASHP residency gave me a chance to move to Washington D.C. right after graduation and evaluate whether I wanted to make a career out of pharmacy and health care policy and politics. And the residency helped me do so. In fact, I stayed in the Washington area for 36 years because the residency gave me the opportunity to see how good effective pharmacy associations, like ASHP, advance the policy agenda for the profession and patients. And I wanted to make that my career. But the residency gives you a broad overview of everything that a well-run professional association does. So, if government affairs is not your passion, then you will learn about how to run meetings, structure educational sessions, perform association governance, run foundations, recruit and retain members, and other aspects.

Advice for Young Professionals
You never know where your career will take you. I started working in a pharmacy at 16 years old stocking shelves, went to pharmacy school, and by chance ended up on Capitol Hill and working for CMS. Be open to new and different opportunities. Do something out of the box and out of your comfort zone. I appreciate all the various opportunities that have been presented to me because of my pharmacy background. Pharmacists have a great technical knowledge that is helpful in policy making, especially given the significant issues relating to access and the cost of medications. Pharmacists have great respect up and down the line.