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NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson (left) presents NACDS Past Chair John Standley (right) and his wife, Annie, with the 2023 Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award on the final evening of the NACDS Annual Meeting.
PALM BEACH, Fla. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) has recognized NACDS Past Chair John Standley with chain pharmacy’s highest honor: the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award. From 2020-2022, Standley served as president of Walgreens. Previously, Standley served as chief executive officer of Rite Aid from 2010-2019, with the additional title of chairman from 2012-2018.
NACDS presented the award on the final evening of the 2023 NACDS Annual Meeting, held April 22-25.
The prestigious award — established in 1989 — honors an individual who possesses qualities of great leadership, generous spirit, and long-time contribution and service to the industry. The award was renamed in 1996 in honor of Bud (Sheldon) Fantle of People’s Drug Stores.
While leading at both Rite Aid and Walgreens, Standley served on the NACDS Board of Directors twice. He served as NACDS Chair from April 2014 to April 2015 while at Rite Aid.
Previously, Standley served as chief executive officer and board member of Pathmark Stores, Inc. and held executive positions at several other grocery and retail companies, including: Fleming Cos.; Fred Meyer Inc.; Ralphs Grocery Co. and Smith’s Food & Drug.
In December 2022, Standley was elected to NACDS’ Honorary Board of Directors.
NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson said: “Congratulations to John Standley on receiving the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award. I have had the privilege of knowing John since I first met him in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 2008. What really stood out to me, and what I remember most now, was John’s intellect, intuition, and obvious dedication to everything he did.
“NACDS has benefited mightily from John’s vigorous engagement and tremendous leadership as NACDS Chair and while on the NACDS Board. John had a keen ear and eye for the supplier community. In his first remarks as NACDS Chair, he keyed on the value of NACDS to suppliers – from the business opportunities to the fact that NACDS’ public policy positions are pro-patient, pro-consumer, pro-pharmacy, pro-retail, pro-employer, pro-employee, and a positive for America.
“His outstanding legacy remains. John is very deserving of this distinguished award – and we are particularly gratified to bestow this high honor on him during the 90th Anniversary Year of NACDS.”
