ARLINGTON, Va. — Steve Anderson has announced that he will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), effective December 31, 2026, concluding 20 years of service marked by transformational leadership for the association and the pharmacy industry.
The NACDS Board of Directors will begin a national search for his successor in the weeks ahead. Rick Gates, Chair of the NACDS Board of Directors and Senior Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer of Walgreens, praised Anderson’s legacy of leadership and impact.
“Steve Anderson’s leadership of NACDS over the past two decades has been extraordinary,” Gates said. “He took the helm at a challenging moment, and rebuilt NACDS into one of the strongest, most respected healthcare trade associations in the nation. Under Steve’s leadership, NACDS became financially strong, strategically focused, and nationally influential.”
“During his tenure, pharmacies moved from being underappreciated in the healthcare system to being recognized as essential, frontline providers of care in communities across America,” said Gates.
Mark Griffin, President & CEO of Lewis Drug and NACDS past Chair, and longest serving Board member said, “Under Steve’s leadership, NACDS became a world-class organization—built on a talented, mission-driven team and a culture that consistently delivered results across policy, advocacy, media relations and industry convening. He elevated NACDS’ ability to bring together the full pharmacy sector through best-in-class meetings and events that shaped dialogue, strengthened partnerships, and advanced the industry.”
David Warner, NACDS Vice Chair and President & CEO of KPH Healthcare Services, noted Anderson’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Steve helped position retail pharmacy as a cornerstone of the national response, working with the White House and federal agencies to enable NACDS members to rapidly scale testing and vaccination nationwide—delivering more than 350 million vaccinations and tens of millions of tests. These efforts saved lives, accelerated reopening of the country, and reshaped pharmacy’s role in patient care. This has opened the door for pharmacists to operate at the top of their license. Steve has led the charge for expanded scope of practice for pharmacies across the country.”
Warner added, “Steve’s leadership extended beyond NACDS. For more than two decades, he was a trusted Board member and subsequent advisor to Surescripts—the nation’s critical e-prescribing and health intelligence network—helping to shape its strategic direction and future growth.”
Under Anderson’s leadership, NACDS strengthened its institutional infrastructure and long-term viability. During the financial crisis and its aftermath (2008–2012), Anderson stabilized and rebuilt the association’s financial footing, positioning NACDS for enduring strength and sustainability. At the same time, he advanced the NACDS Foundation as a respected, research-driven organization supporting evidence-based policy and informed healthcare decision-making.
Most recently, Gates emphasized Anderson’s role in enacting pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform into law. “Steve’s leadership helped bring long-overdue transparency and accountability to the PBM market. These efforts represent a major victory for pharmacies and patients alike.”
In announcing his retirement, Anderson reflected on his tenure with gratitude.
“It has been the honor of my professional life to serve as President and CEO of NACDS,” Anderson said. “For more than two decades, my purpose has been to help strengthen and advance pharmacy—so it can continue to serve communities, support American families, and play its essential role in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.”
“I am deeply grateful to the NACDS Board of Directors for its partnership, leadership, and trust over the years,” Anderson continued. “I had the privilege of working with multiple NACDS Boards throughout my tenure, and that collaboration was central to everything we achieved. NACDS has always been at its strongest when the Board, our members, and our extremely talented staff team aligned around a shared mission.”
Anderson noted that one of the most rewarding aspects of his role was working across the full breadth of the NACDS membership. “I had the opportunity to work with the entire sector—from chain pharmacies to associate member companies. Together, we witnessed an evolution in healthcare and helped position pharmacy to adapt, innovate, and move forward.”
“I am especially proud of how this industry rose to meet the moment during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Anderson added. “Amid profound uncertainty, our members, pharmacists, and the NACDS team showed extraordinary commitment—helping the nation and demonstrating pharmacy’s leadership for communities across the country.”
“I’m confident that NACDS is well positioned for the future and that the leaders who follow will continue to build on this progress,” Anderson said. “As for me, this next chapter is about curiosity and purpose—spending more time with family, being involved in the community, and finding new ways to contribute beyond a calendar full of meetings.”
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