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ARLINGTON, Va. — Senior vice president of member programs and services Jim Whitman is retiring from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores in June, ending an NACDS career of more than 48 years.
In conjunction with Whitman’s retirement, Terry Arth has been promoted to senior vice president of member services and conferences. Currently, Arth is vice president of member programs and services.
Also, Steve Perlowski was promoted to senior vice president of industry affairs and member relations. Perlowski is currently vice president of member relations and industry affairs.
Since joining NACDS in 1977 after earning his business and law degrees, Whitman has been pivotal in advancing the association’s chain and associate members. Throughout his tenure, he has led efforts in organizing NACDS’ premier meetings and conferences, addressing industry affairs, and providing services tailored to members’ diverse needs. He has also made significant contributions to legal and regulatory matters, always focusing on strengthening NACDS’ mission and supporting member businesses.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Whitman has been instrumental in shaping NACDS’ trajectory while honoring its 92-year heritage. He has overseen dramatic changes for NACDS events, including the expansion of the Regional Chain Conference, the launch of the successful Total Store Expo (TSE) in 2013, and the continued elevation of the Annual Meeting as a key industry event.
“When it comes to the singular importance of the membership, Jim has served in many ways as the conscience of the association,” said NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson. “His relentless pursuit of excellence in member service for chains and suppliers has set the standard in our industry and throughout the entire trade association community.”
“Aside from my family, serving NACDS has been the most fulfilling and rewarding aspect of my life,” said Whitman. “In fact, this industry has become like family to me — and to Karen and our two daughters, Lindsay and Dana. It has always been about the members and committing wholeheartedly to their success. The relationships we have forged and the milestones we have achieved together through NACDS are truly extraordinary.
“Our entire team shares this core belief and commitment, and I am enthusiastic about the future of our industry and the critical role of NACDS within it. I have been fortunate to work throughout my career with remarkable NACDS presidents, dedicated industry leaders, talented professionals and an exceptional NACDS team. Our industry and this association will remain an important part of me, and I am extremely grateful for the close friendships made and the opportunities to make a positive contribution to the NACDS members. I look forward to the upcoming NACDS Annual Meeting, to staying in close touch and embarking on new adventures and journeys.”
Arth joined NACDS in 1991. Prior to his current role, he served as senior director of meetings and international programs.
He has played a leadership role in current and prior meetings and conferences of NACDS, including the present day Annual Meeting, TSE and Regional Chain Conference. He was instrumental in the creation and launch of TSE, which combined the NACDS Marketplace Conference, Pharmacy and Technology Conference, and Supply Chain and Logistics Conference. He has helped to pioneer NACDS’ use of technology to enhance all aspects of NACDS’ meetings and conferences — from the member experience to the marketing of the events.
“Terry has served as a visionary, innovative and disciplined leader on the team that has established NACDS meetings and conferences as the gold standard of the industry,” said Anderson. “He is uniquely qualified to continuously raise the bar so that NACDS’ venues and productions remain the unrivaled catalyst for industry collaboration. Meetings and conferences are central to Terry’s professional identity, and he and the team will see to it that the highest level of member service remains the top priority for this association.”
Perlowski joined the staff of NACDS in 1988. He has served in an array of roles focused on member service, industry affairs issue management, and association administration. Currently, he provides staff support to the NACDS Retail Advisory Board, which makes recommendations to the board of directors on total store issues, and he serves on the Coresight AI Council.
He also played leadership roles in prior initiatives of NACDS, including the Supply Chain and Logistics Committee and Conference, Loss Prevention Committee and Conference, American Greetings Research Council, executive development programs at Cornell University and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, MIT Auto-ID Center; Uniform Code Council/GS1 – U.S. Board of Directors, GS1-U.S. Health Care Executive Committee, the Point of Purchase Advertising Institute, and the NACDS Anti-counterfeit Initiative.
“Steve has demonstrated strong leadership, wide-ranging knowledge, and a top-tier commitment to member service throughout his career at NACDS,” said Anderson.“Steve defines service to a truly member-driven trade association.”
