J M Smith Names New Head of Smith Drug Company

PRESS RELEASE

J M Smith Corporation has named Jeff Foreman, RPh, as President of Smith Drug Company. Foreman replaces Ken Couch, RPh, who will retire on May 31 after 35 years with the organization.

Foreman most recently served as Divisional Vice President, Brand and Generic Pharmaceutical Purchasing with Walgreen Co. where he was responsible for US-based brand and generic pharmacy purchasing divisions. Prior to that, Foreman was a Vice President with Cardinal Health, providing leadership in strategic purchasing, marketing and business development.

"Jeff's experience in every facet of pharmacy purchasing, wholesale and distribution, as well as his retail background, will be a tremendous asset to Smith Drug Company as we move forward," stated William Cobb, Chairman and CEO of J M Smith Corporation. "We are in changing times, not only in pharmacy, but in the healthcare industry as a whole. It was crucial to find a leader who has the experience and the skill set to not only meet those challenges, but to surpass them. Jeff is our choice for that role."

"I am thrilled to be joining Smith Drug Company. Throughout my career, I have been impressed with the organization and its rich history in pharmacy, with its reputation for putting the needs of its customers first. Smith Drug Company has proven itself time and again in the market by making business better for pharmacy. I am looking forward to meeting the entire team, our business partners and our customers, and to exploring ways to continue to win together."

A graduate of Ferris State University School of Pharmacy, Foreman began working as a pharmacist in a community pharmacy in Michigan. His pharmacy career includes independent pharmacy, franchise system, regional, mass and national chain experience, as well as experience in wholesale drug distribution and pharmaceutical sales with a leading manufacturer.

"Smith Drug Company has a very robust core business, and I am looking forward to continuing along that path: maintaining our core strengths and to exploring opportunities for additional business with both the upstream manufacturers and the downstream providers."

Foreman and his family are looking forward to being part of the Spartanburg community.

Smith Drug Company is the original division of J M Smith Corporation, and one of America's premier wholesale drug distributors. Launched in 1944, the division serves pharmacies in 21 states, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands through distribution centers in Spartanburg; Paragould, AR; and Valdosta, GA.

South Carolina's third-largest privately owned company, the J M Smith Corporation is headquartered in Spartanburg and operates through six business units: Smith Drug Company, QS/1, Smith Premier Services, Integral Solutions Group, Norgenix, and RxMedic Systems, Inc.