NACDS Further Enhances Robust Government Affairs & Public Policy Department in Hiring of Tom O'Donnell as Vice President, Federal Government Affairs

Tom O'Donnell

PRESS RELEASE

Alexandria, Va. — Building on its government affairs and public policy expertise, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) today announced the selection of Thomas A. O’Donnell as vice president of federal government affairs. O’Donnell will report to Carol Kelly, NACDS’ senior vice president of government affairs and public policy. He will begin his new position with NACDS on July 9.

“We are thrilled that Tom will soon join NACDS’ highly regarded and highly effective government affairs and public policy team,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “Tom’s extensive legislative and political experience position him exceedingly well to serve as NACDS’ chief legislative advocate for community pharmacy.”

O’Donnell brings extensive legislative experience to NACDS, currently serving as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ). Previously, he also served as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Phil Hare (D-IL) and Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ). O’Donnell also served as a professional staff member on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and held legislative positions with U.S. Rep. Lane Evans (D-IL) and Patricia Schroeder (D-CO).

“In this key role, Tom will spearhead the strategic direction for and overall management of NACDS’ federal legislative advocacy program, including serving as a resource and advocate on Capitol Hill, and advancing the Association’s grassroots and political affairs activities,” said Anderson. “Tom understands the dynamics of politics and policy, and will work to enhance NACDS’ positions on issues that impact community pharmacy and patient care.”

“As the face of neighborhood healthcare, community pharmacy plays a vital role in improving patient health and reducing costs in the healthcare delivery system. With Tom on board, NACDS will further bolster its commitment to ensuring pro-patient, pro-pharmacy policy solutions at the federal level,” said Anderson.

O’Donnell received his Bachelor of Arts degree from State University of New York at Plattsburgh. He is an honorary member of the Society of the 173rd U.S. Army Airborne Brigade. O’Donnell resides in northern Virginia with his wife, Elisabeth Pepke.