Butler named president of pharmacy group

    The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy’s Lakesha Butler, PharmD, BCPS, has been named president of the National Pharmaceutical Association. Butler, a clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and coordinator of SOP Diversity and Inclusion, was inducted during the NPhA/SNPhA annual convention held this summer in Charlotte, N.C.
    Butler’s vision for her two-year term is A.C.T.I.O.N. in Excellence. She plans to lead her colleagues with a focus on Advocacy, Collaboration, Transformational Branding, Inclusion, Operational Excellence and Next Generation Preparation.
    “It is a tremendous task to lead a national organization, but I am more than ready for the challenge,” Butler said. “The National Pharmaceutical Association is dedicated to representing minority pharmacists and underserved communities on crucial issues affecting healthcare and pharmacy, which I am truly passionate about. I see my presidential role as service to my profession, but more importantly, to patients.”
    “Leading an organization and working with a variety of persons on my board and general membership allows me to hone my communication skills and motivate others to do their best,” she said. “Additionally, I get to further practice my leadership style of coaching and modeling, which I use when teaching students. Service is not an option, it is a responsibility, and I can be an example to my students and patients by showing the importance of impact through service in this national leadership position.”
    Butler has been a strong leader who makes a positive influence on SOP students. She has served as the faculty advisor for the Student National Pharmaceutical Association SIUE chapter for more than 10 years.