It’s time to cast your ballot for the 2026 VPhA Board of Directors!
Take a moment to review your region’s candidates and those running in the general election. Make sure you’re an informed voter.
The Ballots will be emailed soon. If you belong to Region B, E, H, or I you will receive TWO ballots; a Regional Director Ballot and a separate General Election ballot to vote for officers.
General Election
Officers: President-Elect, Treasurer, and Technician Director
President-Elect
Candidates include: Chad Alvarez, PharmD, MBA View Resume/CV
Chad Alvarez, PharmD, MBA currently serves as the System Director of Pharmacy for Carilion Clinic, which includes responsibility for all inpatient and outpatient pharmacy services. Over his last 24 years in healthcare, Chad has practiced in a variety of settings including acute care hospitals, long-term care, Virginia State Psychiatric Hospitals, informatics, and community pharmacy. While at Carilion, he led the implementation of an electronic medical record for pharmacy, developed the first Pharmacist-led smoking cessation program at Carilion Clinic, as well as implemented point-of-care testing in the retail pharmacy setting. He serves as the Residency Director for the PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency and recently led Carilion Clinic’s task force for COVID-19 vaccination efforts across the region and expanded outpatient specialty pharmacy services. Chad has served on the Board of Directors for VPhA since 2021. Still a practicing Pharmacist, Chad enjoys working in the Community Pharmacy setting, providing immunizations and direct patient care.
Why I am interested in Serving VPhA
The opportunity to serve as President-Elect of the Association is an opportunity to serve and to advocate for the role of all pharmacy professionals in the care of patients. As the most accessible healthcare professionals, we serve an important role not only in patient advocacy but in public health. The leadership of the Association needs to have a diverse practice background to help guide the future of our profession utilizing education, technology, clinical expertise, and leadership to foster impactful, meaningful change. We need to collaborate to advance membership, payment reform, and working conditions. We also have an obligation to develop our next generation of pharmacy leaders to move the profession forward.
Treasurer
Candidates include: Jeff Kircher, RPh View Resume/CV
Jeff F. Kircher, RPh is a community pharmacy leader, educator, and author with more than 30 years of experience. A graduate of the VCU/MCV School of Pharmacy and Virginia Tech, he has served as Pharmacy Manager at Vienna Drug Center since 2002, where he leads clinical services, immunizations, MTM, point-of-care testing, synchronization programs, and pharmacy operations.
Jeff is a long-time preceptor for Shenandoah University and VCU, earning Shenandoah’s Preceptor of the Year Award in 2018. He has lectured widely on pharmacy practice, CBD and cannabinoids, business leadership, and nonprescription therapeutics, and has contributed multiple articles to America’s Pharmacist, including an upcoming seven-issue series on transitioning from student to pharmacist.
An active member of VPhA, NCPA, DiversifyRx, and the Vienna Drug Center Leadership Board, Jeff also volunteers extensively in public health, experiential education, and community outreach. His work reflects a strong commitment to patient care, mentorship, and advancing the future of community pharmacy.
Why I am interested in serving VPhA
I am running for Treasurer because VPhA has been part of my professional life since the very beginning and I genuinely care about the future of pharmacy in Virginia. The association has helped to shape me into the pharmacist I am today, and I’d like to give back in a way that supports our members, strengthens our foundation, and makes sure the next generation of pharmacists feels the same sense of belonging and purpose that I’ve always found here.
My leadership extends beyond the pharmacy counter. I co-chaired VPhA’s Workplace Issues Committee, leading to the governor signing a bill limiting a pharmacist’s workday to no more than 12 hours and requiring companies to give pharmacists mandatory breaks. I have spent more than a decade as a preceptor for VCU and Shenandoah University shaping future pharmacists. I have consistently advocated for advancing the profession, mentoring emerging leaders, and building a stronger, more unified pharmacy community across the state.
Over the years, I have devoted myself to serving others—whether it is mentoring students, training new pharmacists, helping patients in my community, or volunteering with the state Medical Reserve Corps. I have authored several articles for America’s Pharmacist magazine advocating for students and their development, dealing with mental health issues and burnout in our stressful work environment as well as supporting the training of future preceptors. I believe deeply in investing in those who will carry our profession forward. Each of these opportunities taught me that people trust you when you show up consistently, and I have built my career on doing exactly that.
As a pharmacy manager for many years, I have been responsible for budgets, operations, inventory, staffing, and the financial health of an independent pharmacy. I have led programs from the ground up-synchronization, immunizations, DME, CBD, MTM, point-of-care testing-each one requiring careful planning, financial oversight, and an understanding of how good decisions today set the stage for sustainable success tomorrow. That’s the kind of mindset I would bring to the role of Treasurer.
Beyond the numbers, what matters most to me are the people; the students finding their confidence during rotations; the patients depending on us when they’re scared or confused; the colleagues navigating a constantly shifting profession; and the members of VPhA who simply want to know that their voices are heard and their dues are being used wisely and transparently.
I want to help ensure that VPhA remains financially strong but stays relevant. I want it to be a place where pharmacists feel supported, informed, and connected. A place that protects our profession and uplifts our pharmacists.
If you vote for me, you are voting for someone who:
- Shows up fully and consistently
- Leads with integrity and transparency
- Cares deeply about the people behind the profession
- Believes in building a healthier, more unified future for Virginia pharmacy
VPhA has been important to me for 30 years. I would be honored to serve as your Treasurer and continue giving my time, my energy, and my experience to an organization that has given me so much. Thank you for your support.
Technician Director
Candidates Include: Mehdi Aghabeh, CPhT and Hannah Hilliard, CPhT
Mehdi Aghabeh, CPhT View Resume/CV
I was born and raised in a pharmacy and at a young age knew I wanted to help people. My grandfather started Vienna Drug Center in 1965. It is where my love of helping people started. I would work odd jobs around the pharmacy which included cleaning, later becoming a delivery driver, and a cashier. While working as a delivery driver, you could truly see how the patients were positively impacted by the services we offered at the pharmacy. After acquiring my technician license in 2005, I was able to help patients even more. My grandfather and uncle took the time to teach me about compounding as well as how important we are to the community and them to us. That’s when my passion for the profession grew tremendously.
I’ve lived in Richmond since 2009 and have been with Bremo Pharmacy since 2020. The hats I wear are innumerable, but each one is just as important as the next. The one I hold to be very important is being one of the instructors for our Technician Training Program at Bremo, helping educate and shape the next batch of future pharmacy technicians. I enjoy teaching them the ins and outs of compounding and how important it is for patients. Overall, their learning from other seasoned technicians gives them a wonderful glimpse into all that is possible for technicians to do.
I enjoy doing many things outside of work, but my passions are music, cars, cooking, and my dog Roxy. Thank you for your consideration
Why I am interested in Serving VPhA
I’m excited to pursue a seat on the Virginia Pharmacy Association board because I’m passionate about moving our profession forward, especially for pharmacy technicians. Working in a fast-paced community pharmacy, I’ve learned to wear many hats, and that experience has fueled my drive for advocacy, leadership, education, and the craft of compounding. Since joining VPhA in 2020, I’ve seen the tremendous impact this organization has on our profession, and I’m eager to help expand that influence. I want to be a strong voice for technicians, pushing for greater responsibilities, stronger recognition, and more opportunities to grow. I’m ready to bring energy, insight, and dedication to the board as we shape the future of pharmacy in Virginia.
Hannah Hilliard, CPhT View Resume/CV
Hannah Hilliard, CPhT may be on the newer side of being a certified pharmacy technician, but she is no stranger to the world of pharmacy. After nearly five years at Jefferson Pharmacy, beginning as a clerk and now serving as Lead Pharmacy Technician, she has developed a deep passion for patient care, technician advancement, and the vital role pharmacy plays in community health. Hannah completed her technician training through Bremo Pharmacy’s Technician Training Course and also holds a Community Health Worker certification, further expanding her ability to serve patients with compassion, knowledge, and empathy.
In her current role, Hannah oversees daily technician operations and immunizations, while also working closely with her pharmacists to foster a supportive, growth-centered work environment. She is especially dedicated to elevating the voices of her fellow technicians and helping them recognize the wide range of opportunities available to them beyond traditional dispensing responsibilities. Her commitment to patient relationships, knowing many by name and striving to brighten their day with every interaction, is the driving force behind her work.
Hannah has always known she wanted to work in healthcare in some capacity, and becoming a pharmacy technician has been the perfect fit. She is currently completing her pre-requisite coursework with plans to pursue pharmacy school and continue her career as a pharmacist. Outside of the pharmacy and school, Hannah can often be found at the barn with her horse, Phira, enjoying the balance and joy that riding brings to her life.
Why I am Interested in Serving VPhA
Working in an independent community pharmacy has shown me how essential pharmacists and their technicians are to expanding access to care and supporting patients through every stage of their health journey. I am committed to advocating for the advancement of our profession and ensuring that not only pharmacists, but also technicians, across Virginia feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. If elected, I look forward to bringing a strong community-focused perspective, contributing fresh ideas, and championing initiatives that elevate the technician role while strengthening VPhA’s mission to improve pharmacy practice and the health of our communities.
Regional Directors
Region B (Southside, Roanoke Valley)
Candidates include: Martha Adkins, PharmD; Adrian Wilson, PharmD; Jessica Wilson, PharmD
Martha Adkins, PharmD View Resume/CV
Martha Adkins, PharmD graduated from Florida State University in 1998 with a BS in Science and went on to obtain her Pharm D/MBA from Shenandoah University, graduating in 2004. In 2005 she completed a community pharmacy residency with Virginia Commonwealth University. While there, she helped to develop Kmart’s immunization program. Upon completion of her residency, she became a staff pharmacist with Ukrop’s Pharmacy in Midlothian, VA, where she provided patient care services such as immunizations, diabetes education, and smoking cessation. After relocating to her hometown of Danville, VA, she began working for Sam’s Club Pharmacy in 2008 where she is currently practicing. She is currently the Clinical Services Champion for her market. She has a passion for diabetes education and managment and leads a monthly diabetes support group. She is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and is a Certified Pod Trainer for Insulet’s Omnipod.
Martha has been an active member of VPhA for over 20 years and currently serves on the VaPAPP committee. She has previously served several terms as director of Region B on the VPhA Board of Directors. She is also a member of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. Community involvement is also a priority. She frequently speaks to senior groups on a variety of health issues. She served in various roles and as President of the Junior Wednesday Club, a local civic organization. For the past nine years she has coached her daughter’s cheerleading squad. In 2013, she received the VPhA Academy of New Practitioners “10 under 10” award. In 2020, she was named Sam’s Club Pharmacist of the Year and the Pharmacist of the Year for Market 705 in 2023.
When she isn’t practicing pharmacy, she enjoys dancing and spending time with her husband Roger, and two children, Anne Rylee and Owen.
Why I am interested in serving VPhA
I have been involved with The Virginia Pharmacy Association since pharmacy school. In school, I thought VPhA was all about going to meetings and meeting new people. While this is an important part of professional life, VPhA is so much more! Like the profession of pharmacy, the Association has grown and changed over the past 25 years. One thing has not changed; the Association continues to advocate for the profession of pharmacy. The leaders of the Association work tirelessly for the pharmacists they represent. From lobbying to our state legislature, to providing educational opportunities, to mentoring and grooming future pharmacists, The Virginia Pharmacy Association is an organization that represents the interests of all Virginia pharmacists. For me, serving on the VaPAPP committee has been a rewarding experience. I admire the long-time members of the committee and their dedication to helping others in our profession. That is the kind of dedication I am striving to achieve. I represented Region B on the Board from 2008-2011, and I learned so much about the innerworkings of the association. It would be an honor to once again represent Region B and be of service to the pharmacists of Virginia.
Adrian Wilson, PharmD View Resume/CV
Adrian Wilson, PharmD, serves as Senior Director of Retail Pharmacy Operations at Carilion Clinic Retail Pharmacy, where he oversees community and specialty pharmacy operations for Carilion Clinic across Southwest Virginia. In this role, he leads a diverse team of pharmacists and technicians, guiding daily operations, strategic planning, and service expansion to meet the needs of patients and providers across the region.
Adrian’s career began in the US Navy as a hospital corpsman. He attended Christpher Newport University for undergraduate studies then received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. His experience has been grounded in community practice, health-system collaboration, and the use of technology and workflow design to improve safety, access, and efficiency. He has led initiatives to optimize dispensing systems, strengthen specialty pharmacy services, and support the development of new ambulatory pharmacy models in underserved areas. He also works closely with pharmacy residents, students, and emerging leaders, helping them connect frontline practice with broader organizational and policy goals.
Deeply committed to advancing pharmacy’s role in team-based care, Adrian is an active participant in state-level advocacy and professional collaboration, particularly around payment reform, scope of practice, and protecting access to local pharmacies. He lives in Roanoke with his wife, an independent dental practice owner, and three children and is passionate about mentorship, lifelong learning, and building a sustainable future for community and health-system pharmacy.
Why I am Interested in Serving VPhA
I would like to serve as Region B Director to strengthen the voice of pharmacists and pharmacy teams in Southwest Virginia, especially those serving rural and underserved communities. My career has been spent at the unique intersection of community practice and health systems, and I have seen firsthand how policy decisions and payment models affect our ability to care for patients and sustain local pharmacies.
As Region B Director, I would focus on three things: connecting pharmacists across practice settings, elevating the operational and frontline perspective in VPhA’s work, and engaging more members in advocacy and leadership. I believe SWVA has a powerful narrative that speaks to innovation, resilience, and community-focused care, particularly as pharmacy deserts become more common in our area. I would be honored to help bring that perspective to the VPhA Board of Directors.
Jessica Wilson, PharmD View Resume/CV
Jessica Wilson, PharmD, BCSCP, is a lifelong Virginian and the Lead Compounding Pharmacist at SOVAH Danville Hospital, where she oversees sterile compounding operations, USP <797>/<800> compliance, quality initiatives, and pharmacist development. She has led multiple policy updates, strengthened safety practices, and supported system-wide readiness for regulatory surveys, thereby enhancing patient care and operational excellence within her department.
Proud to call Southside Virginia home, Jessica lives in Henry County and works in neighboring Pittsylvania County, giving her firsthand insight into the needs and strengths of rural pharmacy practice in Region B. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys life with her husband, their dog, and their cats, whose presence keeps their home lively and grounded.
Jessica completed her pre-pharmacy studies at Longwood University and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2008. She is currently pursuing her MBA at Averett University, with graduation expected in May 2026, and will start Radford University’s Master of Healthcare Administration program in Fall 2026. Her academic and professional background uniquely positions her at the crossroads of clinical practice, operational leadership, and healthcare strategy.
As a dedicated preceptor and mentor, Jessica actively helps develop future pharmacists while participating in hospital committees and multidisciplinary teams. Her professional interests include advancing practice, improving compounding quality, addressing rural healthcare needs, and expanding training opportunities for pharmacists and technicians.
Why I am interested in Serving VPhA
I am dedicated to increasing VPhA activities and visibility within Region B, with a primary focus on the Southside area, which has been consistently underused and underrepresented. Southside pharmacists play a crucial role in serving rural and vulnerable populations. Yet, they often lack access to professional networking, continuing education, and organizational involvement that is available in other parts of the state. As Regional Director, I plan to enhance outreach, expand continuing education opportunities, and foster more meaningful connections among pharmacists across community, hospital, clinical, and health system settings. My goal is to make sure that Southside voices are heard, supported, and actively included in shaping the future of pharmacy practice in Virginia.
Region C (Lynchburg)
No nominated candidates for Region C at this time
Region E (Potomac, Rappahannock)
Candidates include: Christie Parker, PharmD View Resume/CV
Christie Parker, PharmD is a dedicated community pharmacist with over twenty years of experience in retail pharmacy. Christie is a 2004 graduate from Shenandoah University. After receiving her PharmD she practiced 4 years in Northern Virginia. There she continued to work at CVS and received training from APhA to train other pharmacists and pharmacy students to provide immunizations. She then moved to Roanoke and made the area her home for almost 15 years. Here she continued to train pharmacists to provide immunizations and continue practicing community pharmacy at many locations down the 81 interstate corridor. She also got her certifications from APhA in Medication Therapy Management and in Diabetes Management. In 2021 she moved to the beautiful region of Virginia called the Northern Neck. Christie and her husband, Robert, are involved in many of the area’s charities and clubs. Christie also took the part time position at the Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital. Here she works with the patient’s care team involving cancer and blood disorder treatments. Here they manage medications, prepare treatments, and support patients through their treatment journey. This also encouraged Christie to get involved in her local club at Yankee Pont Marina, who sponsors the Annual Turkey Shoot Regatta that donates all proceeds to local Northern Neck hospice services.
Why I am Interested in Serving VPhA
I am running because I want to make a positive impact on the pharmacy profession. Being able to advocate for, serve, and empower pharmacists was important in my decision. I have recently been active in the VaPAPP program with other VPhA members. This has really opened my eyes to many different areas that our pharmacy community is facing. I want our profession to continue to be recognized as an essential part of the healthcare team. I like to see our profession leverage the knowledge, professional enthusiasm, and compassion to improve health outcomes, save lives, and lower healthcare costs.
Region H (Fourth District, Tri-County, and Old Belt)
Candidates include: Charity Reid, PharmD View Resume/CV
Charity Reid, PharmD received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Hampton University in 2016. She is currently a Pharmacy Manager with Costco Pharmacy. She also works as a Clinical Call Center Pharmacist. Charity has experience working with USP as an expert volunteer helping to impact the way patients experience pharmaceutical care.
Charity is a proud member of VPhA. She is a healthcare advocate committed to improving patient care and empowering the next generation of pharmacy professionals. Through her work in clinical practice and beyond, she focuses on advancing the profession, supporting pharmacist well-being and creating meaningful community impact. She blends her experience with passion for education and advocacy. Her mission is to uplift and empower people through trustworthy health information and authentic leadership.
Charity enjoys spending time with her husband and two children
Why I am Interested in Serving VPhA
I care deeply about where our profession is headed and how we show up for our patients and communities. Pharmacy is changing fast and I want to be a part of shaping that change in a positive, practical, and patient-centered way. Serving with VPhA would give me the opportunity to use my experience and my passion for advocacy to help push the profession forward.
Region I (Tidewater)
Candidates Include: Amanda Cavness, PharmD View Resume/CV
Amanda Cavness, PharmD is a Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacist Specialist at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk, VA. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, then completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at CHKD and a PGY2 Pediatric Pharmacy Residency at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. Dr. Cavness achieved Board Certification as a Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist in 2020. In her role at CHKD, she precepts PGY1 and PGY2 Pharmacy Resident rotations and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences for student pharmacists. She also provides education to physician residents and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Dr. Cavness has held numerous leadership roles at the state, national, and international levels in a variety of pharmacy associations, including American Pharmacists Association, International Pharmaceutical Federation, and Pediatric Pharmacy Association. In 2024, she won the Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award from the Virginia Pharmacists Association. Amanda is passionate about improving the care of patients with sickle cell disease, immunization practices, advocating for pharmacists expanded scope of practice, and preparing adolescent patients for transition to adult healthcare.
Why I am Interested in Serving VPhA
I would like to serve the Virgina Pharmacy Association as Director for the Tidewater Region. Now more than ever, it is vital for pharmacists to advocate for our profession, as well as for the needs of our patients. I am passionate about pharmacy advocacy, particularly regarding pharmacy scope of practice, immunizations, and promoting the profession of pharmacy among legislators and the public.
If elected, I hope to increase hospital pharmacist membership in VPhA and encourage engagement in association activities. The Virginia Pharmacy Association is for all pharmacists and technicians in the Commonwealth, not just those in community pharmacy. To achieve the goals of the association there must be representation and participation from all areas of pharmacy practice. Although I am still early in my career, my various leadership roles, advocacy work, and experiences as a pharmacy technician, community pharmacist, and pediatric hospital pharmacist will bring a unique perspective to the Board of Directors to help meet these goals.
Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.