2020 TPA Award Recipients
On June 20, during TPA’s 2020 Virtual Summer Meeting (June 18-21) , TPA will honor the following individuals and entities for excellence and dedication to pharmacy. Congratulations! We appreciate your outstanding contributions to patients and the profession!
| Click on these links for more information about TPA, TSHP, and TSSP Awards. | TPA AWARDS | TSHP AWARDS | TSSP AWARDS |
| 2020 Recipients [BELOW] | 2020 Recipients | 2020 Recipients | |
| All Past Recipients | All Past Recipients | All Past Recipients |
Please click on the names below to learn more about TPA’s 2020 award winners!
| Roger Davis | Bowl of Hygeia Award | |
| Glen Farr | Shelby Rhinehart Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award | |
| Amanda Gillion | Excellence in Innovation Award | |
| Jud Jones | Tom C. Sharp Pharmacist of the Year | |
| Chelsea Renfro | Distinguished Young Pharmacist | |
| Bill Schimmel | Herman Lubin Sales Representative of the Year | |
| Rep. Cameron Sexton | Barbara McAndrew Herald Award | |
| Tennessee Pharmacy Recovery Network Program | Partner in Excellence Award |
Bowl of Hygeia Award
Roger Davis, PharmD, of Nashville, Tennessee, was recently awarded the 2020 Bowl of Hygeia Award for his outstanding record of civic leadership and for encouraging pharmacists to take active roles in their communities.
Dr. Davis was the founding Dean at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy and has served as the Vice Provost of Health Affairs from July 2018 until his retirement in May 2020. Dr. Davis received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1972 from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy. In his nearly 50 years as a pharmacist, Dr. Davis has cemented his reputation as a well-respected leader on the state and national levels. His experience in pharmacy practice includes community, association management, pharmaceutical industry, and education. Dr. Davis has presented at hundreds continuing education sessions for pharmacy professionals, and his research has produced numerous publications. He has a unique passion for students and the profession of pharmacy. This passion was noticed by his colleagues on the national level when he was awarded the American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists Outstanding Dean of the Year Award.
Dr. Davis has had a rich history at TPA and the Tennessee Society of Health-System Pharmacists (TSHP). He served as a delegate in TPA and as Speaker of the House, as well as in volunteer leadership as the President of TSHP. He was awarded the Pharmacist of the Year award by TSHP and the Tom C. Sharp Pharmacist of the Year award by TPA. In addition, he served as the TPA Associate Executive Director for over 20 years, helping shape the profession for years to come. He has also been actively involved in several other professional organizations throughout this career, previously serving as the President of the Tennessee Society of Association Executives.
Dr. Davis has been an active member of the Bellevue Church of Christ, where he has served as deacon and elder, and held other leadership roles. Dr. Davis and his wife, Nancy, have been married for over 45 years and have three children, Andrea, Tyler, and Lee.
Established in 1958, the Bowl of Hygeia Award recognizes pharmacists who have outstanding records of civic leadership in their communities and encourages pharmacists to take active roles in the affairs of their respective communities. The award is presented annually by participating state pharmacist associations, including those in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In addition to service through their local, state and national pharmacy associations, award recipients have devoted their time, talent and resources to a wide variety of causes and community service. The Bowl of Hygeia is sponsored by the American Pharmacists Association Foundation, the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, and the American Pharmacists Association. TPA congratulates Dr. Roger Davis for his lifetime of service, and his numerous contributions to patient care and pharmacy practice advancement.
Shelby Rhinehart Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award
Glen Farr, PharmD, of Knoxville, TN, was recently honored with the 2020 Shelby Rhinehart Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA), in recognition of his work and support of the pharmacy profession.
For more than 45 years, Dr. Farr has selflessly served the profession of pharmacy as a pioneer and innovator in the pharmacy education field, providing education to countless numbers of pharmacists, pharmacy professionals, students, and allied health care providers. Since earning his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Dr. Farr has written more than 50 articles in the professional literature, authored or edited more than 20 books or educational courses, and presented more than 600 papers and speeches locally, nationally and internationally. He is a past President of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association, was the 1983 “Pharmacist of the Year” for the State of Tennessee, and in 1997 received the “Distinguished Service to Pharmacy” award from the Tennessee Society of Health-System Pharmacists. He has received the University of Tennessee National Alumni Association “Teacher of the Year Award” and the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy “Outstanding Alumnus” award, as well as the “Outstanding Faculty Award” from the 2016 Class of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Nursing. Dr. Farr has a strong passion and sense of calling for pharmacy education, and there is arguably no individual who is more recognized and celebrated for their contributions to pharmacy education and professional development in Tennessee than he is.
Dr. Farr and his wife of nearly 50 years, Kathy, have two sons and two grandchildren.
The Shelby Rhinehart Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award was created in 2002 to recognize individual support of the pharmacy profession through legislative and service efforts in honor of the late pharmacist and Representative Shelby A. Rhinehart, who served 36 years in the Tennessee General Assembly. TPA congratulates Dr. Farr on receiving the 2020 Shelby Rhinehart Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his career of public service to the profession of pharmacy and many contributions to patient care through high-quality education.
Excellence in Innovation Award
Amanda R. Gillion, PharmD, BCPS, of Memphis, Tennessee, was recently recognized by the Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA) with the 2020 TPA Excellence in Innovation Award, for her commitment to pharmacy practice advancement through innovation.
Dr. Gillion received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Tennessee Memphis in 2007. She then completed two years of training at the Methodist University Hospital as a pharmacy resident in critical care. Dr. Gillion then began working at the Methodist North Hospital as an Emergency Medicine Clinical Specialist for several years, before beginning at the Memphis VA Medical Center, where she now works as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Critical Care.
In her role in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Memphis VA Medical Center, Dr. Gillion noticed an increasing trend in the use of carbapenem-type antibiotics, which can lead to multi-drug resistant organisms. After doing some preliminary investigation, she believed that a penicillin allergy label was a major contributing factor to this issue. Through discussions with a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship team, Dr. Gillion worked with her colleagues to develop an assessment to evaluate penicillin allergy labels in hospitalized patients. Subsequently an outpatient pharmacist run allergy skin test clinic was created expanding the scope of pharmacy practice and increasing patient access and care. Since implementation of this one-of-its-kind practice at the Memphis VA Medical Center, 99% of patients evaluated have been able to receive more appropriate antibiotics. This is now recognized as a best practice and has been expanded to VA sites across the country.
Dr. Gillion is married to Dr. Jennifer Good, a fellow pharmacist.
This national award, coordinated by the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations and sponsored by Upsher-Smith Laboratories, is given annually to a pharmacist who has demonstrated significant innovation in practice, resulting in improved patient care and advancement of the profession of pharmacy. TPA congratulates Dr. Amanda Gillion for her outstanding work and contributions to patient care and pharmacy practice.
Tom C. Sharp Pharmacist of the Year
Jud Jones, PharmD, of Medina, Tennessee, was recently recognized by the Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA) as the 2020 Tom C. Sharp Pharmacist of the Year for his distinguished work in the profession of pharmacy and excellence in the areas of teaching, patient care, leadership, service delivery and advocacy for the profession.
Dr. Jones graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy in 2001. After graduation, he practiced in community pharmacy for over five years before transitioning into managed care. He currently serves as the West Tennessee provider liaison pharmacist for OptumRx. In this role, he serves as the liaison between the TennCare program and pharmacy providers. In 2020, Dr. Jones played an important role in helping pharmacists and pharmacies with the TennCare transition in pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from Magellan to OptumRx. Thanks to his dedicated work and efforts in assisting patients and pharmacists, particularly during this transition, patients have been able to continue to receive the medications and services they need. According to his pharmacist peers, his work during this transition was instrumental in ensuring that any issues were quickly identified and appropriately resolved. Dr. Jones has been a member of TPA since 2011, and he is actively involved in the West Tennessee Pharmacists Association, where he has previously served as President.
Dr. Jones and his wife, Kim, a fellow pharmacist, have two children, Lainey and Cooper.
The Tom C. Sharp Pharmacist of the Year Award is sponsored by the Tennessee Pharmacists Association. It is named in honor of Tom C. Sharp, Sr., who served as TPA’s chief executive officer for 30 years, and his son, Tom C. Sharp, Jr., who served as TPA’s chief executive officer for 30 years following his father’s tenure. TPA congratulates Dr. Jones for his outstanding work and contributions to patient care and pharmacy practice.
Distinguished Young Pharmacist
Chelsea P. Renfro, PharmD, of Cordova, Tennessee, was recently recognized by the Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA) as the 2020 Distinguished Young Pharmacist, in recognition of her contributions to pharmacy practice as a new practitioner.
Dr. Renfro received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy in 2015. Since graduation, Dr. Renfro has diligently worked to advance patient care through her contributions as an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Simulation-Based Education at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy. Dr. Renfro served as a co-investigator on a $1.1 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which assessed the implementation of an integrative falls prevention program for high-risk, older adults in community pharmacies. Dr. Renfro was part of the team that used findings from this project to develop a CDC initiative called STEADI-Rx (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries), which aims to reduce the risk of falls by encouraging more collaboration between pharmacists and other health care providers. Dr. Renfro has served as the inaugural Chair of the Pharmacy Affinity Group for the Society of Simulation in Healthcare. She recently became the first pharmacy faculty member in Tennessee to receive the international Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) credential from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.
Dr. Renfro and her husband, Zac, a fellow pharmacist, have a one-year-old son, Chris.
The Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award was created in 1987 by Pharmacists Mutual Companies to encourage newer pharmacists to become involved in association activities and civic projects, and to recognize one such pharmacist in each state for individual excellence and outstanding contributions. TPA congratulates Dr. Chelsea Renfro for her outstanding work and contributions to patient care and pharmacy practice through her accomplished background in education and research.
Herman Lubin Sales Representative of Year
William “Bill” Schimmel of Arlington, Virginia, was recently recognized by the Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA) as the 2020 Herman Lubin Sales Representative of the Year, for his outstanding service to pharmacists and the profession of pharmacy.
As Executive Director and CEO of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Schimmel leads a dedicated team of pharmacy practice advocates focused on enhancing pharmacy technician education standards. In this role, he builds upon PTCB’s strong foundation and leads the organization to advance patient care by certifying pharmacy technicians who are qualified to support pharmacists and patient care teams in all practice settings, and by recognizing the essential work done by the more than 285,000 active PTCB-Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) nationwide who support this mission every day. PTCB has been a strong advocate and long-standing supporter of TPA’s efforts to optimize the pharmacy practice model and promote enhancing the roles for pharmacists as well as pharmacy technicians. Under Schimmel’s leadership, PTCB has further strengthened their support for patient-focused initiatives led by state pharmacy associations, including the Tennessee Pharmacists Association.
Bill and his wife, Heather, have their three children, Addison, Emily, and Harper.
Presented for the first time in 1975, this award is given annually in memory of the late Herman Lubin, Memphis pharmacist and 1973 TPA President. It recognizes outstanding service to pharmacists and the profession of pharmacy. TPA congratulates Bill Schimmel for his outstanding work and contributions to customer care and pharmacy practice.
Barbara McAndrew Herald Award
State Representative Cameron Sexton of Crossville, Tennessee, was recently recognized by the Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA) with the 2020 Barbara McAndrew Herald Award for his work to support the profession of pharmacy and pharmacist-provided patient care in Tennessee.
As the State Representative for District 25 and the Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives, Sexton has remained a staunch advocate for pharmacy practice advancement through a patient-centered approach to healthcare. Sexton, an 8th generation Tennessean, grew up in Farragut and graduated from the University of Tennessee. His father, Dwight, taught high school chemistry and biology, and his mother, Jane, was a teacher as well.
Speaker Sexton’s pharmacy roots run deep. He is married to pharmacist and TPA member, Dr. Lacey Sexton. Prior to his service as a State Representative, Sexton worked for a pharmaceutical company as a representative. As an elected legislator, Sexton has championed many important pharmacy-specific issues, including pharmacy practice modernization, opioid and prescription drug abuse, pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) reform, and creation of a charitable drug donation program.
Sexton lives in Crossville, Tennessee, with his wife, Dr. Lacey Sexton, and their children Greer, Nathaniel, and Olivia.
The Barbara McAndrew Herald Award is supported by Germantown pharmacist Paula Bailey Hinson and sponsored by the Tennessee Pharmacists Association. TPA congratulates Speaker Cameron Sexton for his outstanding work and contributions to patient care and pharmacy practice..
TENNESSEE PHARMACY RECOVERY NETWORK (TPRN)
TPA Partner in Excellence
The Tennessee Pharmacy Recovery Network (TPRN) Program was recently recognized by the Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA) as the 2020 TPA Partner in Excellence.
TPRN, initiated by the Tennessee Pharmacists Association over 30 years ago, continues to provide a comprehensive professional peer assistance program in support of impaired pharmacists and student pharmacists, and more recently, pharmacy technicians. The work done by TPRN over the years has resulted in lives saved, families preserved, and professional practices restored, while improving patient safety and the quality of care provided in Tennessee. The TPRN Program has participated in the identification, verification, intervention and referral for evaluation and treatment of impaired pharmacy professionals, and then provided support, monitoring and advocacy services for those in need. This has resulted in over 500 individuals receiving services, restoring them to a healthier lifestyle and professional practice. TPRN provides a highly individualized and focused process resulting in a higher than industry-wide average success rate. This success is largely attributed to the direct involvement of the TPRN Program Advocacy Committee members, consisting of a dedicated core group of pharmacists in recovery who develop an individual peer-to-peer relationship with specific Program participants. Dozens of individuals have served on this Advocacy Committee over the life of the Program, volunteering their time and resources in support of pharmacy professionals participating in TPRN. The current Committee consists of 21 active Advocate members and additional alumni members located throughout the state. These individuals are available any time a need arises.
“The Tennessee Pharmacy Recovery Network remains dedicated to its mission of service to pharmacy professionals needing assistance and looks forward to continuing its work with the support of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association, the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy, and pharmacy professionals in our state,” says TPRN Program Director Baeteena Black. Throughout its existence, the TPRN Program has worked closely with the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy in shared efforts to protect patient safety and maintain a high quality of pharmacy practice in Tennessee.
The TPA Partner in Excellence award provides visible recognition to an organization, association, or other entity that has worked closely with TPA to improve patient outcomes, promote patient safety, increase the quality of care within the larger healthcare system, and elevate the standards for pharmacist-provided patient care. TPA congratulates the Tennessee Pharmacy Recovery Network for their outstanding work and contributions to patient care and pharmacy practice.
