Center For Healthcare Supply Chain Research And Wyeth Present Nexus Award For Lifetime Achievement To Industry Leader Ken Couch

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 18 Nov 2008 - 6:00 PST

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The Center for Healthcare Supply Chain Research and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals honored Ken Couch, President of Smith Drug Company, with the 2008 NEXUS Award for Lifetime Achievement at the recent HDMA 2008 Annual Leadership Forum in National Harbor, Maryland. The NEXUS Award is the industry's highest honor, recognizing leadership, exemplary service and professional excellence in the healthcare industry and the community.

Over the past decade, Couch has been actively involved with HDMA and the Center, serving a previous term as Chairman of HDMA's Board of Directors and a term as Chairman of HDMA's Government and Public Policy Council. He also has been an engaged participant on several HDMA Committees, including the Executive Committee, the Federal Government Affairs Committee and the Investment Committee.

"Ken's leadership, experience, knowledge and enthusiasm have been tremendous assets to the healthcare industry," said John M. Gray, HDMA President and CEO, and the Center for Healthcare Supply Chain Research President. "The numerous accolades and awards he has received throughout his life for his work and dedication to excellence on behalf of patients, trading partners, employees, family and friends, further demonstrate why he is the recipient of this year's NEXUS Award."

Couch is an active business and civic leader in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and he believes strongly in giving back to his community and to the industry. Most recently, he was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Wingate University. Additionally, he received the Morgan Award from the United Way of Piedmont for his civic contributions.

During his impressive career, he has held positions as a pharmacist, Computer Systems Manager, Marketing Director and currently, President of Smith Drug Company, a division of JM Smith Corporation. Couch brings an invaluable perspective to the healthcare industry as a result of his diverse background.

"The Center and the NEXUS Award supporter, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc., are pleased to recognize Ken for this lifetime achievement award," said Karen Ribler, Executive Vice President and COO, Center for Healthcare Supply Chain Research. "Ken truly defines the essence of this award - and we are delighted to spotlight his leadership, passion, service, and commitment to excellence in his profession and in our community.

About the Center for Healthcare Supply Chain Research

The Center for Healthcare Supply Chain Research, formerly the HDMA Research and Education Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that serves as the knowledge partner of the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA).The Center is committed to serving the healthcare industry by providing research and education specifically focused on priority healthcare supply chain issues. The Center's mission is twofold: To conduct research and disseminate information that will enhance the knowledgebase, efficiency and effectiveness of the total healthcare supply chain; and to provide thought leadership to further enhance the safety and security of the healthcare supply chain through future focused study and programming.

About HDMA

The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) is the national association representing primary, full-service healthcare distributors. Each day, the member companies of HDMA are responsible for ensuring that more than eight million prescription medicines and healthcare products are safely delivered to 145,000 pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, clinics, government and other providers in all 50 states. This essential public health function is provided with tremendous efficiency, saving the nation's healthcare system nearly $34 billion each year. HDMA and its members are the vital link in the healthcare system, working daily to provide value, remove costs and develop innovative solutions to deliver care safely and effectively.

Healthcare Distribution Management Association