Brian Purscell joins Smith Drug Co. management team

Smith Drug Co. recently announced the appointment of a new senior vice president of pharmacy solutions, Brian Purscell. 

Purscell will be charged with developing the company's business strategy and development, market analysis and business growth.

Purscell's pharmacy career began with Peoples Drug in Ankeny, Iowa. He later served in executive roles with McKesson and Walmart. He was recognized for developing and implementing a predictive replenishment system for prescription merchandise, increasing sales through market analysis, staff development and business strategy as well as improving pharmacy operations with financial and business strategies.

"Brian brings a wealth of experience to us," Smith Drug Co. President Jeff Foreman said. "And that experience will be a great benefit to our customers. Smith Drug Co. is dedicated to the growth and vitality of independently owned pharmacies. Adding a veteran pharmacy operations expert to our team is a unique differentiator in the industry."

Foreman said Purscell will work with Smith Drugs Senior Vice President of Sales Rick Simerly, as well as with the company's team of pharmacy business consultants "to offer guidance and experience to our independent pharmacy owners."

"Brian is a leader who has not only been in their shoes as a pharmacist, but who has a track record of successfully turning even struggling pharmacies into profitable businesses without ever losing sight of why they opened their doors to begin with -- to take care of the patient," Foreman said.

Purscell described himself as a "technology enthusiast." He has dedicated his career to developing and implementing programs to maximize efficiency and productivity through technology solutions.

He created the nation's first electronic system for tracking of pseudoephedrine sales in a retail setting, refined the "Easy Pay" system used to expedite the checkout process, and developed an electronic system for conducting annual controlled substance inventories.

"I am thrilled to be part of Smith Drug Company," Purscell said. "The business of pharmacy -- of healthcare overall -- is rapidly changing, and this means there are great opportunities for independent pharmacies to excel in what they have always done best -- offer personalized care to patients in their own communities."

Purscell is a University of Iowa graduate, where he earned a degree in pharmaceutical sciences. He attended leadership institutes at Cornell University and Harvard Business Publishing.

He now resides in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with his wife, Laura.

Smith Drug Co. serves pharmacies in 25 states.