FMI Names Catherine M. Polley VP, Pharmacy Services

ARLINGTON, VA -- The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) said yesterday it named Catherine M. Polley, R.Ph., a veteran leader in the pharmacy industry, to the position of FMI v.p., pharmacy services. Polley will spearhead a new pharmacy public affairs program launched this year to strengthen industry advocacy on federal pharmacy policy, the trade group said.

FMI said Polley brings 25 years of experience to the position, most recently as chief policy officer and senior vice president of government and professional affairs at the American Pharmacists Association. In 2006, she was co-president of the Coalition for Community Pharmacy Action, composed of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) and National Community Pharmacists Association.

"Cathy is a forceful advocate for community pharmacies, including more than 19,000 operated by FMI member companies," said FMI's president and c.e.o. Tim Hammonds.

Polley worked for six years as v.p. of state government affairs for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. She served on the association's strategic planning committee, educated lawmakers and the media about industry issues and policies, and trained pharmacy employees to become stronger advocates.

After receiving a B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Michigan, Polley spent 18 years at the Kmart Corporation, where she rose from pharmacy manager to director of pharmacy government and trade relations. Polley directed the company's pharmacy and healthcare legislative and regulatory agenda and developed a nationally recognized quality assurance program, among many accomplishments. She served on FMI's Government Relations Committee during her years at Kmart.

As FMI's vice president of pharmacy services, Polley will build its new pharmacy advocacy program, working closely with senior public affairs executives and the association's Pharmacy Affairs Council. She will assume the position in mid-September.

FMI said it created the program to bring new resources to bear on the federal pharmacy policymaking. Its goal is to ensure that federal laws and regulations recognize the important role that community pharmacies play in the nation's healthcare system, including the numerous supermarket pharmacies serving consumers today.
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