2025 IPA Board & Academy Election Candidate Bios
Information as provided by candidates. Not all candidates submitted biographical information.
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IPA President-Elect Candidates
IPA Board of Directors District 1 Candidates
IPA Board of Directors District 4 Candidates
IACP Board Candidates
IAIP Board Candidates
IANTP Board Candidates
IASP Board Candidates
ISHP Board Candidates
IPA President-Elect Candidates
Eleni Drake
Employer: Community Health Network
Pharmacy School: Butler University
Previous IPA Engagement:
- ISHP Board of Directors 2021-2024, including President
- Presented at IPA Annual Meeting 2023 (Leadership) and IPA Fall Conference 2019 (Diversion Monitoring in the Acute Care Setting)
- Co-precepted ISHP Sponsored Practice Advancement Initiative 2030 Workshop at IPA Annual Meeting 2024.
About Me:
I am a passionate and energetic pharmacy leader with twenty years of experience dedicated to advancing the profession. Over the course of my career, I have built strong relationships across Indiana, giving me a deep understanding of the diverse needs within our community. I am eager to bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to this position, driving progress for pharmacy professionals both within the state and beyond. I pride myself on being an inclusive leader, committed to listening to and amplifying diverse voices—whether from students, technicians, emerging professionals, or seasoned veterans. My prior experience serving on the ISHP and IPA boards has equipped me with the skills and insights to effectively advocate for our membership and the profession at large. I am confident that my expertise, coupled with my dedication, will allow me to make meaningful contributions and serve our profession with integrity and impact.
I am proud to have spent my entire career in Indiana and am committed to making a meaningful contribution to a profession that improves healthcare outcomes for patients. Thank you for the opportunity to further serve in IPA!
What I hope to accomplish:
• Inspire the Next Generation of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: I aim to ignite excitement and passion for a career in pharmacy among students, starting in high school and younger, to adequately equip our future. IPA can and should be the inspiring voice to ensure we have dedicated professionals to serve the people of Indiana for years to come.
• Promote Professional Wellness: I am committed to advancing IPA’s initiatives in professional wellness, with a particular focus on students, residents, and technicians, so they have the support they need to thrive in their careers.
• Strengthen Membership and Representation: I will work to increase IPA membership, fostering a more inclusive organization that represents and advocates for a broader range of pharmacy professionals across Indiana.
Mary Escalante
Employer: Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana
Pharmacy School: Butler University
Previous IPA Engagement:
2022-present IPA Board of Directors District Director
2023 - Legislative Day attendance, sponsorship and support
2024- Represented IPA at JA Jobsparks
2024- Hosted a Legislator visit for IPA
About Me:
If given the opportunity to serve, it would be an honor to continue all the great and hard work that's already been established by many talented experts and colleagues.
Over 30 years of diverse experience in the field of pharmacy: Air Force Veteran, Community pharmacy, Clinical pharmacy, Med safety, Covid planning chief, Executive Director of Ancillary Services
What I Hope to Accomplish:
Implement tactics to accomplish prioritized strategic goals that is important to the profession.
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IPA Board of Directors District 1 At-Large Candidates
Jacob Zanolla
Employer: HealthLinc
Pharmacy School: Purdue University
Previous IPA Engagement:
Member since July 2023
Current co-chair the New Practitioner Council (since April 2024)
Member of the Health Equity Council (since April 2024)
About Me:
I should be elected to this position because I was born and raised in Northwest Indiana and am widely connected to a network of pharmacists in both community and inpatient practice within my region. Practicing in the community for the past year and a half, interning in both inpatient and community practice during my time in pharmacy school, and completing my IPPE and APPEs in my region has allowed me to develop connections with a large number of pharmacists in my area, which I am confident will serve me well in this role. Also, growing up within the region has made me familiar with the health systems/clinics/pharmacies in the area, which will make it easier to find points of contact and strengthen IPA's connections within the region.
What I Hope to Accomplish:
If elected, I hope to continue to strengthen IPA's network and membership in my geographic portion of the state. With IPA's strategic planning focus on membership, I'd strive to find ways to increase pharmacist engagement in all things IPA through outreach emails, networking nights, and more. I'd also hope to develop an NWI pharmacist database to make outreach initiatives more effective.
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IPA Board of Directors District 4 At-Large Candidates
Martika Martin
Employer: Matthew 25 AIDS Service
Pharmacy School: Sullivan University
Previous IPA Engagement:
I am a new member to IPA since I recently moved to IN. I have been very involved in the Kentucky Pharmacist's Association serving as Speaker of the House of Delegates and a Director on the Board of Directors and chaired the New Practitioner Committee. I have served as a KY alternate delegate to the APhA House of Delegates. I have written and presented multiple CE programs. I am a past recipient of the NCPA Adherence Practitioner of the Year.
About Me:
I am a strong advocate for pharmacy. I have experience advocating at the state and national levels. I bring knowledge from independent community pharmacy, association pharmacy, academic pharmacy and ambulatory care pharmacy.
What I Hope to Accomplish:
In this position I hope to promote the work pharmacists and pharmacy technicians do. Being aware and involved in our profession is paramount to healthcare we provide. I want pharmacies and pharmacists to be able to be fairly compensated for their services, including dispensing and non-dispensing activities. As an employee of a 340B covered entity, I want to ensure the program works in Indiana as intended and brings benefits to patients. I would also like to see the role of the pharmacy technician to grow to allow pharmacists to utilize their clinical skills and continue to provide much needed healthcare to our communities.
Matthew Williams
Employer: Nation's Medicines
School: University of Evansville
Previous IPA Engagement:
Co-founder of IPA Tech Council IPA Tech Council Co-Chair (2023-present) IPA LRC Practice Advancement Chair (co-chair 2023-2024, chair 2024-present) IPA Health Equity Council Member (2024-present) IAIP Technician Board Member-at-large (2023-present) CHW scholarship recipient (completed course July 2024)
About Me:
I have seen the hard work of the Indiana Pharmacy Association to help advance and protect the practice of pharmacy. After working in multiple different pharmacy settings, I have come to appreciate the value and critical importance of our professions, and I feel that I can bring a valuable insight as a CPhT-Adv to the organization. I've proven to be a valuable asset to the councils that I have assisted with to this point, and I know I will serve our district well if so elected to do so. I am a fast and dedicated learner and have been described as a strong listener, so I feel strongly that I can hear the concerns of our district and relay them effectively.
I switched to pharmacy after my music teaching position was removed and found myself loving the ability to help others, which is what led to me pursuing further certifications. I am one of the first 400 CPhTs to obtain the CPhT-Adv credential in the United States, which means I had to earn four extra certifications on top of the national training required.
What I Hope to Accomplish:
My hope, if elected by our district, is to help increase engagement from pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the organization and ensure that our legislative goals are heard and, hopefully, enacted to preserve pharmacies across all settings. Your concerns are my priority, and I pledge to be a strong advocate for our district and for pharmacy as a whole within and outside the organization should I be elected.
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IACP Board of Directors Candidates
Samantha Champion
Employer: Manchester University
Pharmacy School: University of Toledo
Previous IPA Engagement:
Current IACP board member at large
Membership Council 2023-2024
About Me:
I have 15 years of experience in community pharmacy prior to joining the Manchester University team. I am passionate about promoting community pharmacy and helping to move the profession forward. I enjoy adding community pharmacy specific information into our curriculum to help prepare students for engaging in community pharmacy.
What I Hope to Accomplish:
I am passionate about promoting community pharmacy and helping to move the profession forward.
Sarah Polley
Employer: Walmart
Pharmacy School: Butler University
Previous IPA Engagement:
Current IACP board member at large
Legislative and Regulatory Council 2024 to present
About Me:
I am eager to serve as the Pharmacist At-Large for the Community Pharmacy Academy because I am passionate about advancing community pharmacy practice, and I believe my unique skills, experience, and commitment to the profession make me an excellent candidate for this position. As a practicing pharmacist with almost 10 years of experience in community pharmacy, I have developed a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing community pharmacists today. I have served in IPA's IACP for over a year as well as the Legislative Committee, which have given me the opportunity to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and advocate for the profession.
What I Hope to Accomplish:
As Pharmacist At-Large, I will focus on several key initiatives (if they are not achieved this legislative season): Passing Test & Treat Legislation: One of my top priorities will be advocating for the passing of legislation that allows pharmacists to expand their scope of practice through test-and-treat protocols. This includes advocating for legal and regulatory changes that enable pharmacists to diagnose and treat common conditions like strep throat, flu, and other easily identifiable illnesses, improving patient access to care while easing the burden on primary care providers. Workplace Wellbeing: I am committed to improving the mental and emotional wellbeing of pharmacy professionals. Pharmacy practice can often be stressful, and it’s crucial that we address workplace challenges such as burnout, work-life balance, and job satisfaction. I will champion programs aimed at supporting the mental health of pharmacy teams, ensuring that pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and staff have access to resources that promote a healthier work environment. Pharmacy Technician Advancement: I recognize the vital role that pharmacy technicians play in our practice, and I will work to advance their education, training, and career development. I will advocate for increased recognition of pharmacy technicians as essential members of the healthcare team, pushing for more opportunities for advancement through continuing education, certification programs, and pathways for career growth. By strengthening the role of pharmacy technicians, we can improve efficiency in pharmacies and allow pharmacists to focus on more complex patient care needs. Together, these initiatives will help strengthen the pharmacy profession, ensure we are equipped to meet patient needs, and provide a healthier, more sustainable work environment for all pharmacy professionals."
Alexa (Lexie) Ruse
Employer: Meijer
Pharmacy School: Manchester University
Previous IPA Engagement:
As a student, I served as both Manchester IPA chapter president and Member-At-Large of IASP for a total of 3 years (2020-2023). During that time I was actively involved in IACP (creating promotional material, etc) and IAIP as well. After graduation I accepted a position as IACP Member-at-Large and and have been involved in IPA's New Practitioner Council (NPC) as well. I plan to continue involvement in the NPC and would be honored to serve another 2 years as IACP Member-at-Large.
About Me:
I am passionate about IPA and have extensive experience serving in the Member-at-Large position. I love IPA and I love getting students involved in what we do. It would be great to have more presence at the colleges of Pharmacy, so I look forward to working with them as well!
What I Hope to Accomplish:
I would like to continue promoting IPA member involvement more and increasing public awareness of what community Pharmacists do everyday. I would also continue to advocate for workplace well-being.
Rob Phelps
Employer: Walgreens Specialty
School: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (technician)
Previous IPA Engagement:
None previously
About Me:
Having been a pharmacy technician for 13 years, I believe I would bring valuable insight about the role we play in the pharmacy profession.
What I Hope to Accomplish:
As a newer resident to Indiana, having moved here about 3 years ago from New York I would love to play a role in the establishment of new policies improving the pharmacy profession and patient care.
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IAIP Board Candidates
Andy Campbell
Employer: Owner, The Medicine Chest Pharmacy
Pharmacy School: Purdue University
Previous IPA Engagement:
Current IAIP Board member
About Me:
As an independent pharmacy owner I feel I can assist in advocating for the future of independent pharmacy.
What I hope to accomplish:
I hope to be able to contribute the the advancement of independent pharmacy.
Addie Lawson
Employer: Webb's Family Pharmacy
Pharmacy School: Purdue University
Previous IPA Engagement:
IAIP student liaison
About Me:
I’m passionate about independent pharmacy and the importance of independents collaborating to support one another and inspire changes not only to make our patients’ lives better but to also to ensure the business of community pharmacy remains in the hands of pharmacists.
What I hope to accomplish:
I hope to be a new voice to the conversation, learning from those with more experience, but also an example that even new grads can have a future in independent pharmacy.
Martika Martin
Employer: Matthew 25 AIDS Service
Pharmacy School: Sullivan University
Previous IPA Engagement:
I am a new member to IPA since I recently moved to IN. I have been very involved in the Kentucky Pharmacist's Association serving as Speaker of the House of Delegates and a Director on the Board of Directors and chaired the New Practitioner Committee. I have served as a KY alternate delegate to the APhA House of Delegates. I have written and presented multiple CE programs. I am a past recipient of the NCPA Adherence Practitioner of the Year.
About Me:
I am a strong advocate for pharmacy. I have experience advocating at the state and national levels. I bring knowledge from independent community pharmacy, association pharmacy, academic pharmacy and ambulatory care pharmacy.
What I Hope to Accomplish:
In this position I hope to promote the work pharmacists and pharmacy technicians do. Being aware and involved in our profession is paramount to healthcare we provide. I want pharmacies and pharmacists to be able to be fairly compensated for their services, including dispensing and non-dispensing activities. As an employee of a 340B covered entity, I want to ensure the program works in Indiana as intended and brings benefits to patients. I would also like to see the role of the pharmacy technician to grow to allow pharmacists to utilize their clinical skills and continue to provide much needed healthcare to our communities.
Matthew Williams
Employer: Nation's Medicines
School: University of Evansville
Previous IPA Engagement:
Co-founder of IPA Tech Council IPA Tech Council Co-Chair (2023-present) IPA LRC Practice Advancement Chair (co-chair 2023-2024, chair 2024-present) IPA Health Equity Council Member (2024-present) IAIP Technician Board Member-at-large (2023-present) CHW scholarship recipient (completed course July 2024)
About Me:
I have seen the hard work of the Indiana Pharmacy Association to help advance and protect the practice of pharmacy. After working in multiple different pharmacy settings, I have come to appreciate the value and critical importance of our professions, and I feel that I can bring a valuable insight as a CPhT-Adv to the organization. I've proven to be a valuable asset to the councils that I have assisted with to this point, and I know I will serve our academy well if so elected to do so. I am a fast and dedicated learner and have been described as a strong listener, so I feel strongly that I can hear the concerns of our academy and relay them effectively.
I switched to pharmacy after my music teaching position was removed and found myself loving the ability to help others, which is what led to me pursuing further certifications. I am one of the first 400 CPhTs to obtain the CPhT-Adv credential in the United States, which means I had to earn four extra certifications on top of the national training required.
What I Hope to Accomplish:
My hope is to help increase engagement from pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the organization and ensure that our legislative goals are heard and, hopefully, enacted to preserve pharmacies across all settings. Your concerns are my priority, and I pledge to be a strong advocate for independent pharmacy and for pharmacy as a whole within and outside the organization should I be elected.
Charlotte Wilson
Employer: Engleking Pharmacy
School: Palm Beach Atlantic University
Previous IPA Engagement:
Current IAIP Board member
About Me:
I am very passionate about preserving Independent Pharmacy through fair reimbursement and expansion of services provided.
What I Hope to Accomplish:
To bring together both independent pharmacy owners and staff from across the state to collectively advocate to preserve independent pharmacy as well as share best practices to support each other.
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IANTP Board Candidates
Danielle Mullins
Employer: OptumRx
Pharmacy School: Purdue University
Previous IPA Engagement:
I was a student member of IPA (2005-2009) and spent one of my rotations at IPA (2008). I rejoined the organization as a pharmacist member in 2024 and attended the fall conference.
About Me:
I am passionate about sharing my experiences as a non-traditional pharmacist with other pharmacists or pharmacy students who are interested in learning more about various career paths beyond traditional pharmacy.
What I hope to accomplish:
I hope to advance the profession of pharmacy while advocating for pharmacists, technicians, and students across the state by engaging in valuable learning and networking experiences.
Heather Proffitt
Employer: Optum Specialty Pharmacy
Pharmacy School: Butler University
Previous IPA Engagement:
IPA Boad member for District 9: 2003-2005
About Me:
I have nearly 30 years of experience in pharmacy. From my retail days to now practicing as a specialty mail order pharmacist. I would like to use my experience to help our academy represent pharmacy more fully. I have also attended the Young Pharmacists Leadership Conference. In the last 5 years I have completed my Teaching Certificate and gotten my Specialty Pharmacist Certification. Previously I had Geriatric Certification.
I am currently practicing as a full-time preceptor pharmacist and am about to integrate residents into my practice site. I would like to demonstrate to them the importance of professional membership. Our profession does not accidentally become better. It takes leadership and work to make pharmacy into a desirable and important career.
What I hope to accomplish:
There are many problems in pharmacy right now. Large numbers of pharmacists are switching from community to other areas. I would like to spend my first year hearing what all Non-Traditional Pharmacy Academy members are doing and what problems they need help solving. I would then use that in shaping suggestions to the IPA Board and the Legislative committee to make sure some of our issues are heard by state legislature members. I would also like to mentor any newer members we have into leadership positions to ensure we secure in the future.
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IASP Board Candidates
Natalie "Nikki" Evans
Pharmacy School: Purdue University
About Me:
I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the organization and help advance the mission and vision of IPA/IASP.
I’m currently in my second year of pharmacy school at Purdue University, and have a slightly different educational/professional background than most of my peers. Prior to joining Purdue’s College of Pharmacy, I completed an undergraduate degree in public health and a master’s degree in business administration. I also worked for a little over a year in a clinical trials office. These experiences have allowed me to build my leadership, collaboration, and networking skills, and have prepared me to take on this role.
Since starting pharmacy school, I have worked at and completed a rotation in a rural independent pharmacy. This experience has helped me realize the importance of advocating for the pharmacy profession and the communities we serve. I believe that my experiences in this community have equipped me to be an advocate for other pharmacy students and for the profession as a whole. I would love the opportunity to continue developing these skills while helping other students do the same.
I would be honored to have the chance to serve as the IASP president-elect. I would love the opportunity to bring my enthusiasm and strong work ethic to the academy board, and collaborate with other members to continue to grow the organization. Thank you for considering me for this position, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the continued success of IASP.
Audrey Fletcher
Pharmacy School: Manchester University
Previous IPA Engagement:
None
About Me:
I have a fresh perspective as I am just beginning pharmacy school. I have experience in hospital pharmacy as a technician, including 4 years of sterile compounding and 1 year of hazardous compounding.
What I hope to accomplish:
I hope to become informed on the issues in Indiana and involved in local changes.
Krystal Pelo
Pharmacy School: Manchester University
About Me:
I am a P2 at Manchester University and am very interested in the President-Elect position with IPA-IASP. I am currently working towards my Master's in Pharmacogenomics along with my PharmD. I started my pharmacy journey about 5 years ago as a pharmacy technician and worked my way through classes to become Nationally Certified and a Lead Technician at the busiest CVS in Indiana. I quickly realized my love for pharmacy and went back to school to begin my career.
I have challenged myself to become a leader in any position I put myself in. My positive patient first attitude and growth mindset allow me to consistently engage with patients. My new academic skills and knowledge translate to supporting my community on a much deeper level through immunizations, medication interactions, and OTC counseling. My classroom and real-world experiences allow for a greater balance of knowledge and skill as I continue to grow and develop my knowledge base. I greatly appreciate the consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
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ISHP Board Candidates
Molly Locke
Employer: Community Health Network
Pharmacy School: Purdue University
Previous IPA Engagement:
I attended an IPA annual meeting while in Pharmacy school (2017); I enjoyed the meeting and what I learned. I officially joined IPA a few years after graduating. I have been a member of IPA since 2020. In 2020, I co-presented at the annual meeting on Diversion Monitoring in the Acute Care Setting. In 2024 I also presented on interview preparation and success for Pharmacy Technicians at the IPA annual meeting. I have attended legislative day in 2023, 2024, and 2025. I have served as an ISHP board member since 2023 and am currently on the Education Council.
About Me:
Since beginning my career in the health-system setting at an acute care hospital, I have been passionate about the many facets of the job. I have particularly enjoyed witnessing the daily interventions pharmacists make to enhance patient care and the expansion of services through new pharmacy-driven protocols. In January, I had the privilege of attending Legislative Day for the third time, where I advocated for bills impacting pharmacy and our patients. As an ISHP Pharmacy Board member or president-elect, I would leverage my effective communication and leadership skills to educate and support legislators and the public about the health-system pharmacy profession, while also advancing the mission of IPA. Furthermore, I am dedicated to fostering the growth and development of students and new pharmacists, and I would bring this passion for professional development to the ISHP academy.
What I hope to accomplish:
Continue ISHPs work on Pharmacy Practice Advancement initiatives. Grow new pharmacist and student ISHP membership(s). Help facilitate engaging ISHP-related conference and CE presentation topics. Continue ISHP quarterly newsletter. Increase networking opportunities among ISHP academy members - social events, volunteering opportunities, professional development.
Kajal Ooka
Employer: Community Health Network
Role: Pharmacy Technician
Previous IPA Engagement:
Current IPA Technician Council Co-Chair
About Me:
I have over 20 years experience in health system pharmacy and have held multiple roles within the pharmacy technician career field. I am passionate about supporting and advocating for pharmacy technicians in Indiana. I also support the further development and expansion of the pharmacy technician role into existing and new career paths. I have enjoyed taking on a more active role in the pharmacy community and would like to continue on that journey by collaborating with ISHP.
What I hope to accomplish:
I would be honored to have the opportunity to represent pharmacy technicians in the ISHP Academy. I would like to continue my efforts in promoting the value that pharmacy technicians bring to our health care systems and to strengthen pharmacy technician engagement.
Nikki Spencer
Employer: Community Health Network
Role: Pharmacy Technician
Previous IPA Engagement:
I am on the legislative and technician councils for IPA. I have been on those councils since October. In September, I helped with an IPA table at a career fair for Wesfield High School.
About Me:
I am an optimistic person who brings positivity into every situation. I like to be helpful and to collaborate with others.
I have been a pharmacy technician for 16 years. Half of that time was spent in retail services and the recent half has been inpatient hospital service. I have been in a buyer role at the hospital for 4 years. In addition to my buyer related responsibilities, I help with additional activities and committees within our department, and the network. I am a part of the network's Pharmacy DEI team and I run my own Acute Care DEI Committee for the inpatient pharmacies. We have a practice council for North Inpatient and I am involved with their activities and helping to plan fun events and pitch-ins and decorate the pharmacy for the holidays.
What I hope to accomplish:
Initially, I hope to gain the insight and experience to be a productive member and to lend my skills in assistance to others and their goals. Eventually, I would love to involve DEI in ISHP and IPA in some form or another, or if already established, help grow this program.
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