2024 Featured Speakers
Dave Asprey
Keynote Speaker
Dave is known in the health industry as “The Father of Biohacking.” After creating and founding Bulletproof™ Coffee and the Bulletproof brand, he hacked his own health to transform his physicality, increase his IQ by more than 12 points and reduce the total age of his overstressed biochemistry.
Today, he is committed to elevating global awareness of the body’s potential, neuroscience and spirituality.
Check him out before ThinkNext on his podcast: The Human Upgrade™.
Brian Williams
Founder of Think Kindness
Through his speaking and nonprofit, Think Kindness, Brian has spoken to more than 1.5 million people across the country, raised more than $2.5 million for charity, collected over 300,000 pairs of shoes for needy children and families, built 2 orphanages and taken more than 400 volunteers during their global kindness mission trips to Africa & Costa. His efforts have been featured on national media outlets such as USA Today, NBC and CBS.
Brian’s infectious energy and passion for kindness have led to the creation of numerous impactful programs. In 2023, Brian was recognized as the University of Nevada Alumni of the Year for Community Impact.
Dian Ginsberg, MD, FACOG
Founder of the Ginstitute of Functional Medicine and Practitioner at Women’s Specialty Healthcare
Dr. Ginsberg has years of experience providing comprehensive obstetrics and gynecology treatment, which is the basis of her special interest in weight management, optimal prenatal and postpartum care, menopause management and healthy aging. She has used her extensive experience to help men and women with hormone imbalance regain the vitality and fitness they thought was lost forever.
In her own words, “In addition to practicing OB/GYN for over 25 years, I am a menopausal woman with an intricate understanding of the delicate hormone balance needed to achieve vitality.”
Speakers
Kevin Borg, PharmD, FIACP, FACA
Potter’s House Apothecary in Peoria, Arizona, and Prescott Compounding Pharmacy in Prescott, Arizona
Kevin Borg, PharmD
Kevin is the 2023 winner of the M. George Webber, PhD, PCCA USA Compounding Pharmacist of the Year Award.
After working many years for an independent pharmacy, Kevin specialized in general and sterile compounding with an emphasis in hormone replacement and pain management therapy. In April 2009, Kevin opened his first compounding pharmacy, Potter’s House Apothecary.
Steve Hoffart, PharmD
Magnolia Pharmacy, Magnolia, Texas
Steve Hoffart, PharmD
Since 2002, Steve has received numerous awards and recognition for his dedication in pharmacy, including: 2008 RPMS Pharmacist of the Year; July 2012 PCCA Pharmacist of the Month; 2013 Potpourri’s NW Readers’ Choice Best Locally Owned Pharmacy; 2021 Good Neighbor Pharmacy of the Year finalist; and PCCA’s 2022 M. George Webber Compounding Pharmacist of the Year. He is also a member of APC, NCPA, Texas Pharmacy Association and American Pharmacies Buying Co-op. Magnolia Pharmacy is PCAB-accredited.
TW Taylor, RPh
Williamsburg Drug Company in Williamsburg, Virginia
TW Taylor, RPh
T.W. has been a proud PCCA member since 1986.
He has dedicated his career to finding healthy solutions for people and pets in his community. He is currently serving a three-year term on PCCA’s Advisory Council. His hobbies have included flying airplanes and driving race cars for his own NASCAR team.
Bradley W. Howard
Director at Brown & Fortunato
Bradley W. Howard
A litigator with an emphasis in health and employment law. Brad began his work as a trial attorney in Albuquerque. For two years he focused on commercial litigation at Hinkle, Cox, Eaton, Coffield & Hensley. He then joined Burg & Eldredge, P.C., a Denver based firm, where he prepared and tried numerous lawsuits.
Alfonso Zambrano
Director at Brown & Fortunato
Alfonso Zambrano
With a broad corporate practice emphasizing on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, business start-ups, real estate transactions and corporate governance. Alfonso has served as the principal legal advisor on numerous transactions in various industries to help clients achieve their goals and implement their business strategies.
Richie Ray, RPh
TRIS Restaurant
Richie Ray, RPh
Richie Ray is a prominent figure in the realm of prescription patents, known for his innovative approach to pharmaceuticals. As the owner of Richie’s Specialty Pharmacy and CMPD Licensing, he has dedicated his career to discovering new applications for established drugs. By developing and patenting these novel uses, Richie not only enhances treatment options but also licenses his patents to pharmacists nationwide, making a significant impact on the healthcare industry.
Scott Brunner, CAE
Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding (APC)
Scott Brunner, CAE
Scott was formerly the senior vice president of communications and external relations for the National Community Pharmacists Association. In his 33-year career in association management, he has led state trade associations in three different locations: Georgia, Mississippi and Virginia.
He earned his prestigious Certified Association Executive designation in 1997.
Doug Hoey, RPh, MBA
Chief Executive Officer of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
Doug Hoey, RPh, MBA
Doug was NCPA’s first chief operating officer and in 2011 was named CEO. He is also president of the World Pharmacy Council, co-chairman of the Surescripts Board of Directors, chairman of the NCPA Innovation Center and vice-chair for the CPESN® USA Board of Managers.
He is widely quoted as an industry expert on community pharmacy practice issues including drug supply and prescription drug pricing.
Richard McCool, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®
Founder of Blackwood Financial Group
Richard McCool, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®
Richard provides important financial planning services to family, personal and business clients across the United States. His primary focus is developing broad-based financial strategies including, but not limited to, protection planning, retirement income strategies, wealth development and accumulation, business development, estate planning, asset management, investments and planned charitable giving.
Rachael Pontikes, JD
Partner at ReedSmith
Rachael Pontikes, JD
Rachael advises life sciences and health care clients on regulations impacting companies operating in this space. Widely regarded as a thought leader in the compounding sector, she represents coalitions of compounding pharmacies and outsourcing facilities to challenge FDA, state regulators or other regulatory bodies on critical issues defining the industry. A recognized national authority, she is personally ranked by Chambers USA in Band 1 for the Illinois Healthcare: Pharmaceutical/Medical Products Regulatory category.
Pamela W. Smith, MD, MPH, MS
Co-Director of the Personalized Medicine Certification at the Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida
Pamela W. Smith, MD, MPH, MS
Senior Partner at The Center for Precision Medicine, Dr. Smith is an internationally known speaker and author of 14 best-selling books. She has been featured on CNN, PBS and many other television networks, has been interviewed in numerous consumer magazines and has hosted two of her own radio shows. She was also one of the featured physicians on the PBS series, The Embrace of Aging, as well as the online medical series, Awakening from Alzheimer’s and Regain Your Brain.
Bessann Watson, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®
Founder of Blackwood Financial Group
Bessann Watson, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®
Bessann serves family, personal and business clients across the United States. Her primary focus is developing broad-based financial strategies including, but not limited to, protection planning, retirement income strategies, wealth development and accumulation, business development, estate planning, asset management, investments and planned charitable giving.
PCCA & Eagle Speakers
Daniel Banov, MS, RPh
PCCA Director of Research & Development
Daniel Banov, MS, RPh
Daniel is an experienced pharmacist with over 20 years of expertise. He specializes in pre-formulation, formulation and re-formulation of various dosage forms. Daniel's focus on innovative techniques for skin permeation enhancement has led to multiple granted and pending U.S. patents. Daniel's additional contributions include founding the Anti-Aging Society in Brazil and publishing articles on cosmetics.
Gus Bassani, PharmD
PCCA Chief Scientific Officer
Gus Bassani, PharmD
Gus fulfills scientific, technical, and public affairs roles at PCCA. Using his background in pharmacy practice and industry settings, he has educated pharmacy students on compounding principles. He has served on the US Pharmacopeia Council of Experts and Drake University's National Advisory Council. Gus is a member of the National Community Pharmacists Association, Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding and American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.
Ross Caputo, PhD
Eagle Analytical President and Chief Executive Officer
Ross Caputo, PhD
Ross has more than 30 years of experience in FDA-regulated pharmaceuticals, focusing on process optimization and control of sterilization research and aseptic processing. He has authored more than 50 publications and is credited with 12 U.S. patents and many international patents — all related to infection control, sterilization processes and the production of sterile product. During his career, he has been active in organizations such as AAMI/ISO and PDA.
A.J. Day, PharmD
PCCA Vice President of Clinical Services
A.J. Day, PharmD
A.J. specializes in veterinary compounding, aseptic compounding, pain management and regulatory compliance. He has delivered presentations to physicians, veterinarians and pharmacists worldwide and provided expert testimony to the FDA. A.J. is involved with the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, National Community Pharmacists Association and other pharmacy groups. He serves as a preceptor for doctoral pharmacy students nationwide.
Mike De Lisio
PCCA North American Sales Director
Mike De Lisio
Mike oversees all PCCA sales team and client care operations for the U.S. and Canada. In addition, he plays a pivotal role as the main project manager for all modular cleanroom installations.
With more than 23 years of experience in the pharmaceutical compounding industry, Mike has notably contributed to PCCA and our members in various capacities including as a PCCA Key Account Manager, PCCA National Sales Manager and Managing Director of PCCA Canada.
Sebastian Denison, RPh
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist
Sebastian Denison, RPh
Sebastian is a sought-after speaker covering topics such as nutrition, pain, pharmacy compounding and alternative uses for Naltrexone. During his 11-year tenure at Northmount Pharmacy in North Vancouver, he specialized in HRT, veterinary, pain and sports compounding. Sebastian also managed Pharmacy Operations for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic/Paralympic Games and the Whistler Olympic Village Polyclinic Pharmacy.
Jacqueline Esqueda, PharmD, BCSCP
EAGLE Analytical Senior Business Development Specialist
Jacqueline Esqueda, PharmD, BCSCP
Jacqueline served as an R&D scientist for a contract drug manufacturing organization where she was responsible for the development of analytical methods, formulations and processes from the lab through manufacturing. As a pharmacist, Jacqueline led startup and production operations of a 503B outsourcing facility including SOP development and implementation, formulations, processes, and staff training in drug production.
Lizzie Harbin
PCCA Vice President of Public Affairs, Education & Human Relations
Lizzie Harbin
Lizzie’s multi-faceted role within the organization focuses on preserving and amplifying PCCA’s most valuable asset — its high-performing culture — while her work and leadership in the industry support her passion to ensure that all patients have access to lifesaving and life-enhancing compounded medication. In 2014, Lizzie received the PCCA Eagle Leadership Award for “her enthusiasm, her loyalty, her compassion and her excellence, which have strengthened our relationship with our members.”
Beau Harger, PharmD
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist
Beau Harger, PharmD
Beau is a graduate of the University of Mississippi. With 15 years of compounding experience, he joined PCCA as a full-time clinical compounding pharmacist in January 2015. Beau taught pharmacology at William Carey College in Gulfport, Mississippi, and was the pharmacist-in-charge of Nucara Compounding Pharmacy in Austin, Texas, for eight years.
Tricia Heitman, PharmD
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist
Tricia Heitman, PharmD
Tricia is a University of Houston College of Pharmacy graduate and completed a PCCA PharmD Residency. Since 2000, she has been a full-time clinical compounding pharmacist at PCCA, assisting pharmacists in the US and Canada. Tricia frequently lectures at PCCA International Seminars, specializing in pediatric compounding (including autism treatment), women's health, GI health and pain management.
Catherine Henderson, PharmD
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist
Catherine Henderson, PharmD
Catherine joined the PCCA Clinical Services team as a Clinical Compounding Pharmacist in 2023. A graduate of the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University, she previously owned a lifestyle medicine health-coaching practice in Alabama where she consulted virtually with clients from across the country.
Catherine’s passions include sharing her expertise in lifestyle-related illnesses and diseases to resolve complex health issues.
Sara Hover, RPh, FAARM
PCCA Director of Clinical Services
Sara Hover, RPh, FAARM
Sara has more than 20 years of experience as a compounding pharmacist. As the former owner of Creative Compounds in Prosper, Texas, Sara specializes in women's health and nutrition, and has extensive knowledge of HRT, homeopathics, herbal supplements and vitamins. She holds a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin and remains a lifetime member of the university's College of Pharmacy Alumni Association.
Nat Jones, RPh, FAPC
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist
Nat Jones, RPh, FAPC
Nat, a VCU Pharmacy graduate, owned a compounding pharmacy for 20 years before joining PCCA's Clinical Services in Houston. He's an esteemed international speaker on various medical topics and a fellow in the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. Nat's published articles in lay and professional journals, presented at conferences, and authored an open-access eBook on psoriasis. His greatest joy is being a grandparent to nine grandchildren.
Ranel Larsen, PharmD
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharamicst
Ranel Larsen, PharmD
Ranel joined PCCA as a clinical compounding pharmacist in 2014. After working in retail pharmacy for three years, Ranel transitioned to a compounding-only pharmacy, where she worked for over four years. Her areas of interest include HRT for men and women, veterinary medicine, pain management and dermatology. Ranel is a graduate of the Roseman University School of Pharmacy, where she obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy.
Matthew Lester, RPh, MBA
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharamcist
Matthew Lester, RPh, MBA
Matthew Lester was previously COO of Oakdell Pharmacy where he excelled in infusion, long-term care, consulting and disease management. With a passion for patient care, Matthew serves as a luminary for CPESN Texas and contributes to the NCPA Compounding Steering Committee. He is an adjunct professor and preceptor for pharmacy schools and holds advanced certifications in sterile compounding and hormone replacement.
Matt Martin, PharmD, BCSCP
PCCA Director of Clinical Services
Matt Martin, PharmD, BCSCP
Matt is well-respected for his expertise in both sterile and nonsterile compounding. He is board-certified in sterile compounded preparations through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. His willingness to share his knowledge with our industry is evident through his elected position as Coordinator-Elect for the APhA-APPM Compounding Special Interest Group. Prior to working for PCCA, he gained more than eight years of experience in compounding pharmacy.
Erin Michael, MBA, MS, CPhT, FAPC
PCCA Director of Member Engagement
Erin Michael, MBA, MS, CPhT, FAPC
Erin joined PCCA in 2006, serving members through her various roles. Of her 25 years in pharmacy, she has dedicated 23 years to compounding and promoting its practice. Erin's experience includes managing multiple locations for an independent pharmacy owner and developing growth programs. Erin has been recognized through awards such as PCCA Technician of the Month and California Pharmacists Association Technician of the Year and Steven Feldman Compounder of the Year.
Laura Pfaffenberger, PharmD
PCCA Director of Business Solutions
Laura Pfaffenberger, PharmD
After more than 20 years in the compounding pharmacy industry developing clinical expertise and business acumen, Laura sold her pharmacy in 2019 and pivoted to attend The Neuroleadership Institute to become proficient in brain-based coaching to better support clients as a business coach.
As Director of Business Solutions, she mentors, coaches and consults with compounding pharmacy owners through all phases of their entrepreneurial journey.
Bryan Prescott, PharmD, MBA
PCCA / CPMS Director of Business Coaching
Bryan Prescott, PharmD, MBA
Bryan Prescott brings expertise in financial analysis, marketing and human resources to assist compounding pharmacies. With 10 years at Pharmcare in Texas as PIC and operations manager, he joined PCCA's Pharmacy Consulting Department in 2012. Bryan transitioned to the Compounding Pharmacy Management Services department in 2015 as a business coach. He has been a featured speaker at PCCA and A4M seminars, covering pain, palliative care, wound care, scar management, ENT and marketing.
Chris Simmons, RPh
PCCA Vice President of Creative Development
Chris Simmons, RPh
After years in community and hospital pharmacy, Chris discovered his passion compounding veterinary medicine. His ability to problem solve led to work with Sea World, Disney Wild Animal Kingdom and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. among others. At PCCA, he continues his to pursue his passion, problem solving tricky patient cases for zoos and wildlife parks in Australia and the U.S. He is also a featured speaker for organizations advancing medicine.
Jim Smith
PCCA President
Jim Smith
Jim Smith has served as President of PCCA since April 2009. With a background in leadership roles, he joined PCCA in 2000 and has held positions such as COO, VP of Sales and Marketing, and a crucial member of the Strategic Management team. Jim's expertise has driven continuous improvement in PCCA's core competencies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from West Texas A&M University and an MBA from The University of Portland.