Washington, D.C. —The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Lawson, PharmD, ICE-CCP, as Executive Director of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), an autonomous division of APhA and the premier post-licensure certification body for the pharmacy profession. Lawson’s selection follows an exhaustive national search launched earlier this year to identify the next leader of BPS.
Lawson assumes the role following his service as Interim Executive Director and after more than a decade of progressive leadership within BPS. His appointment marks a significant milestone in BPS’s continued evolution, recognizing a dedicated and visionary leader with deep institutional knowledge and an unwavering commitment to advancing board certification in pharmacy.
“Dr. Lawson is a highly accomplished association management executive and credentialing leader. He’s served BPS in a variety of roles over many years and is the perfect person to lead BPS into the future,” said Michael D. Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, Executive Vice President and CEO of APhA. “His track record of innovation, strategic vision, and collaboration with pharmacy professionals across the globe will ensure BPS continues to grow in its mission to improve patient care through board certification.”
Lawson first joined BPS in 2012 and has held several senior positions, most recently serving as Associate Executive Director and previously as Senior Director of Professional Affairs and International Engagement. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding BPS’s global footprint, strengthening governance and professional affairs, and elevating the visibility of board-certified pharmacists around the world. He has served on numerous national and international advisory committees and task forces, contributing his expertise to advance pharmacy practice and professional development globally.
With more than 60,000 active pharmacist certifications across 15 specialties, BPS sets the standard for board certification in pharmacy. Under Lawson’s leadership, BPS is poised to build on its strong foundation and continue its mission of certifying pharmacists who advance patient care and clinical excellence.
Lawson succeeds William Ellis, who retired after 12 years of exemplary leadership as Executive Director of BPS.
For more information about BPS and its role in advancing pharmacy board certification, please visit www.bpsweb.org. For more information on APhA and how it’s advancing the entire pharmacy profession, please visit www.pharmacist.com.