Andy Arland is a people person. Many of his most proud achievements have been serving his community, working in a vocation that helps people on their path to better health, and assisting other people in achieving their goals and dreams within the pharmacy profession.
His education and family have had a tremendous impact on the trajectory of his life. A 1983 graduate of Greenfield-Central High School, Andy affirms “the high standards, willingness to meet you where you were, and to PUSH for excellence at G-CHS were positively foundational for my growth and success at Purdue and beyond.” He has fond memories of several teachers including Tillman Smith, Jerry Bell, Nancy Herndon, and Don Bishop. He says, “From being president of National Honor Society and G-CHS Band to being named the ‘Class Clown’ – it all had value.”
Andy graduated with a degree in Pharmacy from Purdue University and became a registered pharmacist in 1988. He began as a stock boy at Hook’s Drug Stores age 16 and has remained with the same company his entire career as it transitioned to include Revco and then was purchased by CVS. He has risen through the ranks as a Pharmacist, Store Manager, Pharmacy Supervisor, District Manager, and Region Manager (responsible for 137 stores and 157 pharmacies in Indiana).
True to his nature, Andy has become well-known in the company as a developer of people. In addition to building high-performing teams in different Districts and Regions, Andy has a proven track record of developing people for the organization. Hundreds of professionals were promoted to District Managers, Pharmacy Supervisors, Region Managers and Corporate positions as a result of his efforts. He has presented to CVS Emerging Leaders on multiple occasions at CVS’ Corporate Office in Rhode Island to share insights and inspiration for our future leaders.
Andy has been actively involved in various CVS efforts. He led the conversion of Eckerd stores to CVS when they were acquired in 2004. As a Trainer for the Pharmacy Supervisors, Andy was instrumental in the rollout and participated in the development and pilot of a Pharmacy Workflow Initiative which worked cross-functionality with Pharmacy, Operations, Field, and Store levels. In 2010 Andy was a driving force in the opening of the new St. Louis market (CVS retail), including real estate acquisition, construction, personnel, and planning.
Andy relocated to the Chicago market in 2019 as Region Director to broaden his experience and positively impact a major market. He led the overhaul of Talent Routines and Collaboration of the Chicago market which included three regions. He served as acting Division Vice President in 2020 (during a lengthy absence of the Division Vice President) which included the operations and oversight of approximately 2,500 stores.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Andy was Indispensable in leading his division’s long-term care efforts in delivering the Covid vaccine to residents in long-term care facilities. The team he assembled included 60 vaccine depot leaders, 1,800 pharmacists, 3,400 pharmacy technicians, and 360 nurses. In two months, his team conducted 12,000 on-site clinics. The team administered over 500,000 immunizations in more than 4,000 separate skilled nursing and assisted living facilities to a vulnerable population across nine states. He was highly praised for his leadership, professionalism, and dedication during this trying time for the company and country.
CVS has honored Andy with numerous recognitions. He has thrice received the People Development Award. He has also received the Think Customer Award and the John Fineran Award (CEO Award) for top-performing Region Manager for people development, delivering results, and leadership. Andy has also been asked to speak numerous times at Purdue University School of Pharmacy, including at the 2018 Dean’s Pharmacy Leadership and Innovation Forum.
Serving the people of his community has been a privilege. He served as the president of Arc of Hancock County for several years, was a member of the Rotary Club of Greenfield, volunteered and raised funds for FUSE (Families United for Support and Encouragement), organized CVS teams of walkers in support of the annual walk for the American Diabetes Association, and put together a corporate sponsorship and presence for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Purple Tie Ball in support of a colleague who has two children with CF.
Suzanne Hebert, his nominator, says, “Our family is extremely proud of Andy’s qualities. His kindness, generosity, and service to others is truly inspiring.” He is likewise proud of his wife and family. Andy and his wife Denise are the parents of five young men.
Thank you so much, Andy. Congratulations!