Douglas Hoey set to give pharmacy commencement address

Auburn Commencement Home

B. Douglas Hoey, chief executive officer of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), will serve as the commencement speaker for the Harrison College of Pharmacy graduation ceremony on Monday, May 4 at 1 p.m.

The Harrison College of Pharmacy (HCOP) Class of 2026 includes 129 Doctor of Pharmacy graduates representing 13 different states and three foreign countries. As Alabama’s public college of pharmacy, HCOP educates more Alabamians than any other college in the country with 100 of the graduates coming from Alabama.

Allie Blubaugh, a native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, will serve as the Student Marshal while Dr. Surachat Ngorsuraches, professor in the Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, will serve as the Faculty Marshal. Dr. Randall Clark, Gilliland Professor in the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, will serve as the Macebearer.

“Doug Hoey’s leadership at the national level exemplifies the meaningful impact pharmacists can have when they lead with purpose and conviction," said Dr. Leigh Ann Ross, dean of the Harrison College of Pharmcy. "We are excited for our graduates to hear from someone whose career has been dedicated to advancing the profession and championing the vital role of community pharmacy.”

NCPA represents nearly 19,000 independent community pharmacies nationwide, employing more than 235,000 people. Under Hoey’s leadership, the association has become a leading national advocate for community pharmacy, advancing policies that support independent pharmacists and expand access to patient-centered care.

A licensed pharmacist in Oklahoma, Virginia, and Texas, Hoey brings decades of experience in community pharmacy practice, including work in his family’s pharmacy. He joined NCPA as its first chief operating officer and was named chief executive officer in 2011. Since then, he has emerged as a nationally recognized authority on issues affecting community pharmacy, including drug supply challenges, prescription drug pricing, and patient access to care, and is frequently cited by national media on pharmacy and health policy matters.

Hoey has also contributed to pharmacy education, developing and teaching pharmacology courses at George Washington University and Marymount University. His professional leadership includes service as president of the World Pharmacy Council, co-chair of the Surescripts Board of Directors, chairman of the NCPA Innovation Center, and vice chair of the CPESN® USA Board of Managers.

“The Auburn spirit has always been rooted in service, and I am inspired by the compassion, resilience, and dedication I see in this year’s class,” Hoey said. “I am honored to be invited to be a part of Auburn’s Harrison College of Pharmacy graduation ceremony as these new graduates prepare to launch careers that will shape the health and well being of our communities for years to come.”