2025 Featured Speakers
Exponential Potential

Scott Brunner, CAE, is CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. APC is the voice for pharmacy compounding, representing compounding pharmacists and technicians in both 503A and 503B settings, as well as prescribers, educators, researchers and suppliers. 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, Scott has led state trade associations in Georgia, Mississippi and Virginia. He is an Alabama native and earned degrees at the University of Montevallo and Auburn University Montgomery. He earned the prestigious Certified Association Executive designation in 1997.

Richard Harris, PharmD, MD, MBA, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and pharmacist. He attended The University of Texas at Austin for pharmacy school then pursued medical education at the McGovern School of Medicine in Houston. A lifelong learner, he also completed his MBA at the University of Houston. Dr. Harris has a client-centric view focusing on building relationships and trust through a comprehensive lifestyle medicine system. He currently hosts the Strive for Great Health Podcast, has several online wellness courses and consults for several companies. He is an avid reader, weight lifter, video game enthusiast and author in his spare time. And, he enjoys sports, traveling, philanthropy, church and keto donuts.  

Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA, is CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). NCPA represents the owners of nearly 19,400 pharmacy small businesses. These pharmacies are important to local economies providing jobs for 215,000 people in their communities and consumers consistently rank them as the top-rated pharmacies in the country.

Adriaan Louw, PT, PhD, earned his undergraduate, master’s degree and PhD in physiotherapy from the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa. He is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Adriaan has taught throughout the U.S. and internationally for 25 years at manual therapy, pain science and medical conferences, and has authored and co-authored over 130 peer-reviewed articles. Adriaan is the Director of the Therapeutic Neuroscience Research Group, senior faculty, pain science director and vice-president for Evidence in Motion.

Joseph P. Navarra, RPh, FACA, FAPC, a graduate of St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Queens, N.Y., is the owner of Town Total Compounding Center in Woodbury, N.Y. Joe has been compounding for over 25 years, and has been involved with adherence programs, refill alignment services, MTM and investigational drug studies throughout his career. He is a past-president and past-chairman of the Italian-American Pharmacists Society, a past-president and past-chairman of the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York and a board member of the New York Pharmacists Society. Joe is certified in delivering medication therapy management and in pharmacy-based immunization delivery training. He has received many awards while practicing pharmacy, including the Distinguished Young Pharmacists Award, Preceptor of the Year and Innovative Pharmacy Practice Award.

Rachael G. Pontikes, JD,  advises life sciences and health care clients on the full range of health care regulations impacting companies operating in this industry. Widely regarded as a thought leader in the compounding sector, Rachael represents coalitions of compounding pharmacies and outsourcing facilities to challenge FDA, state regulators or other regulatory bodies on critical issues defining the industry. As a recognized national authority, Rachael is a leading health care partner at Blank Rome and is personally ranked by Chambers USA in Band 1 for the Illinois Healthcare: Pharmaceutical/Medical Products Regulatory category.

Shelbi Witt, founder of Montana Apothecary & Compounding Pharmacy in Great Falls, Montana, is a pioneering force in the pharmacy industry. Her innovative cash model hybrid pharmacies have redefined standards in Montana, reflecting her commitment to progressive health care practices. With a professional portfolio encompassing ownership of a compounding pharmacy specializing in hormone therapy, Shelbi exemplifies a steadfast dedication to personalized patient care. Holding an Asthma Educator Certification (AE-C), she adeptly manages complex health conditions, overseeing 8 providers within her pharmacy. Recognized as the 2022 George Roentsch New Innovator of the Year, Shelbi's reputation as a trailblazer precedes her. She utilizes her extensive experience to mentor and advise fellow pharmacy owners, offering invaluable insights to over 13 new independent pharmacies on their path to success.

Bryan Ziegler, PharmD, MBA, is a 2001 graduate of the University of South Carolina (USC) College of Pharmacy and a 2006 graduate of the Moore School of Business at USC. He completed an Executive Residency with the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) from 2005 to 2006. He has practical experience in hospital, home infusion, chain and independent community pharmacy settings, but his true passion is independent community pharmacy, compounding and entrepreneurship. Today, Bryan is co-owner of Moss Compounding Pharmacy in Florence, South Carolina, while also maintaining an adjunct clinical associate professor position with the USC College of Pharmacy. Bryan focuses his teaching and mentoring of pharmacy students in the areas of community pharmacy ownership, pharmacy management and implementing clinical services into the practice setting.

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.

In addition to his new role as PCCA CEO, Gus also supports scientific, technical and public affairs efforts at PCCA. Using his background in pharmacy practice and industry settings, he has educated pharmacy students on compounding principles. He has served on the U.S. 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.

Mark earned his Bachelor of Science in biology from Loma Linda University and his Doctor of Pharmacy from Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy. In 1999, he opened Med Specialties in Yorba Linda, California, and ran the pharmacy for 18 years. He concurrently worked for PCCA as a contract consultant for 17 years. On October 1, 2017, Mark started full-time with PCCA as a Clinical Compounding Pharmacist. His areas of specialty are HRT, dermatology and veterinary compounding. Over the years, Mark has worked with facilities in Haiti, India and Cuba to help introduce compounding and increase patient access to important pharmaceutical and compounding options.

Katy Hecker, PharmD, joined the PCCA Clinical Services team as a Clinical Compounding Pharmacist in 2024. A graduate of Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions in Omaha, Nebraska, Katy discovered her passion for compounding while working as a Pharmacist Intern at a specialty pharmacy catering to both human and veterinary needs. Her professional experience includes roles as a Staff Pharmacist, Pharmacist-in-Charge in retail and specialty compounding settings, and Clinical Consulting Pharmacist at a family practice medical facility, where she provided comprehensive medication reviews and educational presentations. With a strong focus on health and wellness, Katy is a Certified Health and Well-Being Coach dedicated to preventing and reversing disease through lifestyle medicine. She also has a special interest in veterinary pharmacy and women's health.

Nat, a VCU School of Pharmacy graduate, owned a compounding pharmacy for 20 years before joining PCCA's Clinical Services team in Houston. He's an esteemed international speaker on various medical topics and a fellow in the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. Nat has 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 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.

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.