Our Mission
The PUTT team consists of entrepreneurs, pharmacists, pharmacy owners, and passionate advocates. Our board members and staff dedicate their days and careers to advocating for independent pharmacies and the vital role they play in healthcare. They believe that every patient has the right to access local, community healthcare and are determined to fight for patient rights to affordable, accessible medication.
Executive Director (Arizona)
Monique Whitney has served as Executive Director since 2017, using her strategic communications skills and expertise to grow PUTT from a perceived “pharmacy fringe group” toa respected resource for PBM reform and leading independent pharmacy advocacy organization. A communications business entrepreneur, she has worked in some of the most heavily-regulated industries including banking, hospital management, post-secondary education and environmental engineering. Her passion for local business, healthy communities and common sense policies that truly promote and secure small business as the “backbone of the economy” drive her daily to see PUTT’s mission of meaningful PBM reform fully realized.
Pharmacy Owner & Pharmacist-in-Charge (Minnesota)
As the President of PUTT’s Board of Directors, and owner of Keaveny Drug—an independent, family-owned pharmacy serving the Winsted, Minnesota community since 1933—her single-minded focus is protecting the future of independent pharmacy.
Deborah’s unwavering dedication to transparency and fairness drove her to establish the Minnesota Independent Pharmacies (MNindys), uniting local pharmacies with the goal of amplifying their voices and promoting ethical practices across the state. She is fearless in her mission of safeguarding the independent pharmacy industry–for communities, patients, and generations of pharmacists to come.
Monique Whitney, Executive Director
Deborah Keaveny, RPh
President
Pharmacy Owner (Illinois)
A proud 2nd-generation pharmacy owner, Lauren operates Dale's Southlake Pharmacy in Decatur, IL, and Colee's Corner Drugs in Forsyth, IL, with an unwavering commitment to quality care.
Lauren's advocacy and passion for reform has driven real change, including the successful passage of Illinois' first PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) Reform legislation in 2019—a pivotal victory for independent pharmacies across the state; and the Critical Access Pharmacy program, a crucial initiative supporting pharmacies struggling with reimbursement challenges. She hosts PUTT’s flagship podcast, the PUTTCast, educating and empowering listeners on federal and state PBM reform issues.
Pharmacy Owner (Texas)
Brandi Chane is an independent pharmacy owner and passionate advocate for the future of independent pharmacies. As the owner of Davis City Pharmacy, one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in Texas, Brandi combines her deep industry knowledge with a commitment to community care.
Brandi is the author of PUTT’s “Going Down The Rabbit Hole” blog series and leads PUTT’s Audit TRICARE campaign. She is also a member of the American Pharmacies Texas Advisory Panel and Public Policy Council for Texas Pharmacy Association. Through her work with PUTT, Brandi actively engages pharmacy owners and policymakers to champion fair practices and ensure access to quality healthcare for all.
Lauren Young
Vice President
Brandi Chane
Board Member
Retired Pharmacy Owner (Kansas)
A staunch advocate for underserved populations and rural life, Van resides in southeast Kansas, where the challenges of healthcare access are deeply personal. Now semi-retired, Van understands the challenges and triumphs of small business ownership in the healthcare sector. His leadership has extended beyond the pharmacy, serving as past President of the KPhA (2014) and the Kansas Pharmacy Foundation, and currently as the President of Moline, KS Health Clinic Inc., which provides critical infrastructure for a rural health clinic.
Pharmacy Owner & Pharmacist-in-Charge (Virginia)
Jeremy Counts is a second-generation independent pharmacy owner, executive board member of Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency (PUTT), and host of PUTT's multimedia podcast PBM On The Rocks. A distinct social media presence, Jeremy's humor and in-your-face style of advocacy empowers audience members to fight PBM abuse in engaging, attention-grabbing ways and has introduced PUTT to new generations of pharmacists, healthcare providers, patients and lawmakers.
Van G. Coble, DPH
Board Member
Jeremy Counts, PharmD
Board Member
Pharmacy Owner (Arizona)
Teresa Dickinson, RPh, is a trailblazer in the world of pharmacy and an unwavering advocate for independent pharmacies and consumer rights. A founding member of PUTT, Teresa has made it her mission to provide innovative care and exceptional pharmacy services to her community since 2005. An outspoken critic of Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) abuses, Teresa’s dedication to driving change is reflected in her leadership as a past President of PUTT as founder and co-chair of the Arizona Independent Pharmacy Coalition.
Pharmacy Owner & Manager (North Carolina)
Wes Hickman, PharmD, is a dedicated advocate for pharmacy reform and the owner of Hickman’s Pharmacy in Leland, North Carolina. Since stepping into the advocacy arena in 2019, Wes has been a passionate voice for change, particularly in the fight for NC PBM reform. As a respected leader in the healthcare community, he played a key role in advancing North Carolina Senate Bill 479, successfully incorporating provisions from House Bill 163 to strengthen its impact. Wes’ relentless commitment to advocacy and unique blend of professional expertise and humor drives him to champion meaningful change in the pharmacy landscape.
Teresa Dickinson, RPh
Board Member
Wes Hickman, PharmD
Board Member
Pharmacy Owner (Texas)
Chris is a dedicated pharmacist, independent pharmacy owner, and passionate advocate for truth and transparency in healthcare. He has spent much of his career as a champion for patients and small business pharmacy owners, working to level the playing field in an industry dominated by corporate interests. At PUTT, Chris plays a key role in exposing anti-competitive practices and ensuring that pharmacists and consumers are informed and empowered. Through his leadership, Chris continues to fight for a better, fairer healthcare system, where every patient has access to the resources they deserve, and every pharmacist can thrive free from systemic inequities.
Pharmacy Owner (North Carolina)
For nearly three decades, Stephen Joyce has dedicated his life to serving his community as a pharmacist. Owner and operator of Warren's Drug in central North Carolina, Stephen is channeling his passion and professional experience into advocating for fair practices. Stephen is fiercely motivated to ensure that the voices of community pharmacies are finally heard. His mission is clear: to stand up for transparency, fairness, and justice in a landscape that has long overlooked cornerstones of healthcare: community pharmacies.
Chris Hobart, RPh, PharmD, BCGP
Board Member
Stephen Joyce, RPh
Board Member
Pharmacy Owner (Missouri)
Bryan Keifer, RPh is a passionate advocate, driven leader, and determined to stay on the front lines fighting for affordable, accessible, and ethical healthcare by proving that independent pharmacies are more than just businesses—they’re the hearts of our communities. As one of the founding members of the Missouri Pharmacy Business Council, and owner of three independent pharmacies - Jones Drug Store, Twin City Pharmacy, and Chaffee Drug Store - Bryan has been instrumental in shaping legislation that protects local pharmacies and ensures better healthcare access for communities.
Pharmacy Manager (Texas)
Kendra's journey began behind the counter of her father-in-law’s small-town pharmacy, where she learned firsthand the importance of accessible, compassionate healthcare. Today, Kendra manages multiple bustling pharmacies across Texas, bringing that same community-focused care to patients at scale. Kendra’s passion extends beyond the pharmacy walls. She’s a fierce voice for patients' rights and equitable healthcare, challenging systemic barriers to ensure everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the care they deserve.
Bryan Keifer, RPh
Board Member
Kendra Korthauer
Board Member
Pharmacy Owner (Minnesota)
Andrew is a committed advocate for healthcare reform and patient rights. Driven by a commitment to justice and transparency, he fights to hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) accountable for their anti-competitive trade practices, focusing on fair reimbursement policies for independent pharmacies. Andrew has championed the role of independent pharmacies in delivering personalized, patient-centered care since becoming a pharmacist in 2014. By ensuring patients can access and afford their medications, he is dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes for his community
Retired Pharmacy Manager (California)
Jerry Shapiro built a legacy on protecting the livelihoods of countless professionals across California. A second-generation pharmacist and the former owner and Pharmacist-in-Charge of Uptown Drug in Los Angeles, he played a pivotal role in saving California independent pharmacies millions of dollars through his dedication and strategic advocacy efforts. Today Jerry serves as President of the National Community Pharmacy Association Foundation. Jerry’s passion for justice and his unwavering commitment to transparency and fairness continues to inspire those around him.
Andrew Russell, PharmD
Board Member
Jerry Shapiro, RPh
Board Member
Operations Manager & Podcast Producer (North Carolina)
Shannon brings a wealth of expertise through her multifaceted background that includes operations management, the performing arts, and education. Through her work with PUTT, Shannon is committed to shedding light on unethical practices, driving reform, and empowering individuals to challenge the injustices embedded in the system. With an unrelenting focus on justice and unwavering dedication to consumers’ rights, she is proud to stand alongside independent pharmacies and their patients, fighting for a fair and transparent healthcare landscape.
Shannon Wightman-Girard
Operations Manager
Monique Whitney
Executive Director (Arizona)
Monique Whitney has served as Executive Director since 2017, using her strategic communications skills and expertise to grow PUTT from a perceived “pharmacy fringe group” toa respected resource for PBM reform and leading independent pharmacy advocacy organization. A communications business entrepreneur, she has worked in some of the most heavily-regulated industries including banking, hospital management, post-secondary education and environmental engineering. Her passion for local business, healthy communities and common sense policies that truly promote and secure small business as the “backbone of the economy” drive her daily to see PUTT’s mission of meaningful PBM reform fully realized.
Deborah Keaveny, Rph
President | Owner & Pharmacist-in-Charge, Keaveny Drug (MN)
As the President of PUTT’s Board of Directors, and owner of Keaveny Drug—an independent, family-owned pharmacy serving the Winsted, Minnesota community since 1933—her single-minded focus is protecting the future of independent pharmacy.
Deborah’s unwavering dedication to transparency and fairness drove her to establish the Minnesota Independent Pharmacies (MNindys), uniting local pharmacies with the goal of amplifying their voices and promoting ethical practices across the state. She is fearless in her mission of safeguarding the independent pharmacy industry–for communities, patients, and generations of pharmacists to come.
Lauren Young
Vice President | Pharmacy Owner (IL)
A proud 2nd-generation pharmacy owner, she operates Dale's Southlake Pharmacy in Decatur, IL, and Colee's Corner Drugs in Forsyth, IL, with an unwavering commitment to quality care.
Lauren's advocacy and passion for reform has driven real change, including the successful passage of Illinois' first PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) Reform legislation in 2019—a pivotal victory for independent pharmacies across the state; and the Critical Access Pharmacy program, a crucial initiative supporting pharmacies struggling with reimbursement challenges. She hosts PUTT’s flagship podcast, the PUTTCast, educating and empowering listeners on federal and state PBM reform issues
Brandi Chane
Owner, Davis City Pharmacy (TX)
Brandi Chane owns Davis City Pharmacy, the second-oldest pharmacy still continuously operating in Texas where her mom, whose first job was as a soda jerk in 1962, is still employed. At PUTT, she advocates for independent pharmacies at the state and federal level and actively works to engage pharmacy owners to get involved in the future of their profession. Brandi is a member of American Pharmacies’ Texas Advisory Panel