HDA’s Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition (PCSC) presented three awards at its educational seminar in East Hanover, New Jersey. Presented annually, the PCSC Award recognizes leaders who have exhibited extraordinary standards of honesty and integrity while working tirelessly to protect and serve their communities.
The 2018 honorees include:
Juan Marcos Baez
Juan Marcos Baez, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) Corporate Security Director for the Global Supply Chain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central America and the Caribbean, was celebrated for both his dedication to furthering the security of the pharmaceutical supply chain, as well as going above and beyond to ensure patient access to medicine. Baez has even helped to ensure patient access to medicine on an individual level by securing lifesaving medication for the family member of an industry peer.
He further demonstrated the values represented by this award through the creation of anti-diversion, counterfeit and general supply chain security strategies that significantly reduced product losses during transportation. Before joining BMS, Mr. Baez served for 20 years in Mexican law enforcement, including as Chief of Police for Mexico City Judicial Police.
Nicolette Louissaint
As Executive Director of Healthcare Ready, which partners with the private and public sectors to build resiliency in communities before, during and after disasters, Nicolette Louissaint was recognized for her leadership of the organization during the devastating 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. Under her direction, Healthcare Ready successfully navigated unique challenges to bring critical supplies to the areas and victims affected by the hurricanes that struck the U.S. and the Caribbean.
Prior to Healthcare Ready, Louissaint served in various roles at the U.S. Department of State, the Greater Baltimore Leadership Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Sojourner-Douglas College.
Jack Repsha
Jack Repsha — who retired last year following a 14-year career as Head of Security for Novartis facilities in the U.S. — was honored as a pioneer of pharmaceutical corporate security. At Novartis, he employed his leadership skills and law enforcement experience to build consensus within his organization, and the industry, to further secure the pharmaceutical supply chain. Additionally, as one of the first individuals to join PCSC after its founding in 2006, he assisted in growing the organization and its knowledge base.
A former New Jersey State Police Officer, Mr. Repsha has received numerous awards for his commitment to the citizens he served and his fellow brothers in arms.
“I am thrilled to present Juan Marcos, Nicolette and Jack with this award, recognizing their commitment to supply chain security and their dedication to patient safety,” said Chuck Forsaith, Senior Director of PCSC. “All are recognized leaders in the industry, who have gone above and beyond to help their peers, community and the security sector. Their combined contributions are an example of the dedication and selflessness that PCSC members exhibit in their goal of protecting patient safety worldwide.”
For more information on PCSC visit www.hda.org/pcsc or contact Chuck Forsaith.
ABOUT PHARMACEUTICAL CARGO SECURITY COALITION
HDA’s Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition offers supply chain security intelligence; access to contacts from industry, government and vendor trade disciplines; physical and supply chain security assessments; a reference library of supply chain security publications, articles and related documents; as well as opportunities to attend educational events. Primarily (but not exclusively) focused on the pharmaceutical industry, PCSC provides useful insights for anyone interested in supply chain security.
ABOUT THE HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE
The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) represents primary pharmaceutical distributors — the vital link between the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers and more than 200,000 pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and others nationwide. Since 1876, HDA has helped members navigate regulations and innovations to get the right medicines to the right patients at the right time, safely and efficiently. The HDA Research Foundation, HDA’s non-profit charitable foundation, serves the healthcare industry by providing research and education focused on priority healthcare supply chain issues.