CEO to exit group at year's end to ensure a smooth transition

Merritt

Mark Merritt will step down as CEO of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association at the end of the year, the $21 million-revenue group announced Monday.

Merritt has led PCMA since 2005. In a statement about his departure, PCMA credited the CEO with growing the association from "an obscure group into the nation's leading voice on prescription drug benefits."

"Mark leaves big shoes to fill. When he came aboard in 2003, he started from scratch and built PCMA into one of the most effective advocacy and lobbying groups in American health care," said Board Chairman Tim Wentworth.

Before joining PCMA, Merritt was a senior strategist with America's Health Insurance Plans and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. He also worked on the presidential campaigns of U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and former Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.).

Merritt made more than $1.3 million in salary in 2016, according to tax records.

PCMA plans to launch a search for Merritt's successor, with the CEO staying on board for the rest of the year to help ensure a smooth transition.

Read more in the May 11 issue of CEO Update.