CPhA Names Susan Bonilla as Chief Executive Officer

SACRAMENTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The California Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Board of Trustees announced today that Susan Bonilla has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the nation’s largest, statewide pharmacy association representing the profession and all pharmacy practice settings. Bonilla will begin as CEO in early March.

After conducting a nationwide search and vetting over 190 applicants, the Board of Trustees were unanimous in their approval of Bonilla. Dr. Ken Thai, President of the Board of Trustees said, “Susan is the right person to lead CPhA into the future, building on the tremendous momentum generated by Jon Roth, CPhA’s former Chief Executive Officer.”

“Jon left CPhA in the strongest state it has experienced in our 150-year history, and now, with the reins handed to Susan, the Board and I are excited to see the positive impact she will make for the next chapter for CPhA,” said Thai. “Given her extensive experience, successes and relentless drive to create positive change for those she has represented in the past, Susan has the vision and experience to propel CPhA into another decade of positive change. Bonilla will spearhead multiple initiatives to unite and promote the profession and the care pharmacy professionals provides to communities.”

Bonilla is no stranger to member relations and the importance of building relationships in order to move initiatives forward. Having served as a member of the California State Assembly and County Board of Supervisors representing Contra Costa County, Bonilla has dedicated herself to finding solutions and implementing strategies to create positive change. While serving in the State Legislature, Bonilla chaired the Assembly Business and Professions Committee, served on education and health committees, and the education budget subcommittee. In her six years of service to the State Legislature, Bonilla championed multiple reforms surrounding educational testing, funding mechanisms and improving the business climates for both consumers and employers.

“Over the last 150 years, but more specifically the last ten years, CPhA has experienced phenomenal growth in terms of the impact we have had in California, the nation and the profession. We are regarded as the leader to set standards for how the pharmacy profession practices, the standards that govern the profession, and how we administer care to the communities we serve,” said Thai. “Susan will utilize her strong leadership and strategic vision to build upon the foundation that we have collectively established through our leadership and members to benefit the pharmacy profession.”

Bonilla graduated as an English major from Azusa Pacific University, received her teaching credential from Cal State Los Angeles and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.

About CPhA

The California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the largest statewide professional association for pharmacists, student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the country. CPhA represents the pharmacy profession in all practice settings and promotes the health of the public through the practice of pharmacy.

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