Chris Baxter
Ward,United States
Summary
To obtain the GS-09 Supervisory Pharmacy Technician position at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital, utilizing my 29+ years of pharmacy experience, proven leadership abilities, and in-depth knowledge of VA systems, regulatory compliance, and pharmacy operations.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supervisory Pharmacy Technician
Department of Veterans Affairs
North Little Rock, USA
04.2014 - Current
- Supervise daily workflow and scheduling for pharmacy technicians, ensuring consistent coverage and operational efficiency.
- Manage timekeeping submissions and coordinate leave to maintain staff morale and service levels.
- Oversee narcotic vault operations and ensure strict compliance with DEA and VA standards.
- Coordinate maintenance and utilization of automated dispensing systems and other pharmacy equipment.
- Support infusion services and liaise with ancillary departments to meet operational needs.
- Conduct annual performance evaluations, maintain technician competencies, and oversee training programs.
- Assist with recruitment, hiring panels, and promotion recommendations.
- Prepare and lead technician meetings to convey updates and expectations.
- Lead development and implementation of internal policies and procedures, including BCMA.
- Produce and review management reports such as controlled substance logs, high-cost drug inventory, and workflow audits.
- Analyze and streamline workflows, identify opportunities for cost reduction, and implement performance improvements.
- Prepare for national and local inspections including DEA, Joint Commission, and OIG.
Pharmacy Technician
Department of Veterans Affairs
North Little Rock, USA
03.1993 - 03.2014
- Acted as Lead Technician during absences; supported daily operations and scheduling.
- Coordinated Emergency Drug Cache program and crash cart readiness for 13+ years.
- Led facility-wide ward inspection program and compiled regulatory compliance reports.
- Delivered technician training and coordinated onboarding for new staff and students.
- Implemented pharmacy policy improvements and served as departmental liaison.
Pharmacy Supervisor & Technician
Baker Drugstore
North Little Rock, USA
03.1985 - 03.1993
- Supervised front-end and pharmacy operations.
- Managed inventory, scheduling, and prescription accuracy.
- Provided training for pharmacy and support staff.
- Interpreted prescriptions, processed billing, and managed patient records using proprietary systems.
Education
pharmacy and health-related studies
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Skills
- DEA compliance
- Automation
- Controlled substances
- Data analysis
- Quality improvement
- Workload reviews
- Statistical summaries
- Operational issue solving
- Workflow improvements
- Regulatory compliance
- Accreditation preparation
- Training development
- Competency programs
- Interdepartmental relationships
- Team leadership
- Staffing methodology
- Pharmacy operations
Certification
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Active, current through 2026
Additional Information
Meets all requirements of the VA Grandfather Provision (per 11/07/23 standard)., Fully trained and compliant with VHA policies, including immunization, background, and safety., Experience includes procurement, formulary compliance, ward stock distribution, and medication audits.
Knowledge Skills Abilities
- Expert knowledge advising others in areas including DEA compliance, automation, and controlled substances.
- Skill in data analysis for independent quality improvement, workload reviews, and statistical summaries.
- Ability to solve operational issues and implement workflow improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
- Experience with regulatory compliance and accreditation preparation (TJC, OIG, DEA, ASHP).
- Developed training and competency programs for onboarding and ongoing technician development.
- Skilled in building interdepartmental relationships and leading diverse technician teams.
- Applied staffing methodology to support efficient pharmacy operations.
Federal Employment Status
Current VA Employee
References
Available upon request.
Cover Letter
Chris Baxter, CPhT, 147 Abby Circle, Ward, AR, 72176, Baxter.Chris2@va.gov, 501-425-2058, [Today's Date], Human Resources Department, John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital, 4300 West Seventh Street, Little Rock, AR, 72205, Dear Hiring Committee, I am writing to express my strong interest in the GS-09 Supervisory Pharmacy Technician position at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital. With over 29 years of pharmacy experience-more than a decade of which I have served as a Supervisory Pharmacy Technician-I bring a comprehensive understanding of VA pharmacy operations, leadership, and a consistent track record of regulatory compliance and team development. Since 2014, I have successfully managed pharmacy technician scheduling, operations, training programs, controlled substance oversight, and workflow optimization for our North Little Rock campus. I have led efforts to prepare for and pass Joint Commission, DEA, and OIG inspections, and have driven quality improvement projects that reduced waste and enhanced efficiency across pharmacy services. My leadership style prioritizes mentorship, consistency, and process improvement, and I am proud to have built a reliable, mission-driven team that supports safe, high-quality patient care. I am certified by PTCB and fully meet the qualifications outlined in the position description, including the ability to independently analyze operational data, guide performance improvement, and manage accreditation readiness activities. As a long-standing member of the VA pharmacy team, I am deeply committed to our shared mission of serving Veterans and upholding the highest standards of pharmacy practice. Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your goals for this role. I am available at your convenience and can be reached at 501-425-2058 or Baxter.Chris2@va.gov. Sincerely, Chris Baxter, CPhT
Personal Information
Citizenship: United States
Timeline
Supervisory Pharmacy Technician
Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2014 - Current
Pharmacy Technician
Department of Veterans Affairs
03.1993 - 03.2014
Pharmacy Supervisor & Technician
Baker Drugstore
03.1985 - 03.1993
pharmacy and health-related studies
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
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