Nicole Lawson
Lebanon,Virginia
Summary
Senior pharmacy and healthcare operations leader with 18 years of leadership experience and a solid track record in enhancing productivity and managing budgets across diverse settings. Focused on meeting regulatory compliance while fostering high-performing teams that drive strategic growth and improve patient care outcomes. Held the Titles of President/Vice President of Production, Operations Executive and Manufacturing, Quality and Regulatory Leader.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
GTI INDUSTRIES INC.
Bristol, VA
05.2025 - Current
- Coordinated and directed departmental activities related to production, pricing, and sales to align with business objectives.
- Managed budgets and accounts while coordinating initiatives and schedules to support productivity improvements.
- Coordinated daily operations to enhance collaboration and efficiency across multiple departments.
- Mitigate business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
- Review goal cards and monthly report cards to measure productivity and goal achievements.
- Delegate work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Remote Order Entry Pharmacist (PRN)
Cardinal Health
01.2024 - Current
- Dispense medications accurately following prescriptions and safety guidelines.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal pharmacy regulations and standards.
- Analyze physician's medication orders for correctness according to policy guidelines.
- Maintained comprehensive patient profiles, documenting drug allergies, medications, and medical histories to support safe and effective medication management.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to enhance medication plans for improved patient outcomes.
- Counsel health care professionals regarding therapeutic options, formulary restrictions, drug interactions and side effects.
Independent Pharmacy Owner
Nextdoor Drug
Lebanon, VA
01.2020 - Current
- Managed daily operations of community pharmacy to ensure efficient workflow and high-quality service delivery.
- Stay audit ready for when the Board of Pharmacy comes for inspection by maintaining correct paperwork and records.
- Ensured compliance with controlled substance regulations by regularly reviewing practices and documentation.
- Supervise pharmacy staff, providing training and support for effective service.
- Implement inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Developed relationships with local healthcare providers to improve patient care and service integration.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and maintain proper documentation.
- Oversee prescription processing and patient consultation for accurate medication delivery.
- Coordinated marketing efforts to increase community awareness of pharmacy services.
- Handle customer inquiries and resolve issues to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Resolve customer complaints regarding product quality or service issues.
- Hire, train, supervise and evaluate staff members including pharmacists, technicians and support personnel.
- Create budgets and manage financial operations of the pharmacy.
- Advise health care providers on appropriate medication therapies based on patient needs.
- Manage inventory of drugs, medical supplies, and equipment to ensure adequate stock levels.
- Develop and implement policies for the purchase, handling, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.
- Implement systems for tracking orders and processing payments from customers.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as physicians or nurses to optimize patient outcomes.
- Review patient profiles to identify potential drug-related problems such as allergies or possible adverse reactions.
- Negotiate contracts with suppliers and PSAO to secure competitive pricing on products.
- Analyze data reports to monitor trends in drug utilization patterns.
- Establish relationships with physicians to promote business development initiatives.
- Monitor compliance with federal regulations related to controlled substances.
- Perform quality assurance checks to ensure accuracy in filling prescriptions.
- Provide advice on the selection, dosage, interactions, side effects, and storage of medications.
- Educate patients about their medications including proper usage instructions.
- Maintain records of drug sales and monitor drug interactions.
- Prepare labels with instructions for use on prescription containers.
- Direct pharmacy staff and medication management workflows to support efficient and cost-effective use of medications.
- Review medication errors and adverse drug events to implement quality improvement measures and boost organizational performance.
- Managed corrective and preventative actions by identifying issues and implementing solutions to enhance pharmacy operations.
- Conduct post-implementation assessment of pharmacy automation enhancements and programs to achieve desired results.
- Participate in next-generation education of pharmacists with clerkships, pharmacy internships and post-graduate residency training programs.
- Delegate work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Provide leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Review financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
- Implement successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets; such as bioidentical hormone replacement implementation within the pharmacy operations.
- Create effective business plans to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives.
- Monitor progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
- Mitigate business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
- Direct or coordinated financial or budget activities to fund operations and maximize investments.
Pharmacy Clinical and Operations Manager
Ballad Health
Johnson City, TN
01.2022 - 05.2025
- Franklin Woods Community Hospital
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring service quality and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Managed staff schedules to optimize workforce efficiency and coverage.
- Coordinated interdepartmental communication to streamline operations and minimize delays, enhancing patient care.
- Trained new employees on operational procedures and safety protocols, fostering a compliant and efficient workplace.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies for daily operations.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to address concerns and improve collaboration.
- Developed operational policies to align with organizational goals and standards.
- Directed day-to-day operations by spearheading implementation of short-term and long-term strategies to achieve business plan and profitability goals.
- Worked with a central fill system to maintain waste reduction.
- Worked alongside quality control to maintain OEE improvement once a month.
- Implemented daily accountability systems to track performance metrics.
- Maintained daily accountability systems.
- Visually managed employee performance every 6 months in quality control areas.
- Required multi-site management, strategic planning, P&L ownership and cross-functional collaboration
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify and resolve process and production issues.
Staff Pharmacist (PRN)
CVS Pharmacy
01.2022 - 02.2025
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to optimize patient medication regimens, improving therapeutic outcomes.
- Managed prescription fulfillment, ensuring accurate medication dispensing to enhance patient safety.
- Educated patients on medication usage and potential side effects to promote adherence and understanding.
- Reviewed patient profiles for potential drug interactions or allergies.
- Implemented safety protocols to uphold regulatory compliance standards.
- Supervised pharmacy staff and coordinated daily operational activities.
- Maintained inventory levels and ordered medications.
Pharmacy Manager
Ballad Health
Johnson City, TN
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Woodridge Psychiatric Hospital
- Managed daily operations of the pharmacy, including staffing, scheduling and inventory control.
- Oversaw pharmacy operations, ensuring adherence to regulations and standards for optimal safety.
- Oversaw medication inventory and maintained accurate records for patient safety.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to optimize patient medication therapies.
- Trained and mentored pharmacy staff on best practices and procedures.
- Implemented technology systems to improve workflow and efficiency in the pharmacy.
- Created policies that improved service quality and streamlined patient care delivery.
- Coordinated communication among patients, physicians, and healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes.
- Served as a liaison between pharmacists, physicians, insurance companies and other healthcare providers involved in patient care decisions.
- Assessed safety procedures and federal regulations to maintain pharmacy compliance.
- Conducted regular audits to ensure quality control measures were in place.
- Secured drugs against theft, loss, or mismanagement by setting and enforcing effective procedures.
- Provided professional consultation services on drug therapy options for patients.
Clinical Pharmacist (PRN)
Select Specialty Hospital
Bristol, TN
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Reviewed medication orders for accuracy and appropriateness, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop and implement individualized treatment plans, enhancing patient care.
- Conducted medication reconciliation during patient admissions and discharges.
- Monitored patient responses to medications, adjusting regimens to optimize therapeutic effectiveness.
- Participated in interdisciplinary rounds to share pharmacotherapy insights.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards in medication management practices.
- Provided guidance to pharmacy staff on clinical protocols and best practices.
- Reviewed patient medical records for drug allergies, interactions, and contraindications to ensure safe medication use.
Clinical Pharmacist (Collaborative Practice – Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Specialty Care Rx
Pounding Mill, VA
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient care plans that enhance therapeutic outcomes.
- Conducted medication therapy management and counseling sessions.
- Monitored patient responses to medications and adjusted therapies accordingly.
- Monitored drug therapies by reviewing laboratory values and adjusting medications.
- Assessed medication appropriateness using evidence-based guidelines along with patient-specific factors such as age, weight, concurrent diagnosis.
- Advised patients on potential drug interactions and side effects, proper dose timing and medication storage.
- Delivered pharmacological education to patients, addressing questions and clarifying medication side effects to ensure safe and effective use.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals regarding optimal therapeutic outcomes for patients.
- Educated staff on new medications and treatment options to improve patient care delivery.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards and safety protocols.
Pharmacist, Manufacturing R&D Project (Department of Defense Contract)
United States Department of Defense
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Coordinated efforts to successfully complete NDA for new device, ensuring regulatory alignment.
- Collaborated with Food and Drug Administration and Boards of Pharmacy to ensure project compliance.
- Ensured quality control and compliance in manufacturing environment, adhering to federal and state regulations.
- Performed quality assurance checks and stayed audit ready.
- Oversaw compounding of special medications to meet unique patient needs, following precise formulas and protocols.
- Ensured strict adherence to pharmacy laws, regulations, and standards, including controlled substances management.
- Monitored and enforced compliance with state and federal drug laws in pharmacy operations.
- Secured drugs against theft, loss, or mismanagement by setting and enforcing effective procedures.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Shenandoah University
05-2026
Doctor of Pharmacy -
University of Appalachia College of Pharmacy
Associate of Science - Dental Hygiene
Wytheville Community College
Skills
- Healthcare Management
- Quality Assurance and Compliance Readiness
- Joint Commission Readiness
- Regulatory Compliance
- Audit Readiness
- Lean Process Improvement
- Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement
- Production Operations Leadership
- Capacity Planning and Scheduling
- Supply Chain and Inventory Control Coordination
- Inventory Optimization
- Cost Reduction and Labor Productivity
- Budget/P&L Management
- Budget Management
- Multi-Site Operations
- Team Leadership and Development
- Strategic Planning
- Standard Work and Visual Management
Certification
- Registered Pharmacist (RPh), Active Licenses, Virginia, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Ohio
- Licensed Pharmacist, Vermont, In Progress
- Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP), In Progress
- Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery, American Pharmacists Association
- Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association
Personal Information
Title: PharmD, RPh
Selected Leadership Achievements
- Own and operate an independent pharmacy with full responsibilities for overseeing operations, staffing, financial performance, inventory, quality control and regulatory compliance.
- Led multidisciplinary teams across hospital, retail and manufacturing settings, including pharmacists, technicians, interns, students and other General Managers.
- Develop and monitor departmental budgets, invoices, and financial documents while identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Lead medication safety, antimicrobial stewardship, anticoagulation, and Pharmacy & Therapeutics initiatives.
- Prepare organizations for state inspections and accreditation surveys, including Joint Commission requirements.
- Conduct root-cause analyses and implement corrective actions to improve quality and patient safety.
- Organize and execute successful immunization clinics and public health outreach programs.
- Contributed to manufacturing R&D initiatives under a United States Department of Defense contract.
- Directed controlled substance inventory and compliance programs in highly regulated environments.
Activities
- Preceptor for pharmacy students, pharmacy technician students, and psychiatric medical residents
- Presenter: Pharmacogenetics Overview in Select Psychiatric Medications (Grand Rounds, 2022)
- Committee Service: Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Medication Safety, Anticoagulation, Antibiotic Stewardship
Timeline
General Manager
GTI INDUSTRIES INC.
05.2025 - Current
Remote Order Entry Pharmacist (PRN)
Cardinal Health
01.2024 - Current
Pharmacy Clinical and Operations Manager
Ballad Health
01.2022 - 05.2025
Staff Pharmacist (PRN)
CVS Pharmacy
01.2022 - 02.2025
Independent Pharmacy Owner
Nextdoor Drug
01.2020 - Current
Pharmacy Manager
Ballad Health
01.2020 - 01.2022
Clinical Pharmacist (PRN)
Select Specialty Hospital
01.2018 - 01.2020
Clinical Pharmacist (Collaborative Practice – Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Specialty Care Rx
01.2017 - 01.2020
Pharmacist, Manufacturing R&D Project (Department of Defense Contract)
United States Department of Defense
01.2010 - 01.2014
Master of Business Administration -
Shenandoah University
Doctor of Pharmacy -
University of Appalachia College of Pharmacy
Associate of Science - Dental Hygiene
Wytheville Community College