ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) today announced that Jermaine Smith, RPh, has joined the organization as vice president of state advocacy. A respected pharmacy executive with 30 years in government affairs and regulatory strategy, Smith will help guide NACDS’ efforts to support pharmacies and patients as state legislatures and regulators continue to advance sweeping policy changes.
Smith will partner with Sandra Guckian, vice president of state pharmacy & advocacy, to lead NACDS’ team of state government affairs directors based in regions across the country. He will also manage his own dedicated portfolio and report to Michael Ayotte, RPh, IOM, senior vice president, pharmacy, transformation & advocacy.
“As pharmacies face unprecedented challenges and opportunities at the state level, we are thrilled to welcome Jermaine,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson. “His depth of experience and strategic vision will help us navigate rapidly shifting state landscapes and ensure policymakers understand the essential role of pharmacy.”
State-level advocacy has never been more critical. In 2025 alone, 38 states enacted 79 laws advancing 152 policies aligned with NACDS’ reimbursement priorities, demonstrating the rapid pace at which payment and access issues are being addressed. At the same time, 35 states enacted 60 bills that advanced 100 policies related to scope-of-practice, payment for pharmacy services, and operational efficiencies. This momentum underscores the vital importance of robust, strategic state advocacy.
Anderson continued, “Jermaine has been an integral partner to NACDS for many years — serving on the Policy Council and other committees. Formalizing that partnership strengthens our hand, accelerating state-level progress for our members and the communities they serve.”
