Hy-Vee CEO Randy Edeker Honored by Iowa Pharmacy Association

Hy-Vee Chairman, CEO and President Randy Edeker has been presented with the 2021 Legislative Champion Award by the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) Board of Trustees and Legislative Advisory Committee.

Randy Edeker

Edeker was recognized for his role on Iowa’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board Public Health and Healthcare Workgroup that was formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including his exemplary leadership displayed in championing the role of pharmacy in advancing public health and responding to the pandemic.

“Randy Edeker’s dedication and advocacy for the profession of pharmacy is greatly valued and this award recognizes that important work,” said Kate Gainer, EVP and CEO, Iowa Pharmacy Association, in a statement.

As WGB reported last month, Hy-Vee has continued to expand its COVID-19 testing as well as prepare for a vaccine rollout. After initially offering free COVID-19 lab testing at 11 Hy-Vee pharmacies in August, the grocer extended the service to 181 locations across its eight-state footprint in December. Last month, Hy-Vee also announced it was seeking to hire 1,000 full- and part-time licensed pharmacy technicians across its more than 270 pharmacies as it prepares for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

“The work that our pharmacists are doing every day to serve our Iowa communities has never been more important than now,” said Edeker. “Because of the pharmacy network we have throughout Iowa, we have been able to increase COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 vaccine distribution, while also providing the traditional pharmacy services that so many Iowans rely upon. When we allow our pharmacists to perform at the top of their license, then we can provide the best care to Iowans across all communities.”

The Legislative Champion Award was established in 2020 to recognize an IPA member who has shown exemplary service by partnering with IPA to advance the profession of pharmacy through advocacy.

Based in West Des Moines, Iowa, Hy-Vee currently has more than 1,000 pharmacists who are serving patients across its eight-state region in the Midwest. The company has been providing pharmacy services for more than 50 years.