Bold ideas. Bold action. Bold results.
meet the change-makers of Civica
stepping up to prevent drug shortages:
meet the change-makers of Civica
It sounds bold, because it is.
It started with a small group of U.S. health system leader and philanthropists who refused to accept that drug shortages were inevitable.
They decided to step up and change the way the system works. They formed Civica to ensure accessibility, affordability, security and quality of essential medicines.
“Stepping Up” celebrates these movers, doers and game-changers who refused to sit on the sidelines. Click here for information on how you can step up.
Dan Liljenquist
Chief Strategy Officer, Intermountain Health; Board Chair of Civica, Inc.
The inspiration for Civica began with Dan Liljenquist. While on his treadmill, he envisioned a solution to a problem that had long troubled him: companies exploiting drug shortages at the expense of patients. As Chief Strategy Officer of Intermountain Health, he believed that health system leaders had the power to make change.
With determination and vision, Dan brought others together and turned that idea into action. Today, he serves as Civica’s volunteer Board Chair, guiding the organization with the same passion that sparked its creation. His leadership and perseverance continue to inspire us all, and we are grateful to call him our leader.
Dan stepped up (literally in this case on the treadmill), and Civica was born. And he created an organization that allows so many others to step up in the fight against drug shortages.
Mary Gilmer, PharmD, MHA, BCPS
Director of Pharmaceutical Supply and Procurement, Mayo Clinic; DSAC Member, Civica, Inc.
Challenges don’t discourage Mary Gilmer. They motivate her. As Director of Pharmaceutical Supply and Procurement at Mayo Clinic and a member of Civica’s Drug Selection Advisory Committee (DSSAC), Mary continues to step up with energy, insight and innovation, always focused on finding solutions that keep patients at the center.
Mary leads by listening. She is fully engaged in every conversation, taking in all perspectives and turning ideas into meaningful action. Her collaborative approach and deep understanding of drug shortage strategies help identify solutions that remove barriers and strengthen Civica’s mission to ensure patients have access to essential medicines.
Her steady leadership, solutions-focused mindset and dedication to collaboration continue to inspire progress across Civica’s work. We are grateful for Mary’s partnership, perspective and commitment to making a difference for the patients we serve.
Binita Patel, PharmD, MS, CPEL
Vice President, Pharmacy Services, Memorial Hermann Health; DSAC Member, Civica, Inc.
Every conversation with Binita Patel starts with one question: How does this help patients?
That focus defines her leadership and keeps Civica grounded in its purpose. Binita constantly brings teams back to the “why” behind our mission, making sure every project delivers real impact for patients.
As Vice President of Pharmacy Services at Memorial Hermann Health, Binita understands what health systems need most: reliability, transparency and partnership. And as a member of Civica’s Drug Selection Advisory Committee (DSAC), her insight has shaped Civica’s approach and strengthened the way we serve hospitals across the country.
When guiding DSAC discussions about scaling operations to get essential medicines to patients, Binita continues to step up with compassion, integrity and purpose. She reminds us that true leadership begins and ends with care for others.
Eric Tichy
Division Chair, Mayo Clinic; DSAC Member, Civica, Inc.
When Eric Tichy talks about the importance of reliable access to essential medicines, people listen. As Division Chair at Mayo Clinic and a trusted voice in pharmacy leadership, Eric has become one of Civica’s strongest advocates, sharing our mission’s impact and value across his professional network.
Through his role on Civica’s Drug Selection Advisory Committee (DSAC), Eric helps guide discussions and decisions that address critical drug shortages. His expertise and advocacy have deepened Civica’s collaboration with other leaders and organizations focused on solving these challenges, including ASHP, Vizient and the End Drug Shortages Alliance.
Eric’s steady leadership, trusted reputation, and passion for improving patient care continue to inspire Civica’s work and expand our reach. Thank you, Eric, for stepping up and helping make our shared mission a reality.
Kevin Smith
Chief Financial Officer, SSM Health; Board of Directors, Civica, Inc.
Kevin Smith, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at SSM Health, has made a lasting impact on Civica through his financial expertise and innovative problem-solving. Thoughtful in his approach, Kevin offers practical and effective alternatives to challenges to ensure we reach the best possible solutions.
Kevin’s experience as a CFO enables him to see opportunities others might overlook and to connect Civica with like-minded organizations that share our commitment to improving healthcare. He translates complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies that help Civica grow stronger and more resilient.
When Kevin joined the Board of Directors, he made an immediate impact, and that continues to this day. His financial acumen, steady leadership and collaborative spirit make Civica better every day.
Thank you, Kevin, for stepping up with creativity and purpose, and for helping Civica build a sustainable future for patients everywhere.
David Yoder
Senior Vice President, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s Federal Employee Program; Board of Directors, Civica, Inc.
Seeing the big picture while understanding the details that make it work — that’s how lasting change happens.
David Yoder, Senior Vice President, Federal Employee Program at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), stepped up to bring that balance to Civica’s Board. He combines vision with a deep understanding of the complex realities of healthcare, helping break down barriers and strengthen collaboration across BCBSA entities and partners focused on lowering the cost of prescription medications.
Through InnovateRx LLC, founded in 2020 by 19 Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans and the Federal Employee Program in partnership with CivicaScript, David has helped align Plans around a shared goal: expanding access to affordable outpatient generic drugs. Building on that momentum, he played a key role in shaping CivicaScript’s early efforts to advance biosimilars, helping position Civica to bring insulin glargine to market in January 2026.
Thank you to David for pairing strategic insight with practical action to help build a future where every patient has access to the medicines they need.
Drew Hobby
Chief Innovation Officer, Blue Cross of Idaho; Board of Directors, Civica, Inc.
Do what is in the best interest of patients.
Few places embody that principle more than Civica’s Quality Committee, where Drew Hobby brings both insight and passion to ensuring every medication we provide is safe, effective and reliable.
As Chief Strategy Officer at Blue Cross of Idaho, Drew leads strategy and innovation focused on delivering solutions that expand access to more affordable and effective care for patients. That same commitment carries through to his work on Civica’s Board, where he understands both the strategic vision and the operational challenges that must be overcome to make that vision a reality.
Drew stepped up, using his deep understanding of the pharmacy landscape and his dedication to reducing waste and cost to help keep Civica aligned with what matters most: patients first, always.
Shelley Lyford
CEO, Chair & Trustee, Gary and Mary West Foundation CEO and Chair, West Health Institute; Board of Directors, Civica, Inc.
Since Civica’s inception, Shelley Lyford has stepped up as a driving force behind our mission to make essential medicines accessible and affordable for all. Her deep understanding of healthcare and strong business acumen have been vital to navigating the complexities of operating as a pharmaceutical company with a social mission.
As Vice Chair of Civica’s Board of Directors and CEO and Chair of both the Gary and Mary West Foundation and the West Health Institute, Shelley exemplifies what it means to be a visionary leader and consensus builder. She has a unique ability to bring people together, ensuring every voice is heard, finding common ground and driving teams toward solutions that deliver meaningful results.
Shelley’s leadership has been pivotal in onboarding new Board members, strengthening key partnerships, and fostering a culture of collaboration and respect. Her unwavering commitment to keeping patients and health systems at the heart of every decision inspires all of us to stay focused on what truly matters.
Kathleen Sanford
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, CommonSpirit Health; Board of Directors, Civica, Inc.
From the patient bedside to the boardroom, Kathleen Sanford, DBA, RN, FAAN has dedicated her life to leading and transforming healthcare across clinical, administrative, military and national roles. Her vast experience brings a unique perspective to Civica’s Board of Directors, where she has chaired the Quality Committee since its inception. She builds strong relationships with the team, carefully reviews their efforts and provides practical guidance that drives results.
As Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at CommonSpirit Health, Kathy addresses complex patient and hospital system issues head-on, including critical shortages like IV solutions. Always an advocate for the people – the patients, hospital staff and Civica team – she brings steady, thoughtful leadership that helps us navigate complex situations and achieve meaningful outcomes. Kathy just doesn’t give up.
We are profoundly grateful for Kathy’s dedication, expertise and the passion she brings to our mission every day. Her leadership advances our work and inspires each of us to step up, tackle every challenge head-on and keep the people we serve at the center of everything we do.
John Hackett
Senior Vice President, Finance & Treasurer, HCA Healthcare;
Board of Directors, Civica, Inc.
When you think of John Hackett, one thing immediately comes to mind: heart. While still relatively new to Civica’s Board, John has wasted no time stepping up in big ways. He bridges the perspectives of pharmacy leaders and the C-suite, guides us as Chair of the Finance Committee, and generously gives his time and counsel whenever needed.
John’s expertise in capital markets has been invaluable, helping us carefully weigh funding options and ensure Civica is on the strongest financial path forward.
Beyond his financial acumen, John is deeply committed to Civica’s success, always striving to foster understanding between health systems and our organization. That spirit of collaboration and generosity has made a lasting mark on how we work together and on the patients and health systems we serve.
Dan J. Roth, M.D.
Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Trinity Health;
Board of Directors, Civica, Inc.
Civica recognizes and values the leadership and commitment of Dr. Dan Roth, who has played a vital role in advancing our mission as a Board member. As both a physician and health system leader, he has never shied away from making tough calls and investing in human, financial and political resources to ensure the best interest of patients. His servant-leadership style, respect for differing views and willingness to challenge the status quo make him a powerful advocate for reducing drug shortages.
What makes Dr. Roth’s role so impactful is his hands-on approach to aligning Trinity and Civica. His clinical expertise and leadership greatly impact Civica’s decisions on which drugs to offer members, reinforcing our shared purpose: to make essential generic medicines affordable and available to everyone. Dr. Roth’s example embodies what it means to step up.
Erin Asprec
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System; Board of Directors, Civica, Inc.
From Civica’s earliest days, Erin Asprec has been a steady force behind our mission to eliminate drug shortages. As Executive Vice President and COO of Memorial Hermann, she knows what it takes to lead large, complex organizations, and she brings that operational expertise to her role on Civica’s Board of Directors and Audit & Compliance Committee.
Erin’s commitment runs deep. At Memorial Hermann, she has championed sustainable solutions to ensure patients aren’t harmed by drug shortages, aligning the entire health system around reliable access to essential medicines. Her leadership has helped make Memorial Hermann one of Civica’s strongest partners.
As the Civica team describes her, “She is incredibly wise, when Erin speaks, people listen.” She continues to step up and lead, and her steady hand helps shape how Civica delivers on its mission for patients everywhere.
Dennis Dahlen
Chief Financial Officer, Mayo Clinic; Board of Directors, Civica, Inc.
Thank you to Dennis Dahlen, CPA, MBA, Chief Financial Officer of Mayo Clinic, who believes that Civica is making a difference. Dennis brought his financial expertise from leading the nonprofit Mayo Clinic to the innovative nonprofit Civica.
From day one, Dennis has been a leader who brings passion and practicality to our Board and our mission. His outspoken national support for reducing drug shortages has kept the conversation front and center. And as chairman of the Compensation Committee, Dennis insists that Civica employees stay true to the mission and always do what is in the best interests of patients.
Dennis stepped up, always believing that serving the greater good will help us all.
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