Leadership Team
A. Karl Kipke
Founder / Chief Executive Officer
Karl has over 40 years of experience in investment banking, asset management, and venture capital. He has played key operating roles in numerous companies across a range of industries, where he was involved in all facets of company development—from start-ups to mature businesses. Karl has been instrumental in establishing, funding, scaling, and selling successful businesses by leveraging his financial expertise and keen strategic vision.
After 11 years with Wall Street investment banks Morgan Stanley and Bear Stearns, Karl managed a large family office from 1994 to 1999, where he distinguished himself as an active investor in public securities. In 2000, his focus turned to value creation in venture capital.
His extensive operating experience and success span several industries, including financial services, pet food, consumer electronics, and healthcare.
Christian Herrington
President
Christian has more than 40 years of experience in sales, sales management, and executive leadership with leading pharmacy wholesale distributors. He rose to prominence at Bindley Western, where he led the Retail Sales Force and national accounts, and later managed the transition and integration into Cardinal Health following its acquisition of the company.
Chris went on to join HD Smith as a senior executive, contributing to its growth and success over the next 16 years until its recent acquisition by AmerisourceBergen. He is a recognized thought leader in the pharmacy space and possesses a unique understanding of the financial challenges and operational opportunities facing independent pharmacy owners. Christian earned his BS in Pathobiology from the University of Connecticut.
Brad Thomas
Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
Brad is a finance executive with over 30 years of experience in accounting, operations, and audit. He holds a BS in Accounting & Finance from Indiana University and an MBA from Butler University. He obtained his CPA license from the State of Indiana. Brad began his career at Ernst & Young and later joined Bindley Western, where he developed key financial tools and was promoted to Regional Controller after its acquisition by Cardinal Health. He has since held Director and VP of Finance roles, leading strategic planning, acquisitions, and process improvements. Brad is known for his innovative mindset, operational focus, and dedication to driving profitability.
Donnie Jordan, RPh
Senior Vice President - Pharmacy Strategy
Donnie received his PharmD from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2003. Early in his career, he worked for a large chain in various roles, including Staff Pharmacist, Pharmacy Manager, and District Supervisor. After leaving the chain, he joined a large nonprofit community mental health center, where he eventually took on the role of Director of Medical and Pharmacy Operations. His passion for patients, business acumen, and thirst for professional growth led him to open an independent pharmacy. During that time, his most fulfilling moments came from helping his peers navigate challenges in their own businesses.
In 2018, Donnie became a certified coach and began focusing on business coaching and consulting. He believes that people management, conflict resolution, leadership, team building, and financial acumen are universal skills. He loves bridging the gap between pharmacists, executives, legislators, and patients—almost as much as he loves teaching others how to do the same. In his free time, you'll find Donnie enjoying a craft beer, watching a sporting event, or embarking on an adventure with his wife and two boys.
Steven Cava, Esq.
Vice President of Pharmacy Performance
Steven brings over 20 years of pharmacy experience to his role as Vice President of Pharmacy Performance. Since beginning his career in pharmacy operations in 2003, he has worked in nearly every pharmacy role—except as a pharmacist. Instead of pharmacy school, Steven pursued a law degree and is licensed to practice in Washington, D.C., offering a unique perspective on standards of care, contracts, and the regulatory forces shaping today’s pharmacy landscape.
Before joining HealthGrowth, he served as in-house counsel and senior consultant with PharmaComplete Consulting Services, advising pharmacies and industry partners on business optimization, compliance, and innovative care models. His work focuses on creating scalable, outcomes-driven opportunities that empower community pharmacies to lead in transforming care delivery.
Outside of work, Steven enjoys playing chef for his wife and two boys, walking the golf course, and diving into both new and classic literature.
Hiedi Pollicove
Vice President – Finance
Hiedi comes to us from Florida after spending most of her life in New Jersey. With over 25 years of accounting and finance experience, she has held leadership roles in finance, HR, and business development.
Hiedi spent 11 years with CAES, an aerospace contractor, where she led finance and business development initiatives. She then transitioned into the healthcare field, working as a financial analyst at Pharmacy Development Services before stepping into the role of Corporate Controller. In addition, Hiedi has nearly 10 years of experience in the retail and temporary staffing sectors, where she worked in tax and finance roles. She holds a BS in Accounting from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.
Tonya Priest
Director of Sales - West
Tonya is a California native who earned her undergraduate business degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. She brings more than 20 years of sales leadership experience championing independent pharmacies and small businesses.
Known for her relationship-building skills, Tonya creates lasting partnerships with independent pharmacy owners by building trust, understanding their unique challenges, and delivering tailored solutions. Her data-driven approach, combined with a personal touch, has consistently resulted in year-over-year revenue growth and improved client retention for the businesses she supports. She cares about your business longevity the way you care about your patients.
Tonya’s extensive work with Good Neighbor Pharmacy and her role as a Network Facilitator for CPESN CA reflect her commitment to strengthening community pharmacy. With a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and a proven track record of success in nurturing business relationships, she is uniquely positioned to advocate for and advance the success of independent pharmacy programs nationwide.
Emily Viola, RPh
Director of Sales - Central
Emily is a licensed pharmacist with over eight years of progressive experience in the pharmacy field. She earned her PharmD from MCPHS University in Boston in 2018 and has held roles ranging from intern and staff pharmacist to pharmacy manager and Pharmacy Director.
Emily began her career in corporate pharmacy, where she played an instrumental role in launching a new store location and developed a strong foundation in pharmacy operations, business strategy, and team leadership. In 2023, she transitioned into the nonprofit sector as Pharmacy Director for a network of three independent pharmacies in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. There, she led a successful turnaround by streamlining operations, optimizing staffing, and significantly improving both performance and revenue.
Known for her ability to identify inefficiencies and implement sustainable, long-term solutions, Emily combines clinical knowledge with a strategic mindset to drive meaningful results. Outside of work, she’s passionate about travel and cultural exploration. At home in Dallas, she enjoys discovering new restaurants and indulging in the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
David MacVane
Director of Sales - East
David has more than 40 years of experience in sales and sales management, including over 20 years with leading pharmaceutical wholesale distributors. He began his pharmacy career with Bindley Western as a Territory Manager in the New England marketplace. Following Bindley Western’s acquisition by Cardinal Health, Dave was promoted to oversee major retail accounts in the New England region.
In 2005, he joined H.D. Smith as a Territory Manager and spent 14 years with the company, ultimately serving as Director of Sales. Dave earned a BS in Business from the University of Maine.
Jeff Puetz
Director of Pharmacy Business Development
Jeff is a seasoned professional in the pharmaceutical industry with over 15 years of experience dedicated to empowering independent community pharmacies. As the Director of Pharmacy Development at HealthGrowth Pharmacy Solutions, he focuses on business growth strategies, operational enhancements, and innovative solutions to help pharmacies thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Throughout his career, Jeff has held roles focused on pharmacy business development, strategy implementation, and content creation to support pharmacy growth. He has played a key role in developing financial models, benchmarking strategies, and communication initiatives tailored to the success of independent pharmacies. A graduate of the University of Colorado, Jeff has also collaborated with the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), helping aspiring community pharmacists shape their business plans. He now resides in Bennington, Nebraska, where he continues his mission to support and advance independent pharmacy businesses nationwide.
Christi Fontenot, RPh
Director of Pharmacy Development
Christi brings more than 30 years of pharmacy experience to her role, having worked in nearly every setting throughout her career. The majority of her time has been spent as a Pharmacist-in-Charge in clinical practice, where she built strong relationships with patients and colleagues alike. She also spent 10 years as a pharmacy owner, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs of independent pharmacy.
With this experience, Christi deeply empathizes with the pressures many pharmacists face today and is passionate about helping them overcome obstacles, find balance, and thrive in their work. She is energized by opportunities to support others and to contribute to the success of the pharmacy profession as a whole.
Outside of her professional life, Christi is proud to be the mother of two thriving young adults—a son pursuing a medical residency in Emergency Medicine and a daughter building her career as an educator. She loves spending time with her children, exploring the outdoors, and finding joy in everyday adventures.
Julie Hambly
Director of Pharmacy Business Development
Julie is a consultative business professional with extensive experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. She started her career in retail pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician and later transitioned to the hospital setting as a Senior Pharmacy Buyer.
Her desire to focus on the business side of pharmacy led Julie to Cencora Drug Wholesaler, where she held roles in account management, sales executive, and business coaching. In her most recent role, she worked with independent pharmacy owners to optimize operational efficiencies and increase profits, helping them sustain and grow their businesses in an ever-changing marketplace. Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Community Health and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family near a lake or at the beach.
Mary Jo Obbema, Esq.
Director of Compliance
Mary Jo has more than 20 years of legal experience relating to finance, insurance, and regulatory compliance. Licensed in both California and Texas, she has driven legal and compliance policies across various industries.
Before joining HealthGrowth, Mary Jo advised insurance companies on settling medical claims and defending against fraud claims, while also managing her own business specializing in the pharmacy and healthcare industries for over five years. She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Southern California and earned her JD from Whittier Law School.
Emory Liebman
Director of Marketing
Emory is a digital marketing professional with a passion for social media management, photography, email marketing, and website development. With a Bachelor of Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing from Colorado Mesa University, Emory enjoys creating engaging digital experiences and visually compelling content. When not working, Emory enjoys ice skating, golfing, capturing moments through digital and film photography, and spending time with her cat, Patches.
DeLorean Reese
Chief of Staff
DeLorean brings over 10 years of experience and a deep sense of community to her role at HealthGrowth. A Laredo, Texas native, she earned her BA in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Texas A&M International University, graduating with honors and focusing her studies on genetic research.
She also has a strong background in Human Resource Management, combining education and practical experience to support executives and teams while driving organizational success. Known for her ability to nurture growth, DeLorean specializes in helping people thrive and guiding projects from seed to fruition. Whether fostering team development, shaping company culture, streamlining operations, or solving complex challenges, she approaches each task with enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit.
Outside of the office, DeLorean enjoys gardening, cooking, painting, paddleboarding, reading, and spending time with friends and family. This balance of work and leisure keeps her grounded and reflects her approach to life—curious, engaged, and always eager to grow.
Ann Romero
Director of Data Analytics
Ann has 8 years of experience in data and statistical analysis. She graduated cum laude from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management.
Early in her career, Ann worked in a family-owned business, overseeing day-to-day office operations in an administrative role. Over the course of 6 years, she contributed to the company’s growth and profitability through her work in sales, marketing, and customer service. Her strong analytical background and hands-on business experience make her a valuable asset in turning data into actionable insights.
Heather Varner
Advisory Implementation Specialist
Heather has over 15 years of pharmacy experience working with both retail and long-term care pharmacies as an Operations Manager. During her time as an Operations Manager, she helped run over 15 Medicine Shoppe pharmacies. Prior to joining pharmacy, Heather worked in retail management for over 10 years at RadioShack. During her free time, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and son at their camper in the Poconos and playing softball.
Luke Willis
Director of Lending Services
Luke obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Texas at Dallas. While there, he learned how to probe, stick, and fix issues in pursuit of actionable solutions. In that spirit, his work with independent pharmacy as a financial analyst centers on the use of comprehensive financial, pharmaceutical, and marketing data that puts pharmacy into context. Through this analysis, HealthGrowth reaches more independent pharmacies and sets them on the road to financial success.
Amanda Carlisle
Accounting Specialist
Amanda brings 20 years of accounting experience with a background in both the automotive and pharmacy industries. Originally from Pennsylvania, she studied at Harrisburg Area Community College and now resides in Tennessee. Amanda’s extensive experience and attention to detail make her a valuable asset in supporting business operations and financial accuracy. Her work reflects a strong commitment to efficiency, organization, and adaptability across diverse sectors.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys reading, writing, watching movies, cooking, painting, homesteading, and spending quality time with her family.
Carolina Marmolejo
Accounting Specialist
Carolina brings over 15 years of accounting and finance experience, with a background spanning multiple industries. Born and raised in Florida, she studied at Florida International University and has built a reputation for her precision, adaptability, and strong organizational skills.
Carolina’s expertise and attention to detail make her a valuable asset in supporting business operations and ensuring financial accuracy. Her work is defined by a commitment to efficiency and a high standard of excellence.
Outside of work, Carolina enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, watching movies, and making memories with her family.
