Senior Leadership
Karl Kipke
Founder / Chief Executive Officer
Karl Kipke has over 30 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.
The first 11 years of his career were spent working with Wall Street luminaries at Morgan Stanley and Bear Stearns. From 1994 to 1999, he managed a large family office, where he distinguished himself as an active investor in public securities. His extensive operating experience and successes span several industries, including financial services, pet food, healthcare, and consumer electronics.
Christian Herrington
President
Christian Herrington has more than 30 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 Herrington 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
Chief Financial Officer
Brad Thomas has over 30 years of management and senior leadership experience in corporate accounting, finance, operations, and audit. Brad earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Finance from Indiana University and earned his Masters of Business Administration from Butler University. He obtained his CPA license from the State of Indiana.
Brad began his financial career with Ernst & Young. Brad joined Bindley Western Drug Company and was instrumental in developing a Sales Profitability Model and other finance and budgeting executive management tools. Following the acquisition of Bindley Western by Cardinal Health, he was promoted to Regional Controller in the Southeast Region.
Brad has since held both Director and Vice President of Finance leadership roles where he was heavily involved in Strategic Planning, Joint Venture and Acquisition, Process Improvements, Financial and Operational Analysis, and Forecasting and Staffing Models.
Brad has an innovative big picture mindset with the ability to grasp the detail very quickly. He is extremely operational and sales growth oriented while always striving to improve profitability.
Donnie Jordan
Vice President Pharmacy Strategy
Donnie Jordan 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.
David MacVane
Director of Sales - East
David MacVane has more than 30 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.
Tonya Priest
Director of Sales, Pharmacy Programs
Tonya Priest 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.
Mark Bernhardt
Director of Sales - West
Mark Bernhardt is a seasoned professional with over 42 years of experience at AmerisourceBergen Drug Company, where he served as a Director in both Sales and Managed Care. Throughout his career, he made a lasting impact on the community pharmacy space through his leadership and commitment to innovation.
Mark’s passion for healthcare, paired with his ability to develop forward-thinking solutions, earned him a reputation as a trusted expert in the field. His background in communications and business, along with decades of practical experience, gave him a strong foundation in pharmacy operations and pharmaceutical strategy.
Mark’s dedication to the advancement of community pharmacy and patient care continues to earn him the respect and admiration of his peers and colleagues across the industry.
Mary Jo Obbema, Esq.
Director of Compliance
Mary Jo Obbema 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.
Hiedi Pollicove
Vice President – Finance
Hiedi Pollicove 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.
Jeff Puetz
Director of Pharmacy Business Development
Jeff Puetz 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.
Julie Hambly
Director of Pharmacy Business Development
Julie Hambly 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.
Ann Romero
Director of Data Analytics
Ann Romero 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.
Luke Willis
Financial Analyst
Luke Willis 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.
Emory Liebman
Director of Marketing
Emory Liebman 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 photography, and spending time with her cat.
