Alumni Spotlight: Dan Staniec '81

Dan Staniec, RPh, MBA earned his BS in Pharmacy from the University of Arizona in 1981. After graduation, he spent five years in retail pharmacy, both as a pharmacist manager and nursing home consultant. He later returned to higher education and earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. In 1995 he joined the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) as the Executive Vice President of External Affairs. In this role, he led executive teams through the process for NCPDP to become the only ANSI accredited standards development organization for the pharmacy services sector of the health care industry.

His career also includes over 20 years with CVS Health/Caremark in various leadership positions, overseeing sales operations, network management MAC strategy, Medicare Part D implementations, compliance, and retail store operations, as well as serving as the Vice President of Managed Care Services at Arete Pharmacy Network. In 2022, he returned to clinical pharmacy with Aspen Rx Health, completing comprehensive medication reviews over the phone with patients. He continues to work in the industry as a consultant, providing project guidance to increase revenue and patient satisfaction for multiple pharmacy provider companies.

Outside of his professional career, Staniec has shown dedicated service to the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. He participates in the annual Giving Day event held by the University of Arizona – a fundraising campaign aimed at fueling scholarships, cutting-edge research and community programs – and has served on the college’s Alumni Council since 2024. He continues to provide invaluable mentorship to the next generation of leaders, professionals, and innovators in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, while supporting the college’s mission to build lasting relationships with its alumni and students.

Staniec’s career showcases the diverse and wide world of the pharmaceutical industry available to current and prospective students, from boots-on-the-ground clinical care to industry-changing leadership roles. “What I value the most is the education that I received at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy,” he shared, reflecting on his experience as a student. “It served as the foundation for other types of employment opportunities in healthcare.”

Below, he shares memories of his time as a student with the college, tips for success in the field, and his advice to pharmacy students preparing to enter the workforce.

Q&A

What were some of the most memorable experiences during your time at the College of Pharmacy?

• Most of my memorable experiences centered around the friendships and camaraderie developed during the program. Many of my colleagues were willing to share their clinical experience in rotations and work life balance discussions that were very helpful.

How did your pharmacy education prepare you for the challenges you face in your career?

• The education that I received at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy provided me with the foundation encompassing skills and knowledge that allowed me to work in multiple career paths in pharmacy, such as retail pharmacy, PBM Management, PSAO management, Pharmaceutical Data Sales, Contract Negotiation SME, Standards Development Organization Management, Consulting, and so forth. Pharmacy school also provided me with communication and leadership skills that were helpful during my career.

In what ways has the role of a pharmacist changed since you started your career?

• There have been numerous changes throughout the years, and I believe that they have all have been very positive. Pharmacists' roles have become more diverse, and pharmacists offer more products and services that have expanded their practices. Many new opportunities are available, such as immunizations, pharmacogenomics testing, and so forth that improves the quality of life for patients.

If you could give one piece of advice to current pharmacy students, what would it be?

• My advice would be to strive to do your best, and to excel in achieving your clinical knowledge to be an expert in your chosen field. I also recommend differentiation by seeking additional knowledge in areas outside of pharmacy to improve marketability.

What skills do you believe are essential for success as a pharmacist?

• Excellent communication skills, patience, willingness to change, and enthusiasm to continue learning throughout your career.