The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has appointed Samuel V. Calabrese as executive vice president and chief executive officer, effective May 1, 2026, marking a leadership transition for one of the largest pharmacy professional organizations in the United States.
Calabrese will become the fifth CEO in ASHP’s 84-year history, succeeding Paul W. Abramowitz, who recently retired. The appointment follows a comprehensive national search conducted by ASHP’s Board of Directors.
Calabrese brings decades of leadership experience in health-system pharmacy, along with extensive expertise in accreditation and workforce development. He currently serves as vice president of ASHP’s Office of Accreditation Services, where he oversees accreditation for more than 3,000 pharmacy residency programs and 250 technician training programs nationwide.
Prior to joining ASHP, Calabrese spent 25 years with the Cleveland Clinic Health System, holding multiple senior leadership roles including executive chief pharmacy officer, associate chief pharmacy officer, and director of inpatient pharmacy services. He also served as a residency program director focused on pharmacy administration and leadership.
Throughout his career, Calabrese has maintained deep involvement with ASHP, including service on its Board of Directors, the Commission on Affiliate Relations, and the Council of Pharmacy Management. He has also held leadership roles within the Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders and contributed to professional development initiatives such as the ASHP Foundation’s Pharmacy Leadership Academy.
Calabrese holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, an MBA from Cleveland State University, and a certification in executive coaching from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland.
ASHP represents more than 65,000 pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians across hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and community health-system pharmacies, and plays a major role in advancing pharmacy practice, education, and accreditation in the U.S.
KEY QUOTES
“We are thrilled to welcome Sam Calabrese as ASHP’s CEO. Sam is an exceptional leader. His deep experience in hospital and health-system pharmacy, commitment to supporting our pharmacy workforce, and unwavering dedication to ASHP’s mission uniquely position him to lead the organization and guide ASHP into its next chapter of growth and impact on advancing the pharmacy profession and patient care.”
Melanie Dodd, President of ASHP
“I am honored to become ASHP’s CEO at this pivotal time for the pharmacy workforce and patient care. ASHP has profoundly shaped my career and the profession and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve our 65,000 members in this new capacity as we advance our shared mission and shape pharmacy’s future.”
Samuel V. Calabrese, Incoming CEO of ASHP
