My unique combination of hands-on leadership, strategic vision, and cross-sector expertise makes me the go-to advisor for companies seeking to understand and leverage the full healthcare ecosystem. I don’t just understand how these areas work—I know how to make them work together for your success.

I am Roxanne Schwans and I grew up in the Midwest, surrounded by a family whose unwavering support shaped my values and drive. My professional journey began in Sioux Falls, SD, where I worked in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. Guided by curiosity and a passion for making a difference, I transitioned into the Pharmaceutical Industry, starting with Johnson & Johnson as a sales representative. This path took me across the country, allowing me to embrace diverse roles and collaborate with inspiring leaders. Each experience deepened my understanding of healthcare and strengthened my commitment to building partnerships and innovative solutions that improve lives.

With a distinguished career spanning the healthcare sector, I have played pivotal roles in shaping the industry’s future through leadership positions across retail pharmacy, pharmaceuticals, wholesalers, specialty pharmacy, HUB services, PBM, GPO, and payer organizations.

My journey includes leading major retail pharmacy chains such as Walgreens and Rite Aid, where I drove innovation and operational excellence to enhance revenue streams and optimize supply chains. I also led the Kroger-Albertsons merger initiative, which was ultimately halted by the FTC. In the pharmaceutical manufacturing space, I have held influential roles at top companies including Amgen, Johnson & Johnson, and Horizon Biotech, contributing to the development and commercialization of breakthrough therapies by leading market access, marketing, specialty pharmacy, patient services, pricing, and government affairs.

Beyond retail and manufacturing, my expertise extends to wholesale distribution and HUB services, where I have championed patient-centric solutions and streamlined complex medication access pathways while optimizing wholesale distribution for branded, generic, biologic, and specialty products.

A highlight of my career has been leading strategic initiatives within Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBMs), Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs), and health plan/payer environments. I have collaborated across the healthcare ecosystem to improve outcomes, optimize costs, and develop underwriting models that achieve the lowest net cost and formulary optimization through clinical and P&T strategies. Creating a GPO that sustains long-term growth through industry collaboration has given me valuable insight into innovative structures that drive market impact.

•  Managed large, complex P&Ls across multiple organizations, consistently delivering strong financial performance and sustainable growth.
• Demonstrated proven success in negotiating and strategizing with manufacturers, resulting in mutually beneficial agreements and long-term partnerships.
• Built and executed contracts with key pharmacy ecosystem partners, producing measurable results that have benefited all parties involved.
• Possess a deep understanding of financial and economic levers within the pharmacy ecosystem, leveraging advanced analysis of large, complex datasets to drive actionable insights and informed decision-making.
• Experienced in building accountable, high-performing teams with a strong ability to communicate effectively at all levels—including industry peers, board members, and private equity stakeholders.
• Recognized for leading turnarounds, fostering strong relationships and cultivating entrepreneurial, results-driven teams that thrive on helping businesses succeed.

•  Serve on two prominent healthcare boards, contributing strategic guidance and industry expertise.
• Distinguished career leading in all areas of the entire healthcare ecosystem—including pharmaceuticals, wholesale distribution, Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM), underwriting, retail pharmacy, and health plans. I serve as an advisor to many organizations.
• Regularly invited as a speaker at national and international healthcare conferences, including PCMA, Asemia, NASP, and NACDS, sharing insights on GPO, PBM, payer, manufacturer, and retail innovation, patient access, and the evolving healthcare landscape.