Kelly A. LaForge
Edmonton,Canada
Summary
Visionary pharmacy executive and health system leader with over 20 years of progressive experience in governance, operations, and clinical innovation. Proven success advancing the pharmacist profession through strategic leadership, regulatory collaboration, and patient-centered care. Recognized for driving organizational performance, aligning diverse stakeholders, and leading transformation across pharmacy, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. A respected advocate for pharmacists' expanding role in Alberta's evolving healthcare landscape.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pharmacist / Owner
Shoppers Drug Mart #332 and #2440
10.2017 - 04.2025
- Transformed a high-volume community pharmacy into a leading model of clinical practice, integrating innovative services that improved patient outcomes, strengthened continuity of care, and advanced the pharmacist's role in Alberta's health system.
- Expanded clinical service delivery through injection and prescribing programs, mental health care, women's health initiatives, and chronic disease management - increasing patient access and demonstrating the value of pharmacist-led care.
- Championed digital modernization, implementing advanced pharmacy technology, workflow analytics, and automation tools that improved operational efficiency, reduced errors, and enhanced regulatory compliance.
- Built strategic partnerships with allied health professionals to deliver coordinated care - aligning pharmacy practice with community and provincial health priorities.
- Mentored and developed emerging pharmacy leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, empathy, and professional growth; several mentees advanced into ownership and leadership roles.
- Actively engaged in professional advocacy, collaborating with RxA and the Alberta College of Pharmacy on initiatives to expand scope, strengthen standards, and elevate public trust in pharmacists as primary care providers.
- Achieved sustained business growth and recognition for excellence in patient service, community engagement, and clinical innovation.
President, Board of Directors (2023)
Alberta Pharmacists' Association (RxA)
09.2019 - 01.2023
- Guided RxA's strategic vision and governance renewal during a pivotal period for Alberta's pharmacy profession.
- Led pandemic initiatives that supported pharmacist prescribing, compensation models, and integration within public health.
- Advanced programs to enhance member engagement, professional development, and public awareness of pharmacists' clinical impact.
- Implemented governance modernization initiatives, including a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Strengthened collaboration with government, regulatory bodies, and national pharmacy organizations to harmonize advocacy and policy efforts.
Vice President, Pharmacy Operations
Shoppers Drug Mart
07.2014 - 08.2017
- Provided national leadership for pharmacy operations across multiple provinces, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards, business goals, and clinical priorities.
- Directed the rollout of multiple pharmacy software platforms across the Atlantic provinces to meet College and provincial regulatory requirements - improving compliance, efficiency, and interoperability.
- Partnered with senior leadership in Quebec to design and pilot a central-fill model for long-term care (LTC), enhancing continuity of care and service quality for high-needs populations.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to optimize professional programs and fostered a high-performance culture nationwide.
- Participated on a working committee responsible for planning the new pharmacy software system, meeting with the Delta design team to provide frontline insights and ensure functionality aligned with operational and clinical needs.
- Established operational governance frameworks that strengthened quality assurance, audit readiness, and regulatory alignment.
- Served as a cross-functional liaison on national committees related to digital health innovation, patient safety, and public policy.
- Fostered a high-performance culture among regional pharmacy leaders, emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and professional excellence.
Pharmacist / Owner
Shoppers Drug Mart
04.2007 - 08.2014
- Led an early transformation of pharmacy practice in Alberta, championing clinical service delivery well before widespread adoption.
- Co-founded and collaborated with a small group of Shoppers Drug Mart associates to promote professional services across Alberta pharmacies - focusing on comprehensive care plans, medication renewals, and patient follow-up programs that elevated the standard of community-based care.
- Educated and mentored pharmacy owners and their teams on implementing clinical services within daily operations, integrating care documentation, and optimizing workflows for sustained success.
- Advocated for pharmacists to obtain Additional Prescribing Authorization (APA) to expand their scope of practice and provide more direct access to care - contributing to a significant increase in APA-certified pharmacists across the province.
- Strengthened the link between professional practice and business performance, demonstrating that clinical service adoption could meaningfully enhance both patient outcomes and pharmacy profitability.
- Recognized nationally as Shoppers Drug Mart's Associate of the Year (2013) for leadership, innovation, and measurable impact on professional practice and earnings across the Alberta region.
Chair, Prairie Peers Group
Shoppers Drug Mart | Western Canada
01.2013 - 06.2014
- Represented and advocated for Associate Owners across the Prairie provinces as part of a national leadership committee, ensuring the voice of front-line pharmacy operators informed corporate decisions and strategic planning.
- Served as a key liaison between Shoppers Drug Mart's senior leadership and its ownership network, helping to strengthen trust, transparency, and collaboration across the organization.
- Provided strategic feedback on new national pharmacy initiatives prior to rollout, ensuring programs were practical, sustainable, and optimized for adoption at the store level.
- Advocated for the expanded scope of pharmacist practice across Canada, contributing to national discussions on prescribing authority, immunization services, and other clinical advancements.
- Facilitated knowledge-sharing among Prairie region owners, encouraging alignment on business performance, patient care priorities, and the evolving professional role of pharmacists.
- Recognized for leadership and diplomacy in balancing corporate objectives with professional advocacy to drive mutual success.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy
University of Alberta
Edmonton, ABBoard Fundamentals Certification - undefined
Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)
01.2022
Skills
- Strategic Vision and Organizational Leadership
- Board Governance and Policy Oversight
- Leadership Development and Mentorship
- Clinical Program Design and Implementation
- Patient-Centered Care Models
- APA (Additional Prescribing Authorization) Leadership and Education
- Strategic Planning and Performance Optimization
- Customer service and communication skills
- Drug inventory management
Websites
Affiliations
Women in Leadership Co-lead Northern Alberta
Shoppers Drug Mart | 2024-2025
- created and hosted Women In Leadership events for both female associates and pharmacists who would like to grow in their leadership skills
Lois Hole Hospital Women's Society Steering Committee
Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation | 2018 - 2020
- Supported fundraising, community partnerships, and advocacy initiatives to enhance women's health services and programs.
Runner & Advocate - Run for Women
Shoppers Drug Mart LOVE. YOU. Foundation | 2012 - Present
- Advocate for women's mental health, supporting perinatal anxiety and depression programs impacting over 2,000 women in Alberta.
RxA Leadership Cohort Member
Alberta Pharmacists' Association | 2019 - 2025
- Volunteered as part of a leadership development program focused on advancing governance excellence, advocacy, and strategic leadership within Alberta's pharmacy profession.
Certification
- Additional Prescribing Authority - Alberta College of Pharmacy, 2014
- Certified Injection Pharmacist - Since 2007
Honors & Awards
M.J. Huston Pharmacist of Distinction, Alberta Pharmacists' Association,
2025
Recognized for exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession through advocacy, governance, and patient-centered initiatives.,
National & Provincial Associate of the Year, Shoppers Drug Mart,
2013,
Honoured for leading a province-wide initiative that encouraged adoption of professional services and APA certifications, resulting in enhanced patient care and measurable business growth.
Timeline
President, Board of Directors (2023)
Alberta Pharmacists' Association (RxA)
09.2019 - 01.2023
Pharmacist / Owner
Shoppers Drug Mart #332 and #2440
10.2017 - 04.2025
Vice President, Pharmacy Operations
Shoppers Drug Mart
07.2014 - 08.2017
Chair, Prairie Peers Group
Shoppers Drug Mart | Western Canada
01.2013 - 06.2014
Pharmacist / Owner
Shoppers Drug Mart
04.2007 - 08.2014
Board Fundamentals Certification - undefined
Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)
Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy
University of Alberta