ARLINGTON, Va. — Dr. Scott Gottlieb, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration from 2017 to 2019, will be one of the featured speakers at the 2021 National Association of Chain Drug Stores Annual Meeting, to be held virtually April 26 to April 28.

Jon Meacham, presidential historian and author, will be the other speaker.

They will appear during the virtual event’s business program on Monday, April 26, and Tuesday, April 27, ­respectively.

Throughout the year, Gottlieb has been a frequent commentator on the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A physician and elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, Gottlieb is an advocate for advancing patient health through innovation and for promoting health care access across all communities. Under Gottlieb’s leadership, the FDA developed new frameworks for the modern, safe and effective oversight of gene therapies, cell-based regenerative medicines, targeted drugs and digital health devices; implemented reforms to standardize drug reviews; promoted policies to reduce death and disease from tobacco and to confront addiction crises; and approved a record-setting number of novel drugs, medical devices and generic medicines.

Meacham’s latest No. 1 New York Times best-seller, The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels, examines the present moment in American politics and life by reflecting on critical moments throughout the history of America in which hope overcame division and fear.

“We are excited to welcome Scott Gottlieb and Jon Meacham to this year’s virtual program, and to provide a virtual format for NACDS member companies and leaders to engage in valuable programming and meetings,” said NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson. “Although we are unable to meet together in person due to the circumstances of the COVID pandemic, I look forward to the compelling conversations and extensive participation during the 2021 program. We greatly appreciate the incredible work and strong engagement of NACDS chain and associate members and their heroic teams throughout COVID, and a major theme of this year’s event will be the recognition of their valiant successes on behalf of the American people.”

In addition to the business programs, the virtual event will feature opportunities for essential top-to-top meetings between companies; recognition for NACDS members’ service to their communities and nation; an intentional focus on expanded participation by NACDS member company staff teams; and a compelling platform from which to tell the pharmacy industry’s story publicly.