DEERFIELD, Ill. — Tracey James decided she wanted to be a pharmacist while in college, driven by a profound desire to help people. That aspiration continues to motivate James in her current role as chief operating officer of Walgreens enterprise specialty.

“One of the things I love about being a pharmacist is the evolving science behind new products coming to market,” she says. “The innovation and ability to treat conditions you know couldn’t be treated before, and really making a difference in the lives of patients, is what drives me.”

James hails from a small town in northeastern Ohio, where she excelled as a two-time state champion in softball during her high school years. This early exposure to teamwork and community spirit significantly shaped her professional ethos, instilling in her the values of resilience, collaboration and a relentless drive to succeed.

Tracey James

Early in her career, James was introduced to specialty pharmacy, which focuses on complex disease states and requires a high level of engagement with medication therapy and patient care. That sector has remained a passion throughout her professional journey, which saw her navigate her way through every aspect of the pharmacy business. James started as a staff pharmacist, became a trainer, a supervisor, a regional manager, and eventually joined AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy to head its pharmacy services division. Becoming chief operating officer for AllianceRx (which integrated with Walgreens last summer) was a significant milestone.

Another highlight was being chosen as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Ohio for 2023. “It was rewarding to be included among other women and recognized for bringing new perspectives, innovative ideas and inclusive decision-making styles that contribute to better problem solving and enhanced organizational performance,” she says.

James’ responsibilities as COO encompass a broad spectrum of operations within Walgreens’ specialty enterprise, ranging from profit and loss management and pharmaceutical and payer relations to overseeing clinical and professional services revenue cycle management, and the company’s Specialty360 therapy teams. Her mission revolves around advocating for customers and team members alike.

Recent achievements under her leadership include advancements in gene and cell therapies, areas she is particularly passionate about.

“I can’t think of a more exciting time to work in specialty pharmacy than now,” she says. “It is an honor to lead and be part of building new capabilities and clinical services that will allow patients suffering from genetic diseases or cancer the opportunity to receive therapies that may even cure these debilitating diseases.”