Anita Patel and Rina Shah assume their roles on June 1

DEERFIELD, Ill.  — Anita Patel has joined Walgreens as vice president of pharmacy services development, a new role.

She will be responsible for prioritizing improvements and advancements within existing pharmacy services as well as identifying and prioritizing new opportunities for growth and innovation within healthcare.

She will also take on oversight of the company’s COVID-19 strategy and execution, including vaccines, data and analytics, and testing.

Patel joins Walgreens from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she led the COVID-19 response and vaccine distribution across the country. She has over 17 years of experience in the healthcare industry and brings a breadth of industry knowledge and insight that will help lead Walgreens into its pharmacy of the future strategy.

Additionally, Rina Shah was appointed to the newly created role of vice president of the pharmacy of the future and healthcare segments. In this position, she will drive improved integration of pharmacy and healthcare services, clinical strategy and operations.

During her 24-year tenure with Walgreens, Shah has built a reputation as an advocate for Walgreens team members, especially her fellow pharmacists, and always considers how decisions will impact store teams as well as patients and customers.

Patel and Shah start their new roles on June 1.