Senior Leadership
Karl Kipke
Founder / Chief Executive Officer
Karl Kipke has over 30 years of experience in investment banking, asset management and venture capital. He has played key-operating roles in numerous companies in an array of industries where he was involved in all facets of company development from start-ups to mature businesses. Karl Kipke has been instrumental in establishing, funding, scaling and selling successful businesses by leveraging his financial expertise and keen strategic vision. The first 11-years of his career was spent working with Wall Street luminaries at Morgan Stanley and Bear Stearns. From 1994 – 1999, he managed a large family-office where he distinguished himself as an active investor in public securities. His extensive operating experience and successes span several industries, including financial services, pet food, healthcare and consumer electronics.
Donnie Jordan
Vice President Pharmacy Strategy
Donnie Jordan received his PharmD from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2003. Early in his career he worked for a large chain in many different capacities including Staff Pharmacist, Pharmacy Manager and District Supervisor. After leaving the chain he went to work for a large non-profit community mental health center where he eventually took on the role of Director of Medical and Pharmacy Operations. His passion for patients, business acumen and thirst for professional growth led him to leave the community mental health center and open an independent pharmacy.
When he owned a pharmacy, his most fulfilling moments came when he was able to help his peers navigate obstacles in their own business. In 2018, he decided to become a certified coach and focus his time on business coaching and consulting. People management, conflict management, leadership, team building, and financial acumen are universal. Donnie loves bridging the gap between pharmacists, executives, legislators, and patients, almost as much as he loves teaching others how to do the same. During his free time, you will find him enjoying a craft beer, watching a sporting event, or embarking on an adventure with his wife and two boys!
Christian Herrington
President
Christian Herrington has more than 30-years of sales, sales management and executive management experience with leading pharmacy wholesale distributors. He rose to prominence at Bindley Western running their Retail Sales Force and national accounts, then managed the transition and assimilation into Cardinal Health’s organization after its acquisition of the company. Chris Herrington then joined HD Smith as a senior executive and aided in its growth and success over the last 16 years, before its recent acquisition by AmerisourceBergen. Christian Herrington is a key opinion leader in the pharmacy space and possesses a unique understanding of the financial challenges and operating opportunities faced by independent pharmacy owners. He earned his BS in Pathobiology from the University of Connecticut.
David MacVane
Director of Sales - East
David MacVane has more than 30 years of sales and sales management experience, with 20 of those years spent at leading pharmaceutical wholesale distributors. He began his pharmacy career with Bindley Western as a territory manager in the New England marketplace. Dave MacVane transitioned to Cardinal Health’s acquired Bindley Western, and was promoted to major retail accounts in the New England region. Dave MacVane joined H.D. Smith in 2005 as a territory manager and spent 14 years with the company, most recently in the role of Director of Sales. Dave MacVane earned a BS in Business from the University of Maine.
Mark Bernhardt
Director of Sales - West
Mark Bernhardt is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career of 42+ years at AmerisourceBergen Drug Company, where he excelled as a Director both within Sales and Managed Care, leaving an indelible mark on the community pharmacy landscape. His unwavering passion for the healthcare industry, coupled with his keen acumen for developing innovative solutions, has cemented his reputation as a true healthcare solutions expert. Mark’s educational background in communications and business, combined with his decades of experience, provided him with a solid foundation in pharmacy practices and pharmaceutical knowledge, enabling him to make informed decisions and contribute significantly to the industry's growth. Mark Bernhardt's exemplary career at AmerisourceBergen and his unwavering dedication to the advancement of community pharmacy have left an enduring legacy within the industry. His profound impact on healthcare solutions development and commitment to patient care have earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues, peers, and healthcare professionals alike.
Mary Jo Obbema, Esq.
Director of Compliance
Mary Jo Obbema is our Director of Compliance and In-House Counsel. She has more than 20 years of legal experience relating to finance, insurance and regulatory compliance. Licensed in California and Texas, Mary Jo drives legal and compliance policies in every facet of HealthGrowth’s business. Prior to joining HealthGrowth, Mary Jo advised insurance companies to settle medical claims and defend against fraud claims. This, while managing her independent business specializing in the pharmacy and healthcare industries for more than 5 years. Mary Jo has a BA from the University of Southern California in Political Science and earned her JD at Whittier Law School.
Hiedi Pollicove
Vice President – Finance
Hiedi Pollicove Hiedi Pollicove comes to us from Florida, after living in New Jersey for most of her life and has over twenty-five years of accounting and finance experience. She spent 11 years in finance, HR, and business development leadership roles with CAES, an aerospace contractor. She then moved into the Healthcare field at Pharmacy Development Services as a financial analyst and later taking a leadership position as the Corporate Controller. Hiedi also spent almost 10 years in the retail and temporary staffing sector in tax and finance roles. Hiedi graduated with a BS in accounting from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.
Jeff Puetz
Director of Pharmacy Business Development
Jeff Puetz is a seasoned professional in the pharmaceutical industry with over 15 years of experience dedicated to empowering independent community pharmacies. As the Director of Pharmacy Development at HealthGrowth Pharmacy Solutions, he focuses on business growth strategies, operational enhancements, and innovative solutions to help pharmacies thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape.
His career has encompassed roles centered on pharmacy business development, strategy implementation, and content creation to support pharmacy growth. Jeff has played a key role in developing financial models, benchmarking strategies, and communication initiatives tailored to independent pharmacy success. A graduate of the University of Colorado, Jeff has also collaborated with the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), assisting aspiring community pharmacists in shaping business plans. He now resides in Bennington, Nebraska, continuing his mission to support and advance independent pharmacy businesses nationwide.
Julie Hambly
Director of Pharmacy Business Development
Julie Hambly is a consultative Business Professional with extensive experience in the Healthcare/Pharmaceutical industry. She started her career in Retail pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician and moved into the Pharmacy Hospital setting as a Senior Pharmacy Buyer. Her desire to lean into the business side of pharmacy led her to Cencora Drug Wholesaler where she held roles in Account Management, Sales Executive, and Business Coaching. In her last role she worked with independent pharmacy owners to optimize operational efficiencies and increase profits to sustain and grow business in the ever-changing marketplace. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Community Health with a Master of Business (MBA). Julie enjoys spending time with her family near a lake or at the beach.
Ann Romero
Director of Data Analytics
Ann Romero has 8 years of experience in the field of data and statistical analysis. She is a cum laude graduate of Texas State University, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management. After attaining her BBA, Ann worked in a family-owned business in an administrative role where she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the office. She helped enhance the company’s value and profitability through sales, marketing, and customer service for 6 years.
Emory Liebman
Director of Marketing
Emory Liebman is a digital marketing professional with a passion for social media management, photography, email marketing, and website development. With a Bachelor of Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing from Colorado Mesa University, Emory enjoys creating engaging digital experiences and visually compelling content. When not working, Emory enjoys ice skating, capturing moments through photography, and spending time with her cat.
Luke Willis
Financial Analyst
Luke Willis obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Texas at Dallas. While there, he learned how to probe, stick, and fix issues in pursuit of actionable solutions. In that spirit, his work with independent pharmacy as a financial analyst centers on the use of comprehensive financial, pharmaceutical, and marketing data that puts pharmacy into context. Through this analysis, HealthGrowth reaches more independent pharmacies and sets them on the road to financial success.
