LEADERSHIP
BRIAN KRAMER, BS, BA, RPh, MBA
PRESIDENT & CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Brian Kramer
BRIAN KRAMER
PRESIDENT & CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Brian joined Forum in 1993, serving as Director of Operations before becoming the company’s President in 2002. Under his leadership, Forum has become one of the most highly respected LTC pharmacies in the country. Drawing on a unique background that combined long-term care, pharmacy, information technology, and business, he has transformed Forum into a vibrant leader in pharmacy services.
Brian’s experience includes hands-on work in LTC as a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. His career as a Registered Pharmacist spans more than 35 years in hospital, retail, and LTC pharmacy consulting and dispensing, including 12 years at Evanston Hospital as a Staff Pharmacist and Assistant Director of Pharmacy.
He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Chemistry from Knox College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Illinois-Chicago, and holds a Masters degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Information Systems, from Roosevelt University.
He served on the Illinois Governor’s Advisory Committee on Electronic Healthcare Records (EHR) and is a member of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, the Illinois Pharmacist Association—LTC section, the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP), and the American Society for Automation in Pharmacy.
Currently, Brian is the President and Director of the Illinois Association of LTC Pharmacy Providers and is a Founding Board Member of the Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition.
PAMELA B. KRAMER, BA, LPhT
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
PAMELA B. KRAMER
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
With more than 35 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Pam has created award-winning strategies and educational programs for industry leaders across the country. She joined Forum in 2004 as Director of Marketing & Client Relations, working with client facilities to align pharmacy services to customer needs.
Drawing on a unique background that balances strategic planning and operational process development with a keen understanding of what her customers need, she was named Vice President of Business Operations in 2007 and Executive Vice President in 2011.
Responsible for development and implementation of Forum’s overall mission and vision, she has worked to optimize Forum’s infrastructure, approach, and services to create value for customers.
With particular expertise in electronic health records, reimbursement, and Lean Six Sigma, Pam has been a speaker at conferences such as the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, Illinois Health Care Association, and the Leading Age, Illinois. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from New York University and is a Licensed Pharmacy Technician.
KAREN SMITH, BS, RPh, MBA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
PHARMACY SERVICES
Karen Smith
KAREN SMITH, BS, RPh, MBA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF PHARMACY SERVICES
Recognized as an expert in LTC pharmacy, Karen is responsible for oversight and expansion of Forum’s pharmacy products and services. With 26 years’ experience in pharmacy, she has spent the last 15 years in long-term care. She came to Forum in 2018 from Pharmore Drugs, where she was Vice President, after more than a decade with Omnicare, working throughout the country in various leadership roles, including serving as one of five Divisional Senior Directors of Operations. After moving into operations management in 2007 from a field Pharmacist role, Karen has created efficiencies that not only reduce errors but also optimize pharmacy operating systems, leading to better outcomes for the patients she ultimately serves.
Karen has developed new products, services, complex crisis management solutions, and revenue streams for multiple pharmacies. In her leadership positions, Karen was part of merger and acquisition, new opening, closure, and relocation teams. Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and a Masters of Business Administration from California State University.
JOANNE CU, BS, MBA, LPhT, CHC
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
FINANCE & CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
Joanne Cu
JOANNE CU, BS, MBA, LPhT, CHC
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
After working with a skilled nursing chain, Joanne joined Forum in 2004 as Billing & Reimbursement Manager and was named Director of Financial Services in 2011.
During an overseas relocation she held several financial positions in multinational companies that comprised corporate strategic planning, change management, and process improvement.
This included serving as Finance Director / Regional Head for Asia Pacific at Reed Elsevier, where she was responsible for Lexis Nexis Asia Pacific operations and served as a Tower Lead for Lexis Nexis United States Operations.
She returned in 2014 as Forum’s Director of Compliance and Accreditation and has managed the company’s Lean Six Sigma initiatives. Named VP of Billing & Corporate Compliance in 2019, Joanne oversees Forum’s financial operations and serves as the company’s chief compliance officer.
In 2021, Joanne was named a Top 100 Healthcare Visionary by the International Forum on
Advancements in Healthcare (IFAH). Joanne holds a BS in Management Economics, an MBA, a Certificate in Business Information Systems, is Certified in Healthcare Compliance, is a Licensed Pharmacy Technician and has a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma.
CHRISTOPHER FREDERICK, LTCAC, LPhT
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Christopher Frederick
CHRISTOPHER FREDERICK, LTCAC, LPhT
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Leveraging more than 25 years in long-term care pharmacy, Christopher brings a unique expertise to lead development and champion efforts to enhance customers’ experiences and support their missions in providing care. Along with his team, Chris is focused on optimizing our service, support, and clinical programs to help customers thrive.
At CVS/Omnicare, Christopher served as District Director, overseeing client relationship management across multiple states. His background includes work as the Director of Operations / Management for Omnicare of Northern Illinois, a Principal at Ariana Healthcare, and most recently as Operations Manager for Remedi SeniorCare.
Christopher attended Triton College and holds a Certificate in Long-Term Care Administration from the College of DuPage.
PRADIP PATEL, BS, RPh, FASCP, CGP
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
CLIENT SERVICES
Pradip Patel
PRADIP PATEL, RPh, FASCP, CGP
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CLIENT SERVICES
An LTC pharmacy veteran, Pradip has been with Forum for more than 40 years, serving in a variety of clinical and managerial roles. Well-known to our client facilities, he has built relationships across the continuum of care by providing exceptional first-hand clinical, operational, and regulatory expertise. His passion for customer service and quality care has propelled him from the front lines to the executive management committee at Forum. After spending more than 15 years as Director of Clinical Services, working in the field with facilities, he moved back into pharmacy operations as Forum’s Director of Quality Improvement in 2008. In 2010 he was named Vice President of Pharmacy Services, and in 2015 was promoted to Senior Vice President.
Pradip, a Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Mysore University and is a Fellow, former Board Member, and former Illinois Chapter President of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists.
JOEL FISH, BS, CPA
CONTROLLER
Joel Fish
JOEL FISH, BS, CPA
CONTROLLER
An accountant by profession, Joel has served as Forum’s Controller since 2009. Coming to us from Omnicare, with more than 25 years’ LTC experience, he has held various roles over his career, including operations management to Account Liaison, Chief Accountant, and Corporate Controller among others. With a fiduciary responsibility to uphold the highest standards of conduct, Mr. Fish works with third-party payers and accreditors to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and ensures that financial best practices are followed.
Joel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Economics from the Illinois State University and is an active member of the Illinois CPA Society.
FRANCES IMPASTATO, BS, LPhT
VICE PRESIDENT
PHARMACY OPERATIONS
Frances Impastato
FRANCES IMPASTATO, BS, LPhT
VICE PRESIDENT OF PHARMACY OPERATIONS
Frances joined Forum in 2001 with experience in inpatient and outpatient environments, having worked in Caremark’s mail order pharmacy operations, at Our Lady of Resurrection Hospital, and in retail pharmacy. Her ability to master complicated operations, logistics, and technology has made her an invaluable asset to Forum, taking on ever-more complex roles and rising to higher levels of responsibility.
After moving into pharmacy operations management in 2008 and successfully overseeing the pharmacy’s expansion and integration of electronic medication administration records (eMARs), she was promoted to Director of Pharmacy Operations in 2015, where she is responsible for providing direction and oversight for all non-clinical dispensing operations.
Frances holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Business from National Louis University. She is a member of the NLU Honor Society and National Society of Leadership and Success and is a licensed Pharmacy Technician.
SANJAY NANNAPANENI, PharmD, RPh
DIRECTOR OF PHARMACY OPERATIONS
SANJAY NANNAPANENI
SANJAY NANNAPANENI, PharmD, RPh
DIRECTOR OF PHARMACY OPERATIONS
Sanjay has spent well over a decade with Forum and has 25 years’ experience in pharmacy. Since joining Forum in 2006 he has served in multiple capacities, as a Staff Pharmacist, Consultant Pharmacist, and Informatics Pharmacist. Before being named Director of Pharmacy Operations, he managed pharmacy-provided technology and interfaces with electronic health systems. Sanjay‘s background includes retail, hospital, and long-term care settings, as well as pharmacy and store management with Walgreens. Before rejoining Forum in 2014, he served as a Clinical Pharmacist at UPMC Shadyside and as a Staff Pharmacist at Grane Supply. Sanjay uses his expertise to collaborate with clinicians and healthcare professionals to develop and implement clinical initiatives. He earned his Pre-Pharmacy degree from Benedictine University and received a Doctor of Pharmacy from Midwestern University.
JEANNETTE BRUCKS ASH, BS, RPh, MS
DIRECTOR OF CONSULTING & CLINICAL SERVICES
JEANNETTE BRUCKS ASH
JEANNETTE BRUCKS ASH, BS, RPh, MS
Director of Consulting & Clinical Services
Jeannette joined Forum in 2015 as a Consultant Pharmacist, took over as Interim Director of Consulting & Clinical Services in 2021, and agreed to stay in the role on a permanent basis in 2022. With more than 40 years’ experience as a pharmacist and pharmacy executive, Jeannette has managed pharmacy services in various levels and aspects, including for a large long-term care provider. As a result, she has a particular sensitivity to the needs of Forum’s customers and the residents they serve.
Jeannette started her career as a Staff Pharmacist at St Anne’s Hospital in Chicago and, before joining Forum, served as the Executive Director of Pharmacy Services for what is now Presence Health. She is noted for providing exceptional pharmaceutical care through clinical initiatives, patient education, and collaboration, working with a well-developed interdisciplinary team to achieve better outcomes.
She has served as an Adjunct Instructor of Pharmacy Practice for Midwestern University’s College of Pharmacy and as an Associate Clinical Professor for the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Pharmacy from the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy.
Jeannette is a member of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, the North Suburban Pharmacists Association, and the Illinois Pharmacists Association.
DENNIS JOY, BS, MS, LPhT
DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
DENNIS JOY
DENNIS JOY, BS, MS, LPhT
Director of Information Technology
Dennis joined Forum in 2001 as a part-time Pharmacy Technician during college and became the company’s first full-time IT employee in 2003. With more than 15 years in healthcare-specific IT, Dennis has helped Forum adopt a wide range of technologies to improve customer service and employee satisfaction. He has helped the department grow as he took on greater leadership responsibilities, including 24/7 support for our staff, and was named department Manager in 2010 and Director of IT in 2017.
Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and completed a Master Degree in Health Informatics from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2017. In his free time, Dennis enjoys photography and baking; his photos of residents and caregivers are featured prominently in Forum’s décor.
GINA GAMBARO, BS
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Gina Gambaro
GINA GAMBARO, BS
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
With 20 years of experience in business development, with the last 10 years in successful healthcare start-ups, Gina is a thought leader in healthcare business development. She joined Forum in 2019, and is responsible for driving growth and expanding Forum’s market reach. Having successfully navigated business growth for post-acute focused companies like Redilearning/Relias, CareMerge and CipherHealth, Gina’s ability to create unique growth strategies around identified markets has honed her business development expertise. Her success is achieved by working closely with clients to the find the right solutions that ultimately increase their margins and produce higher resident satisfaction.
Gina holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Missouri. She is a volunteer youth coach for multiple youth sports associations and is a field volunteer for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.
SHAKIL BHA, MS, RPH
PHARMACIST IN CHARGE, NORTHERN ILLINOIS
SHAKIL BHA
SHAKIL BHA, MS, RPH
PHARMACIST IN CHARGE, NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Shakil joined Forum in 2022, having most recently served as the Pharmacist in Charge for Remedi SeniorCare of Chicago. Drawing on a diverse and extensive background in long-term care pharmacy, Shakil brings an empathetic and intuitive perspective to serving and caring for residents.
He has held a variety of operational and clinical roles in long-term care pharmacy, including working as a Consultant Pharmacist for CVS/Omnicare and filling Staff and Clinical Pharmacist roles with PharMore Drugs before becoming their Pharmacy Operations Manager. His experience with therapeutic interchange, prior authorizations, and adjudication as both a Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacist provides Forum unique insight for overcoming potential obstacles to care.
Shakil holds a Master of Science degree in pharmacology & biotechnology from Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom. He is a Registered Pharmacist with licenses in Illinois, New Jersey, and Michigan.
AMY KURFMAN, BS, RPh
PHARMACIST IN CHARGE, CENTRAL ILLINOIS
Amy Kurfman
AMY KURFMAN, BS, RPh
PHARMACIST IN CHARGE, CENTRAL ILLINOIS
With more than 30 years’ experience in pharmacy, Amy brings a caring, client-focused energy and a local touch to our clients in Central and Southern Illinois. An industry veteran who has spent 15 years in LTC pharmacy consulting and dispensing, Amy joined Forum in 2018 from Enloe Drugs of Northern Illinois/Omnicare, where she served in several roles – as a Consultant Pharmacist, Staff Pharmacist, and Quality Improvement Liaison, as well as later overseeing operations.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the St Louis College of Pharmacy. Her interest in long-term care started during her college internship and extended to full-time work post-graduation. Amy eventually moved into a more acute setting in hospital pharmacy, only to return to serve our aging population: her true passion.
LISA SEIBOLD, BS, PHARMD, RPH
PHARMACIST IN CHARGE, WISCONSIN
Lisa Seibold
LISA SEIBOLD, BS, PHARMD, RPH
PHARMACIST IN CHARGE, WISCONSIN
Lisa’s 30 years of experience in pharmacy, with two decades dedicated solely to long-term care, has served her well as one of the founders and owners of Willow Pharmacy, a pioneer in providing home-based LTC pharmacy services for more than a decade.
Lisa joined the Forum team in early 2022, integrating Willow’s home-care-based services into Forum’s new LTC@Home division and overseeing the company’s Wisconsin operations. Before launching Willow Pharmacy, Lisa served as a Pharmacist in LTC with Pinnacle Pharmacy and Pharmerica. She began her career in hospital pharmacies, with work at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL, and as a Clinical Home Infusion Pharmacist for the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals. Lisa holds a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, both from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
SEE THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS & SUCCESS STORIES
First Treatment for Alzheimer’s Agitation Approved by FDA
Wendy Bullard2023-05-26T19:21:46+00:00May 26th, 2023|Education & Resources|
This month the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its first approved treatment option for agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.
Forum Named One of the Best Places to Work in Illinois for the Third Year in a Row
Wendy Bullard2023-05-24T20:16:40+00:00May 22nd, 2023|News|
For the third consecutive year, Forum was named one of the Best Places to Work in Illinois by the statewide survey and awards program.
2023 Adult Immunization Schedule: Including COVID-19 and Updates for Vaccine Recommendations
Wendy Bullard2023-06-01T20:03:54+00:00February 24th, 2023|COVID-19, COVID-19 Vaccines, Education & Resources|
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued the 2023 Adult Immunization Schedule (for ages 19 or older), which for the first
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Reducing Antipsychotic Usage: A Deeper Dive into Non-Pharmacologic Approaches to Managing Resident Behaviors
thartsoe@quantum-age.com2023-05-18T18:26:14+00:00Tags: Long-Term Care, Long-Term Care Pharmacy, Medication Management, Pharmacy Services, Resident Care, senior care, Upcoming Webinar|
ON-DEMAND, SELF-STUDY CE WEBINARS
