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LAURIUM, Mich. – Jessica Bessner, director of pharmacy for Aspirus Keweenaw and Ontonagon hospitals, has been named president-elect of the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) Executive Board.
Bessner is only the second pharmacy professional from the Upper Peninsula to be elected to serve as president of the MPA’s executive board. In her three-year term, Bessner will serve as President-Elect (2018), President (2019), and Chair (2020).
“It’s truly an honor to have this opportunity to help continue to guide the strong efforts of the Michigan Pharmacists Association. Together, the MPA pharmacist community collaborates to ensure that the interests of our patients across the state of Michigan are best represented at the local and state level,” Bessner said. “I look forward to continuing to work with fellow MPA members to advance the pharmacy profession and provide quality health care.”
Bessner has been a member of the MPA executive board for three years. In 2014, she received the Distinguished New Pharmacist Practitioner Award from the MPA. She also served as president of the MPA-Upper Peninsula Division. She is a contributor to the MPA’s Pharmacy Certified Technician Training Manual, a delegate to the MPA House of Delegates and a member of the Pharmacy Response Network.
Mike Hauswirth, chief executive officer for Aspirus Keweenaw and Aspirus Ontonagon hospitals said, “Jess is a very progressive, hard-working individual who has gone above and beyond to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our patients. As her recent accomplishment demonstrates, Jess is a very strong leader and developer of programs that improve the patient experience.”
The MPA, as the leader of pharmacy professionals in Michigan, is the premier source of professional development, information and practice innovations. Through the active involvement of its diverse members, the MPA is an influential force in developing health policy and optimizing patient health, safety, and medication management.
Bessner received her doctorate degree in pharmacy from Ferris State University in 2006. Bessner, of Hubbell, became the director of pharmacy at Aspirus Keweenaw in 2008. Soon after, she took on an additional role as oncology service line director. In 2011, she also became the director of pharmacy at Aspirus Ontonagon. Between both hospitals, she has facilitated many new initiatives, and has been involved in Aspirus’ growth throughout western U.P. region.
