June 3, 2024

Ferris State alumna Farah Jalloul begins new leadership role as Michigan Pharmacists Association’s chief pharmacy officer

Ferris State University College of Pharmacy alumna Farah Jalloul begins a new leadership role as the Michigan Pharmacists Association's new chief pharmacy officer, providing opportunities to support people in the profession and patients.

Jalloul, who earned her Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration from Ferris State, was most recently the MPA's director of professional development and its state pharmacy emergency preparedness coordinator.

MPA is a Lansing-based professional society serving Michigan’s pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and student pharmacists in all settings of practice. The organization has for more than 130 years provided members with the tools, resources, and support needed to advance the profession of pharmacy and provide quality patient care.

As MPA chief pharmacy officer, Jalloul will seek engagement with the pharmacy schools of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.

"My new role is focused on supporting community pharmacy. We are often the 'first call' when people have healthcare concerns," Jalloul said. "Whether our members practice in an independent pharmacy, chain or health system, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated their importance in distributing therapeutics and vaccines, along with providing advice so the public can be safe and informed."

Jalloul will also direct grant procurement to support association goals and programs, including reinstating the MPA's Executive Fellowship.

"Financial support for pilot studies with a goal of improved community pharmacy practice is part of our mission to assist the growth and success of our membership," Jalloul said. "There are regulatory and legislative aspects related to advancing the cause of pharmacy and I am excited to have a prominent place in that effort at the association." 

Farah is a preceptor for Ferris State's College of Pharmacy, where she has returned to speak to students many times, including for a keynote address at the Class of 2026's White Coat ceremony.

MPA leaders believe Jalloul's knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing pharmacy today is a significant component of what suits her well for this leadership role.

"We are thrilled to announce Farah Jalloul's promotion to chief pharmacy officer," MPA CEO Mark Glasper said. "Her leadership, passion and vision will undoubtedly propel MPA forward as we continue to advocate for the profession of pharmacy and the well-being of patients across Michigan."

In 2023, Jalloul received a Pacesetter Award from the Ferris State Alumni Association for her professional contributions and successes.

Jalloul said she was encouraged by associate professor of Pharmacy Practice Susan DeVuyst-Miller's to approach MPA for the new role.

"Dr. DeVuyst-Miller helped me identify this opportunity for advocacy and public service within the pharmacy field, which was very appealing," Jalloul said. "Ferris' Pharmacy faculty invest in their students, promoting consideration of various career paths. I was also published as a research contributor as a student, one of many great opportunities that enrich my professional efforts and fuel my desire to give back to the program."