East Alabama Health CPO Recognized on List of “Chief Pharmacy Officers to Know”

OPELIKA, Ala.—Chuck Beams, Chief Pharmacy Officer at East Alabama Health, has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as a health system “Chief Pharmacy Officer to Know.”

The annual list recognizes pharmacy leaders from across the country who are driving innovation, improving patient outcomes and advancing the role of pharmacy within healthcare systems. Beams was one of two chief pharmacy officers from an Alabama health system to be recognized on the list. 

“We are incredibly proud of Chuck for earning this recognition, and it shows his commitment to our mission of providing patients with high-quality, compassionate health care,” said Laura Grill, President and CEO of East Alabama Health. “He has led significant strides in optimizing medication use, improving safety and controlling costs—all in service of delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients and communities.”

Beams oversees East Alabama Health’s inpatient and outpatient pharmacies, laboratory operations, as well as rehab and clinical nutrition services. He is responsible for ensuring regulatory excellence, clinical collaboration and systemwide optimization to provide patients with seamless experiences across multiple service areas. 

“The services that Chuck oversees play critical roles in delivering high-quality care and immense value to our patients, and he has been instrumental in advancing solutions that accomplish both,” said Sarah Nunnelly, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at East Alabama Health. “This recognition from Becker’s speaks to the kind of forward-thinking leadership that helps us meet the needs of both patients and our health system.”

Outside of his role at East Alabama Health, Beams has also previously served as president of the Alabama Society of Health System Pharmacists, where he represented over 1,100 members. He is also a Certified Pharmacy Executive Leader through the American Society of Health System Pharmacists. 

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About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital that is currently under construction to add 30 critical care beds. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,800 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.