John M. O’Brien, PharmD, MPH, is a prominent figure in the pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape, currently serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC). In this leadership role at NPC, John O’Brien spearheads an organization dedicated to rigorous research concerning the appropriate utilization of pharmaceuticals and the crucial clinical and economic value derived from pharmaceutical innovation. NPC’s work is instrumental in shaping informed dialogues around critical healthcare aspects, including access, coverage, appropriate usage, and value within the health sector. As CEO and President, John O’Brien is at the helm of NPC’s strategic vision, overseeing its policy research initiatives, effective communication strategies, and vital partnerships with diverse healthcare organizations.
John O’Brien’s extensive career trajectory encompasses significant roles across the private sector, academia, and government. His profound understanding of healthcare policy is underscored by his previous position as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Planning and Evaluation (Health Policy) during the Trump Administration. Furthermore, John O’Brien has held key senior policy roles within both the life sciences and managed care industries, including a position at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. His public service includes his tenure as a career official at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and his experience as a Health Policy Fellow in the U.S. Senate, demonstrating his commitment to public health at various levels.
Dr. O’Brien’s academic foundation is robust, holding a doctorate in pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Public Health degree from the prestigious Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. His early academic pursuits include pharmacy and public policy studies at the University of Florida. His commitment to professional development is evident through his completion of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Executive Fellowship in Association Management and Leadership and the America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) Certified Health Insurance Executive Fellowship.
In addition to his executive and governmental roles, John O’Brien has made significant contributions to academia. He has served as a Senior Fellow at the USC-Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship program, and an Assistant Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences at the Notre Dame of Maryland University College of Pharmacy.
John O’Brien’s commitment extends to board service, where he has contributed to organizations such as Pharmacy Quality Solutions, Kennedy Center Circles, and the Congressional Chorus. His diverse experiences and leadership roles underscore his significant impact on pharmaceutical policy and healthcare.
