Leadership Team

DeWayne Benson
Vice President, Sales

DeWayne brings a broad, strategic perspective to supporting independent pharmacy owners, drawing on experience across nearly every facet of the drug wholesale business. He combines deep industry knowledge with a relationship-focused approach to help owners navigate challenges and identify practical solutions for long-term success.

  • DeWayne brings more than 40 years of drug wholesale industry experience to his role as Vice President of Sales with HGRx Genesis.  DeWayne began his career in 1985 with Solomons Company and transitioned to Cardinal Health following its acquisition of the company in 1992. DeWayne’s career also includes time with H.D. Smith and 13 years with Smith Drug.

    Throughout his career, DeWayne has held roles across purchasing, marketing, sales, and business development, ultimately advancing to sales leadership.  Having worked across nearly every facet of the drug wholesale business, DeWayne brings a broad perspective and firsthand understanding of the operational, financial, and competitive challenges independent pharmacy owners navigate every day.

    While DeWayne has worn many hats throughout his career, working directly with customers remains one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.  He enjoys building strong relationships, understanding each pharmacy’s unique challenges, and helping owners identify practical solutions that support their businesses and long-term success.

    DeWayne lives in Tennessee with his wife of 46 years.  They enjoy spending time with their two children and three grandsons.  An avid outdoorsman, DeWayne enjoys water sports during the warmer months and snow sports in the winter. He also volunteers with his local church, where he works with youth.

     

David MacVane
Director of Sales, East

Dave brings extensive pharmaceutical wholesale and sales leadership experience to independent pharmacy. His deep understanding of the marketplace helps him build strong relationships and provide knowledgeable guidance that supports long-term business success.

  • Dave has more than 40 years of experience in sales and sales management, including over 20 years with leading pharmaceutical wholesale distributors. He began his pharmacy career with Bindley Western as a Territory Manager in the New England marketplace. Following Bindley Western’s acquisition by Cardinal Health, Dave was promoted to oversee major retail accounts in the New England region.

    In 2005, he joined H.D. Smith as a Territory Manager and spent 14 years with the company, ultimately serving as Director of Sales. Dave earned a BS in Business from the University of Maine.

Emily Viola, PharmD
Director of Sales, Central

Emily combines clinical expertise with a strategic approach to helping independent pharmacies improve performance. She identifies operational opportunities and implements practical, sustainable solutions that strengthen efficiency, support growth, and drive meaningful results.

  • Emily is a licensed pharmacist with over eight years of progressive experience in the pharmacy field. She earned her PharmD from MCPHS University in Boston in 2018 and has held roles ranging from intern and staff pharmacist to pharmacy manager and Pharmacy Director.

    Emily began her career in corporate pharmacy, where she played an instrumental role in launching a new store location and developed a strong foundation in pharmacy operations, business strategy, and team leadership. In 2023, she transitioned into the nonprofit sector as Pharmacy Director for a network of three independent pharmacies in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. There, she led a successful turnaround by streamlining operations, optimizing staffing, and significantly improving both performance and revenue.

    Known for her ability to identify inefficiencies and implement sustainable, long-term solutions, Emily combines clinical knowledge with a strategic mindset to drive meaningful results. Outside of work, she’s passionate about travel and cultural exploration. At home in Dallas, she enjoys discovering new restaurants and indulging in the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

Tonya Priest
Director of Sales, West

Tonya combines relationship-building with data-driven insights to help independent pharmacy owners strengthen their businesses. She builds trusted partnerships by understanding each owner’s challenges and delivering tailored solutions that support long-term growth.

  • Tonya is a California native who earned her undergraduate business degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. She brings more than 20 years of sales leadership experience championing independent pharmacies and small businesses.

    Known for her relationship-building skills, Tonya creates lasting partnerships with independent pharmacy owners by building trust, understanding their unique challenges, and delivering tailored solutions. Her data-driven approach, combined with a personal touch, has consistently resulted in year-over-year revenue growth and improved client retention for the businesses she supports. She cares about your business longevity the way you care about your patients.

    Tonya’s extensive work with Good Neighbor Pharmacy and her role as a Network Facilitator for CPESN CA reflect her commitment to strengthening community pharmacy. With a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and a proven track record of success in nurturing business relationships, she is uniquely positioned to advocate for and advance the success of independent pharmacy programs nationwide.

MEET OUR SALES TEAM

James Cunningham
Sales Executive

Vermont, Upstate New York, Pennsylvania

Jim takes a relationship-first approach to sales, focusing on understanding each pharmacy owner’s needs and connecting them with practical resources and solutions that can make a difference in their business.

  • Jim brings 21 years of pharmacy industry experience to his role as Sales Executive with HGRx Genesis. Jim began his career with Burlington Drug Company in 2005 as a Territory Account Manager and continued with Smith Drug following its acquisition of Burlington Drug in 2016.

    For Jim, the connection to independent pharmacy began long before his own career. His father spent 15 years as a sales representative with Burlington Drug Company, giving Jim an early introduction to the industry and the importance of building lasting customer relationships. When his father retired in 2005, Jim was given the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and begin a career that has now spanned more than two decades.

    Jim’s approach to sales is simple: build the relationship before trying to sell anything. Jim genuinely cares about his customers and strives to bring them information, resources, and solutions that can make a difference in their businesses—from legislative and industry updates to new brand-to-generic opportunities. Above all, he believes customers deserve honest answers and straightforward communication.

    Seeing his customers succeed is one of the most rewarding aspects of his work. Jim takes pride in being someone pharmacy owners know they can trust and rely on, and he has built his career around being dependable, responsive, and committed to doing what is right for his customers.

    Jim holds a degree in Biology from SUNY Cobleskill and lives in Ballston Spa, New York. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his daughter, a high school senior and cheerleader, and their cat, Harmony.

Michael Santoro
Sales Executive

NY Metro, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania

Michael helps independent pharmacy owners identify opportunities across their business, building strong relationships and connecting customers with practical resources and solutions that help them succeed.

  • Michael brings more than four decades of pharmacy industry experience to his role as Sales Executive with HGRx Genesis. Michael began his career in 1983 with Bergen Brunswig (now Cencora) and spent much of his career working with independent pharmacy owners throughout the New York and New Jersey markets. Michael spent 14 years with H.D. Smith, starting as a Sales Representative and advancing to Sales Manager for New York and New Jersey. He later joined Smith Drug, working as a Business Developer for the past 7 years.

    Throughout his career, Michael has encouraged independent pharmacy owners to look beyond prescription volume and consider every aspect of their business. He believes that involvement with state pharmacy associations and regional organizations, combined with a comprehensive approach to managing the pharmacy, can help owners strengthen their businesses and remain competitive in a changing marketplace.

    For Michael, the relationships he has built throughout his career are among the most rewarding aspects of working with independent pharmacies. He enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life and helping customers navigate both professional and business opportunities. Over the years, that support has extended beyond day-to-day sales relationships to helping individuals find career opportunities and even purchase their own pharmacies.

    Michael is a graduate of St. John’s University in Queens, New York, and is active in numerous pharmacy organizations, including the Italian Pharmacy Society, Indo-American Pharmaceutical Society, Pakistani-American Pharmaceutical Association, Bangladesh-American Pharmacists Association, Korean-American Pharmacists Association, Pharmacists Society of the State of New York (PSSNY), and Garden State Pharmacy Owners (GSPO).

    Outside of work, Michael’s greatest priority is his family. He and his wife have three daughters, as well as a three-year-old granddaughter and a 14-year-old step-grandson. Family time remains his favorite way to spend time away from work.

Rocky Dunn
Sales Executive

Eastern Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

Kris Irwin
Sales Executive

Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio

Kris brings a practical, relationship-focused approach to supporting independent pharmacy owners. Drawing on her broad experience, she provides personalized solutions that help owners navigate challenges, strengthen their businesses, and continue serving their communities.

  • Kris brings more than 18 years of pharmacy and healthcare industry experience to her role as Sales Executive with HGRx Genesis. During her five years with Smith Drug, Kris held several roles, including Pharmacy Business Consultant, Business Development Manager, and Regional Sales Manager.

    Throughout her career, Kris has supported pharmacies across multiple regions of the country and worked with independent pharmacy owners, corporate accounts, buying groups, and industry partners.  This broad experience has given her a strong understanding of the operational, financial, and competitive challenges independent pharmacies face.  Kris believes in building trusted relationships and providing personalized, practical solutions that help pharmacy owners strengthen their businesses and continue serving their communities.

    What Kris values most about independent pharmacy is the personal connection between pharmacists and their patients.  Kris has seen firsthand how independent pharmacy owners take the time to understand their patients, explain their medications, and make a meaningful difference in their day-to-day health.  For Kris, building that same level of trust with pharmacy owners—and helping them succeed both financially and within their communities—is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

    Kris holds a Bachelor of Science degree and has completed the Scotwork Advancing Negotiation Skills course through Scotwork North America.

    Outside of work, Kris is an avid University of Kentucky fan and enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.  Kris and her husband of 28 years, Ben, have two children, Ashby and Hayden.  Now empty nesters, they share their home with their Lab, Gibbs, and cat, Baby Girl.  Each summer, Kris also participates in a mission trip to Poland.

Michael Rarrat
Sales Executive

Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa

Michael takes a customer-first approach to sales, focusing on listening, understanding each pharmacy owner’s business, and building trusted relationships. He is a reliable partner whom pharmacy owners can count on to help identify practical solutions and opportunities.

  • Michael is a Sales Executive supporting independent pharmacies throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa.  He brings 14 years of healthcare industry experience to his role, including three years with Smith Drug Company.  Michael’s background spans several areas of healthcare, including dental, women’s health, medical devices, and front-end retail, giving him a broad perspective on the needs of both healthcare businesses and the customers they serve.

    Throughout his career, Michael has developed a strong appreciation for the important role independent pharmacies play in their communities.  He has seen firsthand the relationships pharmacists build with their patients and understands that serving a community goes well beyond filling prescriptions.  That same philosophy guides his approach to sales: customers always come first.

    For Michael, it starts with a simple conversation.  He believes taking the time to listen, understand a customer’s business, and build trust can open the door to greater opportunities and meaningful solutions.  His goal is to be someone pharmacy owners can count on—not simply someone who is there when business is good, but a reliable partner who is there when they need him most.  If there is a way Michael can help, he will do everything he can to find it, and he believes strongly that no customer should ever be left behind.

    Outside of work, Michael is an avid sports fan who enjoys traveling and hiking.  A loyal Chicago Bears fan, he brings the same enthusiasm and commitment to the relationships he builds with his customers.

Victor Cuellar
Sales Executive

Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma

Victor takes a service-focused approach to sales, working to understand each pharmacy owner’s needs and provide practical solutions. He is committed to being a responsive, reliable partner who helps customers navigate challenges and succeed.

  • Victor brings 15 years of pharmaceutical sales experience to his role as Sales Executive with HGRx Genesis.  Throughout his career, he has built his approach around understanding customer needs, solving problems, and developing strong, service-focused relationships.

    Victor understands the unique challenges independent pharmacies face as they compete in an increasingly complex marketplace.  He values the important role independent pharmacies play in their communities and recognizes that their strength extends far beyond price—including personalized service, trusted relationships, and exceptional customer care.

    For Victor, the most rewarding part of working with independent pharmacy owners is helping them find solutions.  He is committed to responding promptly, addressing challenges effectively, and providing the level of service and support that helps his customers succeed.

Michael Hurst
Sales Executive

Southeast

Michael brings a practical, business-focused approach to supporting independent pharmacy owners, helping them navigate operational and financial challenges. He focuses on identifying opportunities that strengthen performance and help pharmacies remain viable and profitable.

  • Michael brings more than 24 years of drug wholesale industry experience to his role as Sales Executive with HGRx Genesis.  Michael’s career has spanned merchandising, pharmacy business consulting, sales, and regional sales leadership, including more than 13 years with Smith Drug Company.  Most recently, Michael served as a Regional Sales Manager, leading a team of up to 10 Pharmacy Business Consultants across 15 states.

    Michael’s broad industry experience gives him a unique perspective on the challenges independent pharmacy owners face.  From helping pharmacies optimize their front-end and OTC product mix to navigating the complexities of wholesale agreements, he brings practical knowledge across many aspects of the business.  Michael’s experience includes GCR calculations, payment terms, PVAs, PSAOs, DIR fees, and other financial and operational considerations that can directly impact a pharmacy’s performance.

    What Michael finds most rewarding is knowing that his work ultimately supports the patients and communities independent pharmacies serve.  Michael takes pride in helping pharmacy owners remain viable and profitable in a challenging environment so they can continue providing the trusted, personal care their patients rely on.

    Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee.  His professional recognition includes Sales Representative of the Year at H.D. Smith and Regional Manager of the Year at Smith Drug Company.  Michael is also a proud supporter of NCPA, PUTT, and various state pharmacy associations.

    A Knoxville, Tennessee native, Michael enjoys cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers, exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, discovering new restaurants, and playing frisbee golf.  Most of all, Michael enjoys sharing new adventures with his fiancée, Julie, and his two children, Emily and Lucas.

Wade Riggins
Sales Executive

Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama

Wade takes a relationship-focused approach to supporting independent pharmacy owners. He works to understand their businesses, share relevant industry insights, and be a trusted, consistent resource they can rely on for knowledge and support.

  • Wade brings 23 years of experience in the wholesale drug industry to his role as Sales Executive with HGRx Genesis.  Wade spent 15 years with JM Smith as a Pharmacy Business Consultant, working directly with pharmacy owners and developing a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges they face in an ever-changing industry.

    Throughout his career, Wade has placed a strong emphasis on building meaningful relationships with his customers.  He believes that being a valuable partner means more than providing products and services—it means understanding each customer’s business, sharing relevant industry information, and being a consistent resource they can rely on.

    For Wade, one of the most rewarding aspects of working with independent pharmacies is developing professional relationships that stand the test of time.  Wade values the trust that comes from working alongside customers year after year and takes pride in providing the knowledge, support, and personal attention that help strengthen those relationships.

    Wade holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Sal Graziano
Sales Executive

Florida

Sal takes a consultative, relationship-focused approach to supporting independent pharmacy owners. As a former small business owner, he understands the challenges they face and strives to be a trusted advisor focused on helping their businesses grow and succeed.

  • Sal brings 25 years of healthcare and drug wholesale industry experience to his role as Sales Executive with HGRx Genesis.  Sal’s career includes experience with Anda, Cardinal Health, H.D. Smith, and 19 years with Smith Drug, where he supported pharmacies throughout Florida and Georgia.  During his time with Smith Drug, Sal served as a Pharmacy Business Consultant, Business Development Manager, Long-Term Care Consultant, and Regional Manager.

    Sal takes a consultative, relationship-driven approach to working with independent pharmacy owners.  He believes the first step is understanding each owner’s goals and challenges so he can identify opportunities that support growth and long-term success. His experience has given him extensive knowledge of distribution, purchasing, buying groups, GPOs, PSAOs, pharmacy technology, and the competitive landscape independent pharmacies navigate every day.

    As a former small business owner, Sal understands firsthand the challenges that come with running a business.  He knows that every decision can impact cash flow, employees, the customer experience, and ultimately the owner’s livelihood.

    For Sal, the most rewarding part of his work is developing relationships with pharmacy owners and becoming a trusted advisor they can rely on.  He recognizes the significant investment of time, resources, and personal commitment that goes into building an independent business and takes pride in helping owners find opportunities to strengthen that investment and achieve greater success.

    Sal holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from St. John’s University and is also a paralegal and Notary Public, and has served as a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador in Weston, Florida.

    Originally from Staten Island, New York, Sal has called Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home for more than 25 years.  He and his wife of 29 years have two children, Amanda and Thomas, and a dog, Charlie.  Above all, Sal enjoys spending time with his family and close friends.