Generic Pharmaceutical Association selects Chester 'Chip' Davis, Jr. as President and CEO

WASHINGTON, DC (July 22, 2015) — Today, the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA), named Chester "Chip" Davis, Jr. President and CEO. Mr. Davis assumes the role effective August 18th.

"I am thrilled to have Chip join the GPhA team. His leadership skills, policy experience and deep relationships on the Hill and across the industry provide an excellent foundation for his role as our next CEO," said Craig Wheeler, GPhA Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer, Momenta Pharmaceuticals. "Most importantly, the vision and passion he has shown for the importance of our industry and our mission as we seek to expand on the benefits generic drugs have provided to countless lives and build on the billions of dollars generic medicines have saved our healthcare system have convinced me he will excel as our next leader.

I would also like to thank our current CEO, Ralph Neas, for all he has contributed and the excellent foundation he has provided for Chip. Ralph and Chip will work together to ensure a smooth and optimal leadership transition."

Davis most recently led a prominent pharmaceutical trade association's government affairs and advocacy program, membership recruitment and retention efforts. He also has held senior management roles at a global innovator drug company.

"It is a tremendous privilege to join the Generic Pharmaceutical Association and champion safe, effective, and affordable generic drugs and biosimilars at the state, federal and international levels," said Davis. "From policymakers to patients to providers, discussions on how to promote access while simultaneously generating health savings are taking center stage. Generic drugs, and soon biosimilars, play a vital role in holding down costs, and this industry's record of savings and access must not only continue, but flourish. I look forward to working with our member companies, regulatory partners, elected officials, the great team at GPhA, and all who stand to benefit from enhanced access to high quality, more affordable medicines."

Davis earned an undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of Delaware and a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Global Intellectual Property Center, the University of Delaware Alumni Association, the St. Mary's High School Royal Blue Club, the Board of Directors for the DC Metro Area Chapter of Autism Speaks, and the Member Advisory Board for the National Journal.

About GPhA
GPhA represents the manufacturers and distributors of finished generic pharmaceuticals, manufacturers and distributors of bulk pharmaceutical chemicals, and suppliers of other goods and services to the generic industry. Generic pharmaceuticals fill 86 percent of the prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. but consume just 27 percent of the total drug spending. Additional information is available at gphaonline.org. Follow us on twitter: @gpha.