HDA Research Foundation Honors Steven H. Collis of Cencora With Nexus Award for Lifetime Achievement
September 11, 2024The HDA Research Foundation recognized Steven H. Collis, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cencora, Inc., with the Nexus Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award was presented last night during the HDA Annual Board and Membership Meeting.
The Nexus Award, first presented in 1956, is considered the healthcare distribution industry’s highest individual achievement. The award recognizes one individual’s exceptional character, accomplishments, and leadership in HDA, the healthcare industry and their community.
“Over nearly three decades, Steve Collis has made a remarkable impact on Cencora and the entire healthcare distribution industry,” said Chester “Chip” Davis, Jr., President and CEO, HDA. “HDA and the HDA Research Foundation are proud to recognize a transformational leader and champion for healthcare access by presenting Steve with the Nexus Award for Lifetime Achievement.”
Since Mr. Collis was named CEO in 2011, Cencora has experienced tremendous financial growth and significant global expansion. Under his leadership, several strategic investments and acquisitions enabled the company to expand its breadth of pharmaceutical solutions, strengthening its capabilities to support biopharmaceutical companies globally and advancing the company’s ability to provide innovative healthcare solutions for customers and patients around the world.
In 2023, Mr. Collis oversaw the transition of the company from AmerisourceBergen Corporation to Cencora, Inc., uniting the company’s businesses under one brand that better reflects its global reach and position at the center of the pharmaceutical supply chain. In his leadership role, Mr. Collis deepened Cencora’s dedication to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the healthcare distribution industry. For his leadership, Mr. Collis has been recognized by The Wall Street Journal, and Barron’s ranked Cencora as No. 1 on its list of the 500 top-performing companies in 2016 and 2017.
Before stepping into the CEO role, Mr. Collis founded and grew the company’s former Specialty Group business into the market leader in product distribution and commercialization services. He also led Cencora’s traditional wholesale distribution business. In addition to his position as chairman of Cencora’s board of directors, he sits on the board of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and previously served as a member of HDA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
As an active volunteer and philanthropist, Mr. Collis is a founding Vice Chairman of the American Cancer Society’s CEOs Against Cancer Greater Philadelphia Chapter. He also serves on the board of governors for the American Red Cross. A native of South Africa, Mr. Collis is passionate about advancing health equity and inclusion across the globe. He graduated with honors from the University of Witwatersrand (Johannesburg).
The 2024 Nexus Award for Lifetime Achievement was made possible through the support of Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems and Viatris. For more information and a list of past honorees, visit the HDA website.
Pictured left to right: HDA President and CEO Chip Davis; Steven H. Collis, Chairman, President and CEO, Cencora, Inc.; Rich Tremonte, EVP and President, US Pharmaceuticals & Animal Health, Cencora, Inc.; and Perry Fri, EVP, Industry Relations and Member Services, and COO, HDA Research Foundation
The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) represents primary pharmaceutical distributors — the vital link between the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and others nationwide. Since 1876, HDA has helped members navigate regulations and innovations to get the right medicines to the right patients at the right time, safely and efficiently. The HDA Research Foundation, HDA’s nonprofit charitable foundation, serves the healthcare industry by providing research and education focused on priority healthcare supply chain issues.
ABOUT THE HDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The HDA Research Foundation is the 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization of the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA). The Foundation serves as the thought leader in driving research, education and discussion for all healthcare supply chain stakeholders, enabling the industry's ability to deliver efficient, safe and secure patient access to medicines and medical products. Learn more at HDA.org/Foundation.