Mona Chitre

PharmD, CPG
Chief Pharmacy Officer and President of Candesa Pharmacy Solutions

Dr. Mona Chitre manages pharmacy clinical initiatives including formulary management, Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee, utilization management, drug policy development, specialty pharmacy, and physician education. She works closely with the company’s clinical quality and medical management areas to deliver integrated services for our clients.

Chitre completed undergraduate and graduate training at Rutgers University and her post-doctoral primary care residency at the VA Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y. She is a registered pharmacist in both New York and New Jersey. She received certification in geriatric pharmacy from the Commission for the Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy and is currently assistant clinical professor at the University at Buffalo and Albany College of Pharmacy. Additionally, she is on the faculty of the University at Buffalo medical residency program.

Chitre has published over 25 articles on topics such as diabetes, infectious disease, heart failure, and neurological diseases. Additionally, she has presented at numerous pharmacy and managed care forums on health care integration, medical benefit management, and additional clinical topics. She serves as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy and for Managed Care Interface. She is an active member of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists.

Steve Conrad

Manager,
Pharmacy Strategy Client Services

Steve Conrad, Rph (NPI# 1841472933) oversees the Rx Concierge program from both clinical and operational perspectives. He manages a team of pharmacists and outreach coordinators whose focus is to assure that our products successfully meet client goals and performance guarantees. Conrad received a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University at Buffalo in 1995 and has nearly 30 years of experience in retail and community pharmacy. He is a certified immunizer and has also served as a regional supervisor for multiple large retail chains.

Kristen Sultana

Supervisor,
Pharmacy Concierge Programs

Kristen Sultana, Pharm D. (NPI# 1841772134) has responsibilities which include identifying opportunities to convert high-cost, low-value medications to lower-cost, equally effective alternatives, and outreaching to providers to discuss these opportunities. She is skilled at evaluating medications for clinical efficacy, safety, and appropriateness. Additionally as department supervisor, Kristen provides guidance to and oversight of the non-clinical Concierge staff. Sultana earned a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from the University at Buffalo in 2018. She worked as a pharmacy manager for a major retailer before joining our team in August 2021.

Mike Bengtson

Manager,
Pharmacy Client Services Program

Mike Bengtson, Rph (NPI# 1073632063) has over 21 years of experience in several pharmacy knowledge areas, including retail pharmacy, pharmacy operations, and member care management (with the Federal Employee Program). He has also served as a subject matter expert and clinical liaison for a proprietary prescription cost-savings software platform. Bengston has a passion for continued learning and complex problem-solving which interfaces perfectly with his role.

Trang Nguyen

Client Services
Clinical Pharmacist

Trang Nguyen, Pharm D. (NPI# 1144774092) is responsible for identifying high-cost, low-value medication opportunities and proactively seeks alternative options that provide equal effectiveness and improve affordability. She actively engages with providers by performing outreach on these opportunities to advocate for the adoption of more cost-effective alternatives. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2016 at Wegmans School of Pharmacy and specialized in working with the mental health population prior to coming to LBS.

Lindsey Shoales

Client Services
Supervisor, Rx Concierge

Lindsey Shoales, Pharm D. (NPI# 1316426927) has responsibilities which include detailing physician offices on more cost-effective prescription options for their patients, evaluating new to market drugs and monitoring changes in pricing trends. She is skilled in evaluating claims for new opportunities and developing novel ideas to integrate into the program. Shoales earned a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher in 2018. She worked as a pharmacy manager for a major retailer before joining our team in May 2022.

Gretchen LaDuca

VP,
Pharmacy Analytics & Business Strategy

Gretchen LaDuca provides financial support to our clients by evaluating cost savings opportunities and monitoring drug trends and pricing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from State University of New York at Geneseo and has 23 years of experience in the health care industry.

Keri Steen

Supervisor,
Pharmacy Analytics Consultant

Keri Steen is responsible for all day-to-day analytics and reporting for our innovative pharmacy services. Her strong attention to detail drives the success and reputation of transparent reporting of the Rx Concierge program. She has eight years of pharmacy analytics experience and earned her Master of Arts in mathematics from the State University of New York Brockport.

Amanda Wegman

Director,
Pharmacy Strategic Planning

Amanda Wegman is responsible for aiding in the development and execution of strategic pharmacy programs. She helps guide employers through the ever-changing pharmacy landscape that includes prescribing trends and patterns, clinical developments, and actions to assure cost-effective use of prescription medications. Amanda earned a bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo in chemistry and biology and brings nearly 15 years of health care experience to the team.

Lance Burgess

Vice President,
Diversified Growth

Lance Burgess is a proven executive leader with a 16-year track record of guiding companies, teams, and individuals toward success. He is an industry leader with strengths in creating and executing strategies for market expansion, operational excellence, retention, and new business growth. He has experience working directly with corporate partners, clients, brokers, and national vendors, to find innovative solutions to market challenges. Burgess earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Brockport.

Amy Handelman

Director,
Pharmacy Growth

Amy Handelman is accountable for the oversight and management of the Pharmacy and Wellbeing Sales Consultation team. She provides consultation to our clients with a focus on the largest and most complex accounts. Handelman brings over 20 years of strategic development to the team, with an emphasis on introducing innovative pharmacy solutions to the market. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College and gives her time volunteering for organizations in her community.

Karli Corrigan

Manager,
Enterprise Pharmacy Growth

Karli Corrigan is responsible for assisting in development and execution of strategic pharmacy programs and providing pharmacy consultation to strategic accounts and other partnerships. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Brockport and has more than nine years of experience in the health care industry, with expertise in pharmacy programs. Corrigan is a licensed New York State Insurance Agent.

Michael Tempesta

Sales Representative,
Atlantic Region

Henry Thomas

Sales Representative,
Southern Region