May 26, 2026
Written by Andrew Haines
Deborah Brown is a longtime member of the Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FSHP) and served as FSHP President from 1997 to 1998. She is a Fellow of FSHP and Pharmacist of the Year (2010).
Pharmacy Beginnings
Originally from Pensacola, Deborah moved to Auburn University’s School of Pharmacy with her two-month-old daughter and earned her pharmacy degree in 1976. She later completed an MS in Management from Troy State University in 1995 and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2000.
Early Career
Deborah began her career as a hospital pharmacist in Pensacola and, within a few years, moved to Columbia/Brandon Hospital, part of HCA, where she served as Director of Pharmacy for 16 years.
Her strong focus on pharmacy operations led her to Cardinal Health Pharmacy Solutions, where she spent the next 19 years in a variety of leadership roles, including Director of Pharmacy, Operations Director, Project Manager, District Manager, and Marketing Director. Her work spanned multiple states and a wide range of healthcare settings.
Current Pharmacy Work
Currently, Deborah serves as a consultant for numerous freestanding emergency departments and other healthcare facilities. She also teaches a consultant pharmacist preparation course at Nova Southeastern University, continuing her commitment to education and professional development.
Gratitude
Deborah holds deep gratitude for her mentor, Carsten Evans, whom she met while they were both working for HCA. She credits him with encouraging her involvement in FSHP—pulling her into committees, mentoring her into leadership roles, and inspiring her to run for office. “At each step along the way, he pushed me forward,” she recalls.
Deborah considers the relationships she has built throughout her career, and the pharmacists she has mentored, to be her most meaningful accomplishments. “To see those that I have mentored move into leadership positions, is the most rewarding part of my career,” she says.
FSHP Memories
One of Deborah’s favorite memories from her FSHP involvement was serving as President during the Society’s 50th anniversary celebration. She fondly recalls past presidents coming together, leaders being recognized, and members celebrating the Society’s legacy. Carsten Evans also created a video featuring former presidents through the first 50 years of the society, which was shared at the meeting.
As president she also had the opportunity to lead the Pharmacy graduates in the Oath of the Pharmacist at Nova Southeastern University graduation.
Deborah also proudly reflects on her work with the FSHP Political Action Committee; in one year, the PAC raised more than $20,000—an achievement that led to ASHP inviting her to join their PAC. Deborah is a Fellow of ASHP and has presented nationally on preparedness for DNV accreditation.
Outside Pharmacy
Outside of her professional life, Deborah's faith is an integral part of her life, she is an active member of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, where she participates in the healing ministry and serves on the finance and stewardship committee.
She is especially proud of her daughter, who also graduated from Auburn University and now serves as a principal at a local elementary school in Valrico. Deborah also cherishes time spent with her three granddaughters Caitlyn, Lauren, Madison and six-year-old great-granddaughter Macenzie.
FSHP Foundation Leadership
Deborah is currently serving on the FSHP Foundation. The Foundation provides a mentoring marketplace to Florida pharmacy students, residents, technicians and established practitioners seeking to enhance or learn new skills. All money raised by the FSHP Foundation will be used to support student programming and scholarships, resident research and the FSHP Fellow Award.
Deborah is asking anyone that she has mentored or friends to make a donation to the FSHP Foundation.