All in a Day’s Work: An Inside Look at Amber ...
About
At Amber Specialty Pharmacy, we prioritize you.
Who We Are
Everything we do is centered around a desire to give you back your time — time and freedom to do what you want to with your day.
When you choose Amber Specialty Pharmacy, you can trust that you’re supported by an experienced team that makes your goals our goals.
Our Approach
For over 20 years, Amber Specialty Pharmacy has focused on providing personal and individualized care for the most vulnerable patient populations. Every interaction has been shaped by our desire to improve outcomes and quality of life.
Amber Specialty Pharmacy strives to positively impact and improve the specialty pharmacy experience for patients, caregivers and providers.
Company History
Established in 1998, Amber Specialty Pharmacy defined what it meant to be on the cutting edge of patient care. We embraced the challenge of coordinating care for some of the most underserved patient populations. Amber Specialty Pharmacy was quickly recognized as the partner of choice, offering complete and compassionate care.
Hy-Vee Inc., Subsidiary
In 2010, Hy-Vee, Inc., a recognized leader across the grocery, health and retail pharmacy industries, chose Amber Specialty Pharmacy to improve the specialty pharmacy experience for their employees that live with chronic conditions. Through that partnership, it was realized how effortlessly our cultures complemented each other. Since 2014, we have been a proud member of the Hy-Vee, Inc. family as a wholly owned subsidiary.
Redefining the Standard
With Hy-Vee’s backing, Amber Specialty Pharmacy has been able to grow our impact and identity among the industry giants. Our shared values empower our mission of improving the patient experience. With investments in technology, as well as expanding our footprint across the country, Amber Specialty Pharmacy is positioned to redefine the standard of care for the rare and orphan disease community.
Our Values
Knowledge
Amber Specialty Pharmacy employees are experts within the specialty pharmacy field. Our patients look to us to provide trusted answers and resources on how to manage and treat their conditions. To best serve our patients, we must continuously push ourselves to learn and innovate.
Loyalty
The patient always comes first. Our employees strive to build personal relationships with our patients so they know they have our trust and support. Through these relationships, we are better able to personalize the support and care needed to ensure our patients can live their healthiest and happiest lives possible.
Compassion
Many of our patients are facing great physical pains and challenges. Thus, we believe it is crucial that our employees show the utmost compassion and care in every interaction.
Meet the Leadership
Aaron Wiese, President
Aaron Wiese has been with Hy-Vee, Inc. for 15 years, the past six as President of Amber Specialty Pharmacy. A leader for both entities, Aaron dedicates his time to pursuing opportunities that secure Amber Specialty Pharmacy's position as a leader in patient care and innovation. Aaron is most passionate about Amber Specialty Pharmacy's patient-centered culture and the impact our employees make.Micaila Ruiz, PharmD., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Pharmacy Officer
Micaila Ruiz has been a vital member of the Hy-Vee, Inc. team for almost 10 years and has served as Amber Specialty Pharmacy's Chief Pharmacy Officer for the last five. She was elevated to Chief Operating Officer in 2019. Micaila leads the Amber Specialty Pharmacy team as they navigate the rapidly evolving environment of specialty pharmacy and she is proud of our impact on patient lives.
Julie Zatizabal, Senior Vice President, Trade Relations
Julie Zatizabal's 30-plus years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry has served her as she leads the Trade team at Amber Specialty Pharmacy. Over the past eight years, she has helped her team develop relationships and navigate a rapidly changing landscape of opportunities that secure Amber Specialty Pharmacy a strong position amongst industry giants. Julie also contributes her time and expertise as a National Association of Specialty Pharmacy Committee Co-Chair.Mike Terry, Senior Vice President, Sales and Business Development
Mike Terry comes to Amber Specialty Pharmacy in 2020 after spending three years at Hy-Vee, Inc. in Des Moines, Iowa. With over 30 years in retail and sales experience, Mike takes lead of a national sales team as they mobilize to expand the Amber Specialty Pharmacy footprint in new and emerging markets.
Peggy Tomes, Senior Vice President, Auditing and Quality Assurance
Peggy Tomes has been at Amber Specialty Pharmacy since its inception. For over 22 years, Peggy has had a hand in shaping some of the most vital elements of our business and patient care strategies. A living encyclopedia of Medicare and DME billing expertise, Peggy most enjoys bridging the gap between government legislation that affects specialty pharmacy policy and the decisions made at Amber Specialty Pharmacy. Peggy has presented to clinical experts across the country and lobbied on behalf of transplant patients at the nation's capital.Adam Winstead, Vice President, Information Technology
Adam Winstead has been driving technological innovations at Hy-Vee, Inc. and Amber Specialty Pharmacy for over 15 years. His knowledge of both retail and specialty pharmacy allows Adam to lead a team that implements large, complex systems as well as provide technology solutions to improve the patient experience. Adam values the collaboration across all departments to continue improving the overall patient experience.
John Ortner, Vice President, Controller
John Ortner has been with Hy-Vee, Inc. for 18 years, the last four at Amber Specialty Pharmacy. John is responsible for all financial functions of the company; he and his team work tirelessly to safeguard the company's overall financial security. John has great admiration for the company's commitment to taking care of patients.Joseph M. Acierno, Vice President, Compliance, Privacy and HIPAA Officer
Joseph Acierno has served as Amber Specialty Pharmacy's Vice President of Compliance for three years. As the former Chief Medical Officer for the State of Nebraska, Joseph brings over 25 years of Health Care Law expertise to his role. He oversees compliance, contracting and licensure for the company. Joseph provides in-house legal counsel to protect and strengthen Amber Specialty Pharmacy's position in the specialty pharmacy sector.
Business Development Team
Specialties
Choosing the right specialty pharmacy partner can transform an entire health journey.
Amber Specialty Pharmacy treats every patient with exceptional care designed around their individual needs.
