Brian Lawson

Dr. Brian Lawson is the Associate Executive Director for the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) in Washington, DC. BPS is an autonomous division of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and recognizes pharmacy specialties and certifies pharmacists’ knowledge and skills at the advanced practice level. He leads the Professional Affairs, Communications, and Engagement (PACE) team that is responsible for monitoring the professional landscape in the U.S. and around the globe and developing collaborative relationships within the healthcare community.

Lawson earned a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from West Virginia University (WVU) and was subsequently named the first Knowlton Center Executive Resident in Association Management and Leadership at the APhA Foundation. He was named the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy inaugural Global Executive in Residence.

Lawson is a former president of the WVU School of Pharmacy Alumni Association. He received the Margaret Buchanan Cole Young Alumni Award from the WVU Alumni Association for outstanding service and mentorship in 2018, the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.) Next Gen Professional Award in 2021, the inaugural WVU School of Pharmacy Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Alumni Award in 2023, and the Huntington (WV) Black History Hall of Fame in 2024 among other awards and recognition. He remains active with WVU through his appointment as an adjunct assistant professor and service on the School’s Leadership Council as well as the DEI Committee. He is an Administrative Commissioner for the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and serves as the Treasurer for the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA).