Governor Abbott Appoints Four To Texas State Board Of Pharmacy

January 4, 2024 | Austin, Texas | Appointment

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Garrett Marquis and Randy Martin, Pharm.D. and reappointed Rick Fernandez and Julie Spier to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for terms set to expire on August 31, 2029. The Board fosters the provision of quality pharmaceutical care to the citizens of Texas and regulates the practice of pharmacy in accordance with the highest standards of ethics, accountability, efficiency, effectiveness, and openness.

Garrett Marquis of Dallas is the chief communications officer for the Bank of New York Mellon. Previously, he served as a commissioned officer on the U.S. National Security Council. Marquis received a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. 

Randy Martin, Pharm.D. of Fort Worth is a clinical pharmacist and clinical services manager at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. He is a Texas delegate for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the immediate past president of the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Additionally, he is a former committee chair for the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and former member of the American Society for Pharmacy Law. Martin received a pre-pharmacy degree from Tarrant County College, Master of Healthcare Administration from Louisiana State University at Shreveport, and Doctor of Pharmacy from Texas Tech University.

Rick Fernandez of Argyle is a regional healthcare director at Walgreens, overseeing over 770 community and specialty-based pharmacy locations across Texas and New Mexico. He has also served in various other roles at Walgreens for over 30 years. He is a former president of the El Paso Pharmacy Association and former member of the admissions committee and advisory board for the newly opened The University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) College of Pharmacy. He participated in patient safety and technician task forces for the National Association of Board of Pharmacy. Additionally, he represented the Texas Board of Pharmacy on the pharmacy school accreditation committees with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education at UTEP and the University of North Texas. Additionally, he is a member of the American Pharmacist Association and Texas Pharmacy Association. Fernandez received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of New Mexico and Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, where he is currently a doctoral candidate in health administration.

Julie Spier of Katy is the director of pharmacy operations for the southern division of Albertsons, Randalls, and Tom Thumb, where she oversees over 140 locations in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. She has served in the capacity of pharmacist, pharmacy manager, regional pharmacy manager, and patient care services pharmacy manager. She is a member of the Texas Federation of Drug Stores, where she has served as president, secretary, treasurer, and vice president. She is a member of the Texas Pharmacy Association, American Leadership Forum Med Class 5, and the University of Houston Dean’s Advisory Council, which she has twice chaired. Additionally, she is an active member of Katy First United Methodist Church and the Boy Scouts of America serving at the troop, district, and council levels. Spier received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Sam Houston State University and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Houston.