Carl Black is an accomplished pharmacy executive with over 20 years of experience in pharmacy management, regulatory compliance, and healthcare operations. Licensed in 23 states and one U.S. territory, Carl has dedicated his career to enhancing the efficiency, safety, and regulatory adherence of pharmacy practices across large-scale mail-order environments. As Pharmacist-in-Charge at Optum, he manages a complex operation with more than 600 licensed professionals, driving policies and procedures that ensure both regulatory excellence and patient satisfaction.
Carl’s journey into pharmacy leadership began with a PharmD from The University of Kansas, specializing in Pharmacy Administration and Pharmacy Policy and Regulatory Affairs. This educational foundation allowed him to seamlessly integrate his technical expertise with strong business acumen, honed through previous studies in Business Administration at Fort Hays State University and Butler County Community College. His unique blend of pharmaceutical and managerial knowledge empowers him to navigate the industry’s regulatory landscape with precision and foresight.
Throughout his career, Carl has shown a remarkable ability to streamline pharmacy operations, integrating advanced automation systems and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. In his current role, he has consistently maintained a 100% success rate in resolving compliance inquiries and inspections, underscoring his dedication to regulatory compliance. His efforts not only secure regulatory integrity but also optimize workflow efficiencies, minimize operational costs, and uphold patient care standards in a high-volume mail-order pharmacy environment.
As a proactive leader, Carl serves on Optum’s Pharmacy Practice Team, contributing to company-wide policy development and procedural enhancement. His input has been pivotal in interpreting and operationalizing State and Federal mandates, ensuring that his team is always inspection-ready and compliance-focused. This role requires Carl to work closely with legal, compliance, and regulatory stakeholders, which he manages with a commitment to thoroughness and a keen eye for detail.
Carl’s leadership extends beyond operational oversight; he is passionate about fostering a positive workplace culture. With a strong emphasis on employee engagement, he has been instrumental in reducing turnover and promoting job satisfaction among his team. His dedication to creating an empowering environment contributes to a motivated workforce that values patient care and regulatory excellence.
In addition to his regulatory and compliance expertise, Carl has a proven track record in quality assurance and improvement. He routinely reviews medication errors, conducts incident investigations, and develops remediation plans that improve both patient safety and customer satisfaction. These initiatives reflect his unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and his drive to make a meaningful impact on healthcare outcomes.
Before joining Optum, Carl gained valuable experience as a Pharmacy Supervisor and Staff Pharmacist, overseeing inventory management, workflow optimization, and customer service. His foundational years also included supervisory roles in training pharmacy teams on advanced robotic equipment with ScriptPro, where he was endorsed by numerous colleagues for his skills in strategic planning, team building, and customer service.
Carl’s commitment to regulatory compliance is complemented by his skills in project management, strategic planning, and business development. His technical expertise, combined with his leadership qualities, positions him as a highly capable and adaptable executive, adept at driving pharmacy operations that balance regulatory demands with business objectives.
A former U.S. Army infantry sergeant, Carl’s background instills a sense of discipline, resilience, and leadership in everything he undertakes. His military experience further enhances his ability to lead with strength and adaptability in high-stakes, fast-paced environments, traits that he carries into his professional life as a pharmacy leader.
Character:
Carl Black embodies integrity, discipline, and resilience, with a steadfast commitment to quality and ethical standards in healthcare. His background, including military service, reinforces his dedication to leadership and precision in all professional endeavors.
Knowledge:
Carl has extensive expertise in pharmacy operations, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance, positioning him as a skilled leader in managing complex healthcare environments. His deep understanding of State and Federal mandates allows him to navigate and optimize high-volume pharmacy operations seamlessly.
Strategic:
Carl is a strategic thinker who balances regulatory adherence with operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, driving both business and healthcare outcomes. His proactive approach to planning and process improvement ensures his organization remains inspection-ready and continuously evolves.
Communication:
Known for his collaborative leadership, Carl excels in fostering clear communication across interdisciplinary teams, including regulatory, legal, and pharmacy staff. His ability to engage and motivate his team contributes to a positive work culture focused on compliance and patient care excellence.
