Melanie Welcher, CPhT

Melanie Welcher is a healthcare supply chain and pharmacy procurement leader with more than 23 years of experience in pharmacy operations, sourcing, and strategic procurement. She began her healthcare career as a veterinary technician before transitioning into human healthcare, earning her Certified Pharmacy Technician credential and starting as a pharmacy technician in 2003. Through dedication and continuous professional growth, she advanced into hospital purchasing, pharmacy procurement, and leadership roles, ultimately becoming Director, Pharmacy Procurement & Logistics at Sutter Health. Throughout her career, Melanie has specialized in pharmacy supply chain management, strategic sourcing, drug shortage mitigation, inventory optimization, and 340B program development. She helped establish Sutter Health's 340B program in 2015 before transitioning into sourcing and procurement leadership, where she oversees contracting, pharmaceutical resiliency, inventory management, risk mitigation, and cost optimization across the pharmacy service line. Among her proudest professional accomplishments is her leadership with the End Drug Shortage Alliance (EDSA), where she contributes to national efforts to reduce life-saving medication shortages and improve pharmaceutical resiliency across the healthcare system. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Melanie is deeply committed to serving her community. She serves as Director of the California Cowgirls nonprofit equestrian drill team, supports veterans and young adults through equine programs, volunteers in wildlife rehabilitation, participates in 4-H and FFA activities, and provides animal-assisted therapy through Lily, one of California's few certified miniature therapy horses permitted in healthcare facilities. Known for her coaching leadership style, Melanie is passionate about developing others, solving complex challenges, and creating meaningful solutions that improve both patient care and healthcare operations.