Jonathan Roberts, Executive Vice President and COO for CVS Caremark Pharmacy Services, has been touched by ALS in a number of ways. First, a friend and colleague at CVS, John Finneran, was diagnosed with the disease. Soon after, Roberts’ wife, Resi, was diagnosed with ALS. Her disease progressed rapidly and she passed away in 2003. Since then, other CVS colleagues and a family friend have also been diagnosed.

“I have lots of connections to ALS. Before John Finneran was diagnosed, I knew what ALS was, but didn’t know anyone living with the disease. Now, I wonder if I’m just more aware of it, or if its prevalence is increasing,” said Roberts.

As the father of three children – two boys and a girl – he notes that ALS doesn’t just afflict the patient. It impacts the entire family. Therefore, Roberts, an active member of the ALS Therapy Alliance’s (ATA) board of directors, is working to find a cure.

As Co-Chair of CVS/pharmacy’s annual ALS in-store fundraising initiative, Roberts is proud that the campaign has raised nearly $24 million over the last nine years. The 2011 campaign will run from June 5-25.

“The success of our campaign is a testament to our store employees who support it, and our customers who have generously donated to the cause every year,” Roberts explained. “For every customer and CVS colleague that makes a donation, we’re one dollar closer to curing this devastating disease.”

As part of his role on the ATA board, Roberts reviews research grant proposals, which he calls “a very interesting process.” In addition, he serves on the ALS Association’s board of directors and is a trustee. He is also involved with their Rhode Island chapter, regularly supporting their annual "Evening of Hope" dinner.

Roberts first learned about the great work Dr. Robert Brown was doing when his wife got sick. The Roberts family was living in Atlanta, and local physicians were having difficulty diagnosing Resi. Roberts found Dr. Brown, a leading ALS clinician, and brought Resi to his practice.

In 2002, CVS/pharmacy and the ALS Therapy Alliance collaborated on a small pilot program in New England, raising funds and awareness for ALS. From there, the campaign evolved into an annual, national effort, which continues today, nearly a decade later.

Roberts is a seasoned pharmacy executive with more than 30 years of experience in the field, 21 of those with CVS Caremark. Roberts oversees CVS Caremark’s operations, as well as pharmaceutical purchasing and marketing.

He earned his degree in pharmacy from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, and is a graduate of the Wharton Executive Management Program.

For more information about Mr. Roberts, visit or Directors & Staff page.