Richard Schmitz

Chief Engagement Officer

Richard Schmitz is Chief Engagement Officer for the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA). Schmitz provides visionary leadership for engaging PQA members and quality-focused health care organizations in PQA’s work to improve medication safety, adherence and appropriate use. Through meetings, events, communications, marketing, public affairs and compelling content, he leads an integrated approach to creating and overseeing programs that increase engagement and strengthen relationships and partnerships among PQA members and medication use quality stakeholders.

Schmitz has nearly 20 years of experience translating complex issues into compelling messages, engaging stakeholders and creating effective strategies for change. Prior to joining PQA, Schmitz led the health care public affairs group for the Washington, D.C., office of the international PR firm Golin, where he advised clients on strategic corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, public affairs and government relations. Before that, he was director of communications for the Society for Women’s Health Research and director of public relations at NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals.

An award-winning communicator, Schmitz has won the North America SABRE Award for Medical Technology and multiple FREDDIE Awards for Women’s Health. He is the author of numerous publications including “The Brain and Degenerative Diseases,” a chapter in “The Savvy Woman Patient: How and Why Your Sex Matters to Your Health.”