Department: Executive Team

Katy fosters strong relationships with brokers, agents, and advisors, aligning National CooperativeRx’s unique solutions with their clients’ needs. She acts as a trusted pharmacy benefit resource, assisting partners in identifying cost-saving opportunities and showcasing the distinct advantages of National CooperativeRx’s member-focused approach. Leveraging her expertise, Katy equips partners with the tools, insights, and strategies necessary to achieve optimal pharmacy benefit outcomes.

Katy attended Purdue University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science.

As the CEO of National CooperativeRx, Josh’s main focus is to represent the organization’s members. National CooperativeRx represents over 270 members made up of employers, unions, and coalitions — which collectively are responsible for the health and well-being of over 400,000 participants. With this in mind, Josh strives to continue the Cooperative’s trend of keeping costs low and value high.

Josh came to National CooperativeRx after working with the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) for a decade. As the Director of Programs and Services, he supported member services while developing revenue sources. In this role, Josh served as the COO of WCA Group Health Trust, a self-funded employee health benefits trust that grew from 8,000 to 50,000 participants during his tenure.

Josh received his undergraduate degree in public administration and finance from The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master’s degree in public affairs from The University of Wisconsin-Madison.

As an account manager, Ricky collaborates with strategic account executives to build and maintain strong relationships with members and partners. Within his assigned book of business, he oversees plan designs, identifies optimization opportunities, prepares detailed reports, and addresses inquiries to ensure client satisfaction.

Ricky holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, with a minor in political science, from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Deb Thomsen has been with National CooperativeRx since its creation. She uses her vast knowledge of the pharmacy benefit industry to negotiate the best contract available, with a strong focus on service and value. In her role, Deb directs the rest of the staff in the Cooperative’s overall objectives. She came to National CooperativeRx with 15 years of experience in the health care industry — including hospital and clinic operations, managed care contracting, and network development.

Deb holds two master’s degrees from The University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Deb Steele has 20 years of experience in state government finances and management of a large health care association. Deb joined National CooperativeRx after 10 years with the legislature, where she developed fiscal analyses of the state budget. In addition, she directed operations and management of a Wisconsin health plan association, serving 21 of the state’s largest HMOs. In her role at National CooperativeRx, Deb oversees the Cooperative’s finances, the Customer Relationship Management software, and daily operations.

Deb holds a bachelor’s degree in small business administration and management from The University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Wayne is responsible for researching and analyzing the pharmacy benefit marketplace to help strategically position the Cooperative for sustained success. As an expert clinical resource, he provides support and education on emerging trends to Cooperative members, partners, and staff. Wayne is a licensed pharmacist with almost 30 years of pharmacy experience including PBM, managed care and retail pharmacy markets.

Wayne holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from The University of Minnesota.

As the Director of Clinical Services, Erica leads the Cooperative’s clinical team in managing in-house initiatives and spearheads the development of innovative programs, such as our specialty medication prior authorization program. She serves as a clinical resource for members, partners, and staff, offering expert guidance on strategic plan design, formulary management, and member-focused solutions. Erica has over 15 years of experience as a licensed pharmacist.

Erica holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The University of Wisconsin-Madison.

As our implementation and clinical support manager, Jesse supports our new member implementations and assists our clinical services team with clinical initiatives. Jesse frequently meets with brokers and members to review their current benefit plan design and offers Cooperative program recommendations when necessary. Exuding a high level of detail, organization and communication, Jesse is a wonderful addition to our team.