- Alicia Matthews-Kent and Veneta Anand O'Garro recognized by Drug Store News -

TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- Neighbourly Pharmacy Inc. ("Neighbourly"), Canada's largest and fastest-growing network of independent pharmacies, is pleased to announce that two of its senior leaders have been named 2026 Top Women in Health, Wellness & Beauty by Drug Store News ("DSN") in recognition of their leadership and their impact on the communities Neighbourly serves.

Alicia Matthews-Kent, Neighbourly's Chief Operating Officer, was recognized in the Business Excellence category, which celebrates leaders who drive organizational growth, champion innovation, develop high-performing teams and deliver lasting business impact. Alicia's strategic focus, commitment to operational excellence and people-first leadership have played a key role in Neighbourly's growth and strengthening its ability to serve communities across Canada.

Veneta Anand O'Garro, Neighbourly's Senior Director, Rx Pricing and Payor Relations, was recognized in the Commitment to Care category, which honours individuals who make a meaningful difference through service, compassion and community impact. Through her leadership of STIMMA, a not-for-profit organization that improves access to healthcare through sustainable community partnerships worldwide, Veneta reflects the values of care, collaboration and service at the centre of Neighbourly's mission.

The DSN Top Women in Health, Wellness & Beauty Awards recognize women across North America who are shaping the future of the industry through leadership, innovation, community impact and dedication to serving others. The 2026 honourees were celebrated at an awards ceremony in Chicago on November 3, 2026, and are featured in the November issue of Drug Store News.

"Alicia and Veneta have each made a meaningful impact in different ways, but both share a commitment to improving the experience of patients, pharmacy teams and the communities we serve," said Skip Bourdo, Chief Executive Officer of Neighbourly Pharmacy. "Alicia has helped guide Neighbourly through a period of significant growth while building strong teams and raising the bar on operational excellence. Veneta has paired exceptional leadership inside our organization with a dedication to improving access to care in communities around the world. When two people from one company are recognized in the same year, that tells you something about the kind of team we are building at Neighbourly."

Recognition of this kind reflects the growing role community pharmacy plays in health and wellness, and the role of the people within it who continue to elevate the profession. Neighbourly is proud to make an impact in the lives of patients in the 342 communities it serves across Canada every day.

Neighbourly congratulates Alicia and Veneta on this recognition and thanks them for their continued leadership within Neighbourly, their communities, and the Canadian healthcare industry.

About Neighbourly Pharmacy Inc.

Neighbourly is Canada's largest and fastest-growing network of community pharmacies. United by a patient-first focus and their role as essential, trusted healthcare hubs within their communities, Neighbourly pharmacies deliver accessible care with a personal touch. Since 2015, Neighbourly's proven acquisition and integration model has grown the national footprint to 342 locations, making Neighbourly the partner of choice for independent pharmacy owners seeking succession solutions.

For more information, please visit www.neighbourlypharmacy.ca 

For pharmacy owners considering the sale of their pharmacy, please visit www.neighbourlypharmacy.ca/selling-your-pharmacy 

About Drug Store News

Drug Store News is the leading publication covering the retail pharmacy industry, providing comprehensive news, analysis, and insights for pharmacy executives, pharmacists, and retail buyers. For more than seven decades, DSN has been the trusted voice of the industry, tracking market trends, regulatory shifts, and technology innovations across chain drugstores, mass merchandisers, and supermarket pharmacies. For more information, visit www.drugstorenews.com   

SOURCE Neighbourly Pharmacy Inc.