Regulatory Coogs

Texas Gov. Abbott Appoints UHCOP Alumni Lewis, Spier to State Board of Pharmacy

Two UH College of Pharmacy alumni – Donald "Donnie" Lewis, R.Ph. (B.S. '75), and Julie M. Spier, R.Ph. (B.S. '86) – have been appointed to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy Board of Directors by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. 

A resident of Athens, Texas, Lewis is a staff pharmacist for Malakoff Pharmacy and Tyler Hematology Oncology Pharmacy. He has practiced in hospital and community pharmacy for over 40 years, during which he owned two of his own pharmacies. Additionally, he operates a wedding and event venue and is a licensed real estate agent.

He is a former Athens City Council member and Mayor Pro-Tem, and currently is a member of The University of Texas Health East Texas Board of Managers in Athens. Previously, he volunteered for the Pendulum Project Culinary Program and has coordinated pharmacy services for medical mission trips to Africa, Peru and Ecuador. Lewis received a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. His term will expire Aug. 31, 2019. 

From Katy, Texas, Spier is director of pharmacy operations for the southern division of Albertsons, Randalls, and Tom Thumb, where she oversees 158 locations in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. Through the years, she has served in the capacity of pharmacist, pharmacy manager, regional pharmacy manager, and patient care services pharmacy manager.

Spier is a member of the Texas Federation of Drug Stores, where she has served as president, secretary/treasurer, and vice president. She is a member of the Texas Pharmacy Association, American Leadership Forum Med Class 5, and the University of Houston Dean’s Advisory Council, which she has twice chaired. Additionally, she is an active member of the Boy Scouts of America serving at the troop, district, and council levels in various capacities. Her appointment will expire Aug. 31, 2023.

Spier said she was encouraged to volunteer for the position by fellow pharmacists she holds in high regard.

"I truly believe we should all be servant leaders and after they planted the seed I felt called to move in this direction," she said. "I believe the board gives a unique service opportunity to serve the citizens of Texas, my peers and the greatest profession."