Birmingham, AL, January 8, 2026
Dr. Darrelle Knight, Chief Pharmacist at NaphCare, has been appointed to the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy, marking a significant achievement for Birmingham’s professional community. Her extensive experience in correctional pharmacy will enhance state-level oversight of pharmacy practices, ensuring regulations remain effective and adaptive. With her term starting in 2026, Dr. Knight’s role is expected to bridge local business expertise and State governance, promoting both consumer safety and growth for Alabama’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham Leader Dr. Darrelle Knight Joins Alabama Pharmacy Board
A distinguished Birmingham professional brings her extensive experience to a crucial State-level regulatory body, highlighting the depth of talent fostered within our local business community.
Birmingham, a city recognized for its thriving entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to progress, continues to cultivate and attract top-tier professionals who contribute significantly to both local success and State-level governance. This environment, where innovation flourishes and individuals are empowered to achieve, strengthens our economic fabric. The recent appointment of Dr. Darrelle Knight, Chief Pharmacist at NaphCare, to the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy exemplifies this dynamic, showcasing how local expertise can directly benefit the broader State through informed and effective leadership.
Dr. Knight’s new role on a key State-level regulatory body is a testament to her personal achievement and NaphCare’s commitment to excellence as a Birmingham AL business. Her contributions are expected to enhance the State’s oversight of pharmacy practices, ensuring that regulations remain robust yet adaptive to the evolving healthcare landscape. Such appointments underscore the value of professionals from the private sector lending their practical insights to public service, promoting a balanced approach that supports both consumer safety and a healthy business environment for Alabama AL entrepreneurs.
A New Voice for State-Level Pharmacy Regulation
Dr. Darrelle Knight has been appointed to the Institutional Non-hospital seat on the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy, with her term becoming effective on January 1, 2026. This board is a nine-member governing body responsible for providing leadership and oversight for pharmacy practice across Alabama. Its vital responsibilities include the licensure of pharmacy professionals and facilities, the establishment of professional standards, and ensuring the safe and appropriate compounding, distribution, and dispensing of medications within Alabama. The board’s mandated function also encompasses the regulation and licensure of pharmacy practitioners in Alabama and the enforcement of pharmaceutical laws throughout the State. The infusion of experienced private-sector professionals into such regulatory bodies can enhance the efficiency and practical understanding of State-level governance, benefiting all stakeholders.
Dr. Knight’s Journey: Leadership at NaphCare
Based in Birmingham, Dr. Knight serves as the Chief Pharmacist at NaphCare, where she has built an impactful career in correctional pharmacy since joining the company in 2008. Her work at NaphCare has focused on blending operational leadership with clinical innovation, leading initiatives to improve medication-use processes, scale pharmacy operations, and implement systems that integrate technology, quality, and compassionate care. NaphCare is a significant Birmingham small business that partners with local, state, and federal government agencies Nationwide, providing innovative healthcare, technology, and administrative solutions for the correctional system. The company, established in 1989, emphasizes proactive and preventative care, aiming for early identification and intervention of medical and mental health conditions. A cornerstone of NaphCare’s service is its proprietary electronic health record (EHR) system, TechCare®, designed specifically for the correctional environment. Dr. Knight’s leadership and NaphCare’s innovative approach exemplify entrepreneurial innovation and resilience within Birmingham’s business landscape.
The Alabama State Board of Pharmacy: Safeguarding Public Health and Professional Standards
The Alabama State Board of Pharmacy’s core mission is to protect the citizens of Alabama by enforcing the Alabama Pharmacy Practice Act and federal requirements. Established by legislative action in 1887, the board was intended to reflect the demographics of the pharmacy profession and regulate pharmacy practice in the State. Annually, the board’s licensing staff reviews and processes approximately 30,000 licenses, permits, and registrations. Its investigative staff performs over 1,250 inspections and more than 300 investigations per year. These comprehensive activities ensure compliance with pharmacy and drug law, contributing to a stable and trustworthy business environment for pharmacists throughout the State. The board’s role is critical in maintaining public health, safety, and welfare by overseeing the management and operation of pharmacies in Alabama.
Impact on Birmingham AL Business and Beyond
Dr. Knight’s appointment is a notable achievement that reflects positively on Birmingham’s professional community and its contribution to State-level governance. Her expertise, honed at a thriving local enterprise, will undoubtedly enrich the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy’s decision-making processes. This connection between local business acumen and State-level regulatory bodies is crucial for fostering a responsive and effective economic environment. The recognition of Birmingham-based talent in such significant State-level capacities further highlights the city’s role as a hub for professional excellence and innovation, contributing to overall Birmingham economic growth. Dr. Knight’s leadership has been recognized beyond her role at NaphCare; she was named one of the Birmingham Business Journal’s “Women to Watch” in 2024 and was featured in Equal Opportunity magazine in 2025 for her impact in correctional pharmacy.
Dr. Darrelle Knight’s appointment to the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy represents a significant milestone for both her distinguished career and the city of Birmingham. Her extensive experience from NaphCare, a pioneering Birmingham AL business, will be invaluable in shaping State-level pharmacy regulation and upholding professional standards. This event underscores the importance of skilled professionals from local industries contributing to governance, ensuring that regulations are both protective and supportive of innovation. We encourage all residents to recognize the vital role local leaders play in our broader State systems and to support the businesses and institutions that cultivate such exceptional talent, driving continued Birmingham economic growth and community prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Dr. Darrelle Knight’s new role?
- Dr. Darrelle Knight has been appointed to the Institutional Non-hospital seat on the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy.
- When does Dr. Knight’s appointment become effective?
- Dr. Knight’s appointment to the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy is effective January 1, 2026.
- What is NaphCare’s primary focus?
- NaphCare partners with local, state, and federal government agencies Nationwide to provide innovative healthcare, technology, and administrative solutions for the correctional system.
- What are the responsibilities of the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy?
- The Alabama State Board of Pharmacy’s responsibilities include the licensure of pharmacy professionals and facilities, the establishment of professional standards, and ensuring the safe and appropriate compounding, distribution, and dispensing of medications in Alabama.
- How many members are on the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy?
- The Alabama State Board of Pharmacy is a nine-member governing body.
Key Features of the Appointment
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Appointee | Dr. Darrelle Knight, Chief Pharmacist at NaphCare | Birmingham, AL |
| Appointing Body | Alabama State Board of Pharmacy | State-level |
| Seat | Institutional Non-hospital seat | State-level |
| Effective Date | January 1, 2026 | State-level |
| NaphCare’s Operations | Provides comprehensive healthcare services for correctional facilities | Nationwide |
| Board Responsibilities | Licensure of pharmacy professionals, establishment of standards, ensuring safe medication practices, enforcement of pharmaceutical laws | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
