Employee Spotlight: Katie Veal
Pharmacy Technician | Mac’s Pharmacy – City Drug

Meet Katie Veal, one of the newest Pharmacy Technicians at City Drug in Maryville. Katie brings a fresh, fun energy to the team—along with a whole lot of heart and hustle. Whether she’s answering phones, helping patients, or staying on top of prescriptions, Katie does it all with a smile… and usually a good story or two to go with it.

How did you get started in pharmacy?
I actually started out working at CVS and didn’t really know what I wanted to do long-term. Then one day, I was scrolling through Facebook and saw that City Drug was hiring. I applied, came in for an interview, and got the job—and I’ve been here ever since! I started in February, and it already feels like home.

Hometown + Family Life
I’m a Maryville girl, born and raised. I’ve got three older sisters—Mandy (45), Leah (41), and Blair (31)—so yes, I’m the baby of the family. My mom, Tami, works as a correctional officer for Blount County, and my dad used to be an officer too, but now works in pest control. We’re a close family, and they’ve always had my back 100%.Being homeschooled through Penn Foster, let me learn in a way that fit me-and it helped me to stay open to different paths. Pharmacy wasn’t something I planned—it kind of found me—but I am so glad it did.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
No two days are the same—that’s what I love most. One day it’s all refills and phone calls, and the next… someone walks in with a fox! Yes—a patient who breeds them brought one in to help it get used to people before placing it in a new home. Just one of the many wild surprises at City Drug! What I really love, though, is working in a place where you feel like part of the community. You’re not just filling scripts—you’re helping real people every day. That’s what keeps it exciting.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
When I’m not at work, I’m usually spending time with my family. My dad and I do fishing tournaments together—it’s something we’ve always loved doing. I’m also a total concert junkie. I recently went to the Rock the Country concert with Kid Rock, and it was amazing. I’m really into anything outdoors—I go bird and pheasant hunting with my brother-in-law, and I’ve recently gotten into photography. I just got my first real camera, and I’m just starting to learn how to use it. It’s totally different from pharmacy, but it gives me a chance to be creative.I also attend Rio Church and Calvary, and I have a 9-year-old Jack Russell Terrier named Sadie.

If you could recommend one product from our pharmacy, what would it be and why?
Essential oils—they’re pure, plant-based extracts that can boost your mood, help you relax, and even improve focus. For anyone who is juggling school, work, or just life, using essential oils is an easy way to reduce stress, sleep better, or feel more energized. Lavender can chill you out after a long day, peppermint can help with headaches or mental fog, and citrus oils like orange or lemon give you a quick mood boost when you’re feeling blah. No chemicals, no drama—just good vibes in a bottle.

At just 19, Katie is already making her mark at Mac’s Pharmacy—not just because of her strong work ethic and sharp skills, but because of her upbeat attitude, sense of humor, and genuine care for the people around her.

We’re so proud to have you on the team, Katie, and we can’t wait to see all that’s ahead for you!

Employee Spotlight: Kathy Nolan, Certified Pharmacy Technician at Mac’s West Knoxville

Name: Kathy Nolan
Kathy grew up in Nashville and graduated from Western Kentucky University. She moved to Knoxville in 1992 to be closer to her parents and her sister, who’s a teacher at Tate’s School.

Your Role: Certified Pharmacy Technician

How long have you worked for Mac’s Pharmacy?
I’ve been with Mac’s for three years—since the very beginning! I was one of the first to join the team when the store opened.

What inspired you to work in the pharmacy field?
After spending several years at home raising my kids, I was ready to return to full-time work. I decided to become a pharmacy technician and started my career at Walgreens—and I’ve loved it ever since.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Medication is expensive, and dealing with insurance can be frustrating. What I really appreciate about working at a hometown pharmacy is that we have the time to go the extra mile for our patients. Whether it’s helping them find coupons, calling doctors for alternatives, or finding ways to save them money—we’re here to help however we can.

Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while working at our pharmacy?
There have been so many special moments, but one that sticks out is when a longtime customer mentioned he knew my father and grandfather from Columbia, Tennessee. It was such a surprising and meaningful connection—it reminded me how small the world really is.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in pharmacy?
It’s a wonderful career path! You don’t just get to know your patients—you get to know their families, too. The relationships you build are what make it so rewarding.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I’ve been married to my husband, Dewayne, for 28 years. We have two children—Sam, 23, and Allie, 21. I love cooking, reading, and listening to audiobooks. Some recent favorites include The Help, The Great Santini, and Trail to Hometown. This year, my daughter and I are taking a trip to New York City to see Sunset Boulevard with the original cast and Little Shop of Horrors. Another big part of my life is music. I love going to concerts—it’s one of my favorite hobbies! You’ll often catch me wearing my favorite concert tees to work, and I always get a kick out of the conversations they spark with coworkers and customers. Oh—and life at home is never dull with our three dachshunds: Max, Peyton, and Milo.

If you could recommend one product from our pharmacy, what would it be and why?
It’s a tie between two! First is Gaviscon—I used to take Tums, but Mac introduced me to Gaviscon and it completely changed the game. The second is the NasoNeb. Living in Knoxville means battling serious allergies. Using a prescription for budesonide with the NasoNeb helps the medication reach deep into the sinuses—and it actually works. Total game changer.

Meet Jerry Sullivan — a hometown staple and a key member of the Mac’s Pharmacy family for the past eight years.

Jerry was born and raised in Townsend, Tennessee, where his parents, Jean and Jerry Sullivan, owned the local Exxon station (The Townsend Shopping Center) for over 50 years. He attended Townsend Elementary, Walland Middle School, and graduated from Heritage High. As the oldest of four boys, Jerry’s family roots run deep in East Tennessee. One of his brothers now lives in Wisconsin, another in Clinton, and the youngest works with Foothills Excavating in Alcoa.

How long have you worked for Mac’s Pharmacy?
I’ve been a Pharmacy Tech for 11 years in total and have spent the last eight with Mac’s Pharmacy. I was actually one of the original team members at City Drug before Mike Wilhoit purchased it.

What inspired you to work in pharmacy?
My cousin called one day to talk to my brother about a job opening at City Drug. I happened to answer the phone, and since my brother wasn’t interested — I took a chance. I was ready for a change, and the rest is history.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
My role has evolved a lot over the years. I started as a pharmacy tech and eventually took over our medication sync program. I’ve also worked with all of our retail locations to help mitigate DIR fees. When we opened our Townsend location, I was brought in to lead with my experience and help streamline medication packaging — making it easier and more convenient for our customers.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in pharmacy?
There are no one-time problems in pharmacy. If you solve it once — remember how you did it! That applies to everything from insurance claims to feeding paper into the robot.

What do you do in your free time?
I’ve been married to my amazing wife Melissa for 15 years. She’s a radiation therapist at Thompson Proton. We have two daughters: Stormie (26), who lives in Johnson City and trains safety dogs, and Claudia (21), a vet tech at Embassy. Music is a big part of my life. I’ve been in bands for over 20 years. Currently, I play keyboard and sing in a band called High School Reunion. We rehearse weekly and play all over — last Friday we were at Bluetick Tavern and last Saturday we played at The Burgers in Lenoir City. We cover ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s music — everything from The Weeknd and Janis Joplin to Elton John. My favorite song to perform is Don’t Stop Believin’ — it gets the crowd going every time.I also play piano at Green Meadows United Methodist Church and DJ weddings on the side.

What’s one product you’d recommend from Mac’s Pharmacy?
I’d have to go with the nicotine patches. It took me about a year, but with patience and persistence, I finally kicked the habit. They made a big difference.

Employee Spotlight: Ashley Hancock, Cpht

Role: Certified Pharmacy Technician

How long have you worked with Mac’s Hometown Pharmacies? I’ve been with Mac’s for 14 years! I was hired in 2011 after completing my rotation hours here as part of the pharmacy technician program—and I loved it from day one.

What inspired you to work in the pharmacy field, and what do you enjoy most about your role? I’ve always been passionate about helping others, especially in the Knoxville neighborhood where I grew up. What I enjoy most about my role at Mac’s is the opportunity to build personal relationships with our patients. It truly feels like I am  making a difference in our community.

Can you share a memorable experience from your time working here? One moment I’ll never forget was when a patient accidentally drove through the pharmacy. A Ford Explorer came barreling through the building, all the way to the pharmacy counter! It was scary, but thankfully no one was seriously hurt. Definitely a moment that brought the team even closer together.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in pharmacy? Like any role in the medical field, your heart has to be in it. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Over the years, I’ve had several high school students shadow me, and I always tell them: if you love helping people, this is a great path.

How do you spend your time outside of work? Outside of work, I’m all about making memories with my three wild and wonderful kids—Elijah (15), Autumn (10), and Colt (7)—and my husband, Andrew. We’re always up to something fun as a family! Andrew and I will celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary this July. 

If you could recommend one product from our pharmacy, what would it be? Definitely our jams and jellies! Not only are they delicious, and if Ms. Brenda is around, you’ll also get a mouthwatering recipe to go with your purchase. She’s full of tasty ideas! 

Raspberry Jam Crescent Rolls

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. Line your crescent rolls on your baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roll them out individually. Fill each crescent roll with 1-2 tablespoons of preserves. Roll them up slowly.  Cook at 350 for 15 minutes until golden brown.Sprinkle with powdered sugar once they have cooled. Enjoy nice and warm!

Employee Spotlight: Morgan Campbell, Cpht

Role: Pharmacy Technician

How long have you worked for Mac’s Hometown Pharmacy?I graduated from Clinton High School and immediately enrolled in the Pharmacy Tech program at Roane State. I joined the team at Mac’s Oak Ridge as soon as I completed my training, and have been here for 10 months.

What inspired you to work in the pharmacy field, and what do you enjoy most about your role?I really enjoy patient interaction. Occasionally, I make deliveries to patients’ homes, and it’s so heartwarming to see just how much our free home delivery service helps them. The joy on their faces when they have a visitor is incredibly rewarding.

Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while working at our pharmacy?  One of my favorite aspects of my job is participating in community events at Mac’s Pharmacy. Seeing Santa Mickey, Dracula Mickey, and all the kids and families dressed up is just adorable. I get to see such a strong sense of community during these events.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone considering a career in pharmacy? Don’t give up! I started pharmacy tech school right after high school, and one of the toughest challenges was learning to pronounce all the medication names. Spelling has never been my strong suit, so mastering both spelling and pronunciation was difficult. However, working in a pharmacy every day has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience, making a world of difference in my confidence and skills.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work? What are your hobbies or interests?Outside of work, I’m gearing up for an exciting milestone—I’m set to marry my high school sweetheart, Peyton Kendrick, this May. We met during my sophomore year at Clinton High School. I also enjoy spending time with my family and my adorable dachshund, Bartholomew, who will be celebrating his 1st birthday on April 13th!

If you could recommend one product from our pharmacy that you believe everyone should try, what would it be and why?I highly recommend everyone take a good Vitamin D supplement (2000 units). Many people are deficient in vitamin D, and adding this small dose can alleviate a variety of symptoms. It can boost mood, support immune function, and contribute to better bone and muscle health. Vitamin D really can make a significant difference in overall health!

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: SONYA LONG

Title: Certified Pharmacy Technician, Cpht

How long have you worked with Mac’s Hometown Pharmacies?
I actually started at Lowe’s Drugs and Home-Healthcare back in 2008 and later started my journey with Mac’s Pharmacy in 2010. I then had the opportunity to transfer back to my original store at Lowe’s back in 2017. With the merger with Lowe’s Drugs in 2024, I am excited to continue doing what I love at City Drug!

What inspired you to work in the pharmacy field, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
Similar to other careers in the health field, pharmacy technicians help other people. As a Pharmacy Technician, I am able to assist with maintaining patient safety, help people manage their healthcare needs and make a difference in people’s lives daily. Being a pharmacy technician allows me to take my own passions and make a direct impact on a patients health, which is incredibly fulfilling.

Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while working at our pharmacy?
One of the best things about my job outside of helping patients is my co-workers. When we first found out about my son’s disorder, Rett Syndrome, Mac’s Pharmacy supported our family in many ways such as organizing fundraisers by selling tshirts, bracelets and merchandise to help with medical costs and travel for our family. They willingly dedicated their personal time, energy and love to show support for us. I am beyond blessed to get to work for such an incredible company and an amazing group of people that are not only my co-workers but family!

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone considering a career in pharmacy?
Pharmacy technicians can find careers in various settings such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, compounding pharmacies, home healthcare and even pharmaceutical companies. Although all these pharmacy settings play important roles, do your research and shadow the different areas and find the best placement for you as you consider making a pharmacy technician a career.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work? What are your hobbies or interests?
I have a 13 year old special needs son, Cortland, that keeps me on my toes. I spend most of my time outside of work making memories with him by watching movies, baking cookies and going on adventures such as cades cove, going on mom-son dates and enjoying theme parks!
One of my biggest priorities in life is self-care. I enjoy running every day, spending 30 minutes each day studying the Bible and working on my overall mental and physical health.
I am involved in several different groups including being a special needs leader at Rio Revolution church as well as volunteering with activities such as helping hands and special needs prom. I have also been a board member for a special needs group called Blount County Luke 14 for the last 2 years.

If you could recommend one product from our pharmacy that you believe everyone should try, what would it be and why?
I would definitely recommend a probiotic, I personally love superior probiotics. Probiotics, beneficial bacteria, offer potential health benefits including supporting digestive health, boosting the immune system and potentially aiding in weight management and mental health.

Employee Spotlight: Bruce Adkisson, PharmD

Role: Pharmacy Manager at Mac’s Pharmacy Oak Ridge

How long have you worked with Mac’s Pharmacy Oak Ridge?   I have been with Mac’s a total of 6.5 years.  I  had the pleasure of opening Mac’s Oak Ridge in September 2019. I graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1993 and went on to earn my Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee. With 25 years of experience as a pharmacist, I am proud to be part of the Oak Ridge Community.

What inspired you to work in the pharmacy field, and what do you enjoy most about your role?  I enjoy helping others and knowing that I’m contributing positively to their lives. Bruce strongly believes in the importance of patient satisfaction and excellent customer service, understanding that the best way to accomplish this is through teamwork and effective communication with each customer. I want them to feel comfortable approaching me with any questions they may have.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work? What are your hobbies or interests? I enjoy quality time with my family and taking bike rides. One of the cool things about working in a family run independent pharmacy is the ability to work with and mentor Jackson and Conner, two of my three sons who work part time at the store with me.

Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while working at our pharmacy?   It really has been a joy to see the community rally around my technician who has been sick with cancer this past year. That technician has been with me since we opened in 2019 and she has been instrumental in helping grow this store. The generosity of the community last fall was over whelming. It showed me that the community cares as much about us and we do about them.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone considering a career in pharmacy?  I strongly advise anyone contemplating a career in pharmacy to gain practical experience either in a hospital pharmacy or retail pharmacy prior to beginning their education. This experience will help you determine if this career path is the right fit for you.

If you could recommend one product from our pharmacy that you believe everyone should try, what would it be and why?  I highly recommend the vitamin line from Solutions RX. Their supplements are top-notch and cater to a variety of needs, whether it’s for sleep issues, memory enhancement, leg cramps, or general multivitamins. There’s truly something for everyone!

Macs Pharmacy West Knoxville

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: KRISTI HAWN, PHARMACIST

How long have you worked with Mac’s Hometown Pharmacy? I have been with Mac’s Hometown Pharmacy for about eight years. My journey began during Pharmacy School with an internship at Mac’s North Knoxville, followed by a year-long residency there.  I initially started out in Mac’s Long Term Care Pharmacy and eventually transitioned back into retail pharmacy, and became a PIC (Pharmacist in Charge) in 2021.

What inspired you to work in the pharmacy field? And what do you enjoy most about your job?  My uncle, Dr. Jeffrey Summers, inspired me to pursue a career in pharmacy. I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare, and during high school, I worked at my uncle’s doctor’s office. It quickly became clear to me that while I loved medicine, I wasn’t fond of the more graphic aspects of healthcare. What I truly enjoy about my job is the ability to impact people’s lives positively through medicine.

Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while working at our pharmacy?  One of my most memorable experiences was during my clinical internship when I visited a patient’s home to review her medication after her hospital discharge. She was understandably confused about her new medication regimen, as some medications had been added while others were removed. I was there for 2 hours but I will never forget how rewarding it was to help her understand how to take her meds correctly, knowing it would significantly improve her health.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work? What are your hobbies or interests?  Outside of work, my four-year-old daughter, Kayleigh, keeps me pretty busy, and we are looking forward to the arrival our baby boy, Carter, who is due on March 12th. My family also owns Whimsy Cookie, and my husband, Cody, has recently opened a baseball facility focused on performance training in Sevierville.

If you could recommend one product from our pharmacy that you believe everyone should try, what would it be and why? I highly recommend a quality probiotic for gut health. Probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, aiding digestion and alleviating issues like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. A healthy gut microbiome not only boosts overall immunity but also reduces inflammation and helps maintain regular bowel movements.