(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) today awarded the Ivan D. Combe Lifetime Achievement Award to Mike Valentino, chairman of the board of PLx Pharma Inc. He received the award today during CHPA’s Annual Executive Conference at the Turnberry Isle Miami in Aventura, Florida.
The Ivan D. Combe Lifetime Achievement Award is the industry’s highest honor. This award is bestowed upon an outstanding individual whose actions have positively impacted the consumer healthcare industry and directly improved self-care for U.S. consumers. The award was established in honor of Ivan D. Combe who was exceptionally active in CHPA activities and served on the association’s board of directors from 1958 until 2000. This award is presented annually to an individual based on the following criteria: experience, leadership qualities, outstanding service to the consumer healthcare industry/community, and professional excellence.
“His legendary business acumen, strong leadership skills, and ability to recognize opportunities set him apart from others in the industry,” CHPA President and CEO Scott Melville said. “Mike has more than 30 years of exceptional achievement in the healthcare industry both at pharmaceutical companies and venture-backed start-ups. CHPA is delighted to recognize him for all of his leadership and dedication to the consumer healthcare industry.”
Valentino’s experience includes positions at Warner-Lambert, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Novartis, Adams Respiratory Therapeutics, and several others. He was intimately involved in seven Rx-to-OTC switches during his career, most notably, for Mucinex®.
Amidst all of his corporate success, he remained committed to the industry and he served as the chair of CHPA Board of Directors (2001-2002) and five other committees during his time on the association’s board. He also served on the board of the World Self Medication Industry, the international federation of the consumer healthcare industry.
Valentino also has a passion for philanthropy and community service, and he serves on many boards including the New Jersey Epilespy Association, the Alzheimers Association, D.A.R.E. New Jersey, and the Sarasota Orchestra.