Devine, new Affil./Assoc. prez, gears up for the '90s

NEW YORK -- Affiliated/Associated Drug Stores has picked James R. Devine, former president of Cunningham Drug Stores in Florida, as its new president, and industry observers applauded the choice, while noting he has his work cut out for him.

Devine is the third president of AADS, which currently has a membership of about 80-85 drug chains representing some 6,500 stores, since Associated Chain Drug Stores and Affiliated Drug Stores merged in December 1988.

Devine's immediate task will be to see AAD's Oct. 18-21 show in Atlanta through to a successful conclusion, but a more long-term goal is to "help the association meet the challenges of the '90s, based on what the membership wants and what they will support." he said.

"I realize I'm an optimist, and I'm not ignorant of the big problems we face, but I believe that with communication, we can make AADS work," he said.

Bill Baxley, Kerr Drug vp-marketing, said, "The opportunities the organization has depend on the leadership it gets,...