Company Leadership

Our executive team is focused on providing value for our customers, strategically growing our business for the long term, and making Parata a supportive and engaging place to work.

Jason Buchwald
 Vice President and General Manager

Dan Sullivan
Senior Vice President, Customer Success

Karen Thomas-Smith
Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Chet Coates
Chief Operating Officer

John Clifford
Vice President, Product Development, Pharmacy Automation R&D

Bill McCoy
Associate Director, Human Resources

Bill Mccoy
Associate Director, Human Resources

Bill joins the Parata leadership team as associate director, human resources. He has extensive experience in human resources, organizational development and operations in manufacturing environments. Before joining Parata, he served as senior leader, human resources, and project/change manager for HCIT Group, a global professional services firm serving multiple industries, where he collaborated with clients such as Managed Health, Cooper Tire and Nokian Tyre. Prior to that, he was human resources and project startup leader for Giti Tire, overseeing the launch of the company’s first US manufacturing facility. His over 30 years of HR experience led him to roles with such companies as Boeing, Continental Tire, Raytheon, and Northrup Grumman.

In his role at Parata, Bill will oversee the human resources function within the company. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine University, a BS in Technology and Organizational Leadership from Purdue University as well as certification in executive coaching, Six Sigma, and Lean Process Implementation.

Jason Buchwald
Vice President and General Manager

Jason joins the Parata leadership team as vice president and general manager. He has been with BD for 14 years, spending four years as vice president, Medication Management Solutions (MMS) for BD Canada. Prior to that, he served in a variety of customer-facing roles ranging from sales director to area vice president, building strong relationships and partnerships that made lasting impacts and advanced customer strategies. Before BD, he spent 10+ years in sales and marketing leadership roles with Lexi-Comp, an integrated clinical information software and management service company.

As VP and general manager, Jason will set and execute strategic direction for Parata, leading cross-functional teams that will deliver customer-focused solutions that translate into growth for the business. He holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts and a BSBA from Ohio Northern University.

Jim Cassity
Senior Vice President, Professional Services and Central Fill

Jim has more than 20 years of management experience in the pharmacy automation field from companies including Pyxis and Talyst — and prior to joining TCGRx was Director of Operations at Swisslog ADMS. He joined Parata when the companies merged. In his roles, he has created and managed implementation, project management, field service, and customer service teams serving domestic and international clients. His experience includes working in long-term care, hospital, specialty, and retail pharmacy markets.

Jim served in the US Navy and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Emporia State University.

Chet Coates
Chief Operating Officer

With over 30 years of experience in operations, supply chain management, and business development, Chet joined Parata in 2022 as Chief Operations Officer. A leader well-versed in all aspects of management and operations, he prides himself on building strong cross-functional teams in culturally diverse environments, stream-lining operations, exceeding customer expectations and driving financial excellence.

Previously, he spent over 10 years at Sanmina Corporation, an electronics service manufacturing company, in various senior leadership roles. He also worked at Motorola for seven years in operations and customer service roles.

Chet holds a master’s degree in international management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree in engineering and management from Clarkson University.

Mark Longley
Vice President and Site Leader, Parata Pharmacy Automation

Mark joined Parata in 2004 as the Director of Strategic Accounts, bringing his ability to look forward and dream big. Mark has held numerous leadership roles of increasing responsibility across the organization including Regulatory Affairs, Product Management, Business Development, Sales and Strategy.  As Chief Commercial Officer, Mark focuses on driving innovation to help pharmacies increase productivity and profits.

Previously, Mark spent 11 years at Bell and Howell in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Program Management, Corporate Development and Enterprise Sales.

Mark’s education includes an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BS from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business.

Dan Sullivan
Senior Vice President, Customer Success

Dan joined Parata in 2004 as a regional Field Service Manager. A decisive leader, he spent 10 years managing teams in field service, account management, and customer success before serving as Vice President of Customer Success.

Prior to that, Dan gained a rich background in technical service at Qualex, Inc.

Dan holds a degree in Information Technology.

Karen Thomas-Smith
Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Karen joined Parata in late 2021 bringing more than 20 years of global experience in high-tech industries, distinguished by a breadth of leadership positions in sales, marketing, and operations. Karen’s passion for leadership and unique ideas on corporate culture have also resulted in several television appearances on Oprah, 60 Minutes and Canada Public Television.

Prior to this role, Karen held sales and marketing leadership positions at SAS, Allscripts, Optum, and 3M. During her time at SAS, her leadership was recognized by her appointment to represent the software industry at a Harvard Business School Executive Forum.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from North Carolina Wesleyan College, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Rocco Volpe
Chief Operating Officer

Rocco joined Parata in 2019, bringing with him more than thirty years of engineering and operations experience. Previously, Rocco held a key leadership role at Cognex, seeing the company through a period of rapid growth. Rocco holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia University, is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and holds four US patents.

John Clifford
Vice President, Product Development, Pharmacy Automation R&D

John Clifford joined Parata in early 2023 as senior director of research and development. He has over 17 years of experience as an engineering leader, with an extensive background in medical device product development and global product commercialization. He has been with BD since 2021, serving as senior director of research and development, leading a team of more than 75 people as part of the infusion platform. Prior to that, he spent 18 years in R&D engineering roles with Medtronic, PLC, a healthcare technology company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

John hails from Galway, Ireland, and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from National University of Ireland, Galway.

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