Robert J. (Joey) McLaughlin, Jr.

Term: *Special Election May 2024 to April 30, 2026

Joey began practicing pharmacy in 1983 after graduating from UNC, Chapel Hill. It was his earlier experience in pharmacy, at the age of 16, that set his goals in motion. During these early years at Johnson Drug in Jacksonville, NC, his pharmacist mentors displayed such a sincere interest in the lives of their patients. He observed countless interactions that exemplified true patient care, not just pertaining to their pharmaceutical needs, but on a personal level. These patients knew they were important. Joey knew then that he would spend his life working to impact others as he had witnessed. These early experiences had such an impact on his life. This inevitably led to his pursuit of an education in pharmacy, and his career path in community pharmacy. "I knew then I would spend my life working to impact others as I witnessed throughout my mentorship."

Joey, along with his wife Tammy, are owners Realo Drugs and Carolina Home Medical.

"As Realo Drugs and Carolina Home Medical have evolved through the years, we have developed additional, ‘specialized' areas of pharmacy. These specialized areas have afforded us the opportunity to better meet the ever-changing demands of today’s pharmacy customer. It allows us to combat the ever-increasing challenges that the industry faces as a whole. Involvement in the development of each of these divisions has given me broad knowledge in many facets of the industry. I see firsthand the challenges that we face as pharmacists on a daily basis. For this very reason, working to promote and protect the interests of North Carolina pharmacists is my personal commitment. While challenges will always exist, I do believe the best days are ahead for our profession. I strive to be a voice that pushes or expands our practice into the future. Our ability to touch so many lives on a daily basis puts us in a unique position. We must strive every day to maintain the virtuous title, 'the most trusted healthcare professional.’"

Joey lives in Trenton, a small farming community in Jones County. He, and his wife Tammy have 4 children, and 7 grandchildren. They are blessed to have all their children living close by.