Program Directors

Dr. Isaac Butler

Dr. Isaac Butler helps make the use of prescription drugs safer and more affordable by leading a team that helps to eliminate prescription fraud, waste, and abuse.  Prior to his current role, he held positions in sales, account management and clinical pharmacy.  In 2009 Isaac received the Express Way Award for aligned organizational values and leadership.

Community focused Isaac is co-founder of the BESt Pharmacy Summer Institute. BESt was recently honored as the 2010 St. Louis American Health Advocacy Organization of the Year. He serves on several boards including:  the UM-Kansas City’s Pharmacy Dean Advisory Council, St. Louis Crisis Nursery, United Way Tri-County, Boys Hope Girls Hope and Ark of Safety Christian Church.  For his community achievements, Isaac received the 2010 Salute to Young Leaders award and was recognized as a finalist for the 2009 St. Louis Business Journal’s Healthcare Heroes award.

As a life-long learner, Isaac has completed the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative and Leadership St. Louis. Isaac holds doctorate of pharmacy, masters in business administration and bachelors of Science degrees.

Isaac is married to Dr. Lakesha Butler and they are the proud parents of two children, Isaac II and Kennedy.

Dr. Steven Player

Dr. Steven Player is the Pharmacy Manager of Diversity and Recruitment at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH) in St. Louis. Steven’s role at BJH allows him to bring life to his vision and dedication to the development of tomorrow’s health care leaders. In addition to his core responsibilities as a BJH pharmacy manager, Steven is both co-founder and co-director of BESt, serves as the coordinator for the BJH Pharmacy Internship Program, and functions as adjunct faculty for both St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy. For his efforts on increasing diversity within health care, Steven was recognized by the St. Louis American as their 2007 recipient of the Salute to Excellence in Health Care Award.

Steven is a member of the Regional Health Commission Providers Advisory Board, United Way’s Charmaine Chapman Society, National Pharmaceutical Association, BJH’s Diversity Committee, BJC Pharmacy Recruitment Committee, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

As a registered pharmacist, Steven’s educational background includes a Doctorate of Pharmacy and a Masters in Business Administration.

A native of Saint Louis, Steven is married to Dr. Celeste Player and they have two beautiful children, Mason and Kourtney.