Meet the Executive Team

Charles R. Blackburn

(Retired) Charles is the second generation to enter the family business after graduating from Allegheny College with degrees in Biology and Chemistry and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Charles worked on a research project in conjunction with the Eli Lilly Drug Company that produced the first two drugs to treat Hodgkin’s disease. He obtained his Wound and Ostomy certification from Harrisburg General Hospital and worked closely with Drs. Turnbull and Weakley at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Charles was a past volunteer and chief of the local fire department EMS service for 20 years. Recognized locally and nationally as a leader in the industry, Charles continues to be an advocate for better healthcare and services.

Charles considers himself “as a pioneer in the development of the modern community pharmacy as a center for comprehensive health-related services.” He serves as the Chairman for BLACKBURN'S Board of Directors.

Ronald Rukas, R.Ph

Ronald has over 30 years of experience in the pharmacy industry, and joined BLACKBURN'S in 1976 as the retail pharmacy manager. In 1989, he was promoted to Vice President of Operations and is now the current President of the company. Ronald spent years as a pharmacist working with patients and staff on pharmacy and home healthcare clinical issues and coverage. In his current position as President, he leads the corporate management team and remains active as one of the company’s pharmacists. When not at BLACKBURN'S, Ronald enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. Ronald also serves on BLACKBURN'S Board of Directors.

Tom Blackburn, R.Ph

Tom is the third generation to join the family business. He started in 1985 after he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.

In his current position as President, he operates as Pharmacy Manager and manages Human Relations.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys cheering on his kids at Highlands High School and Allegheny College. He also serves on Blackburn’s Board of Directors.

Jeffrey Rukas, MBA

Jeffrey joined the team in 2007 and is the President. With an MBA in Health Systems Management from Point Park University, Jeffrey is key in managing internal and external sales staff.  He is also responsible for growth and development at BLACKBURN'S.  Mr. Rukas is a Woodlands Foundation Board Member and is passionate about helping children with special needs and their families. He serves on BLACKBURN'S Board of Directors.

Dawn Cetti, MBA, CPA

Dawn has been with BLACKBURN'S since 2000, and in the healthcare industry for even longer. She has worked with hospitals, doctor’s offices, urgent care, and most recently home medical equipment.

Dawn works with employees to provide quality products and services for every customer.

Dawn enjoys cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and any sport her grandchildren are playing.

Dawn says, "The most rewarding aspect is knowing that no matter what area of healthcare I worked in I was helping people’s quality of life.".

Michelle L. Peters, BA, BS

Michelle joined the team in 2022 as Vice President of Operations. Prior to joining BLACKBURN’S, Michelle spent 28 years working in physician practice and hospital operations. Michelle studied Communications Media at Indiana University of Pennsylvania as well as Health Science at Clayton College. She strives to support the strategic plan and vision of BLACKBURN’S by improving both the customer and employee experience. Ms. Peters is an advisory board member for the A.W. Beattie Technical School’s Surgical Services Department. Outside of BLACKBURN’S Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and cheering for all things Penn State where both of her children attend university.

Joseph Rukas MBA, PGA

Joseph has been with the organization since 2014 after obtaining his MBA with a special focus on Health Systems Management from Point Park University. He is responsible for managing BLACKBURN'S purchasing and accounting department and furthering the initiatives of the strategic procurement plan. He also serves on the Board of Directors.  While not at work, Joe enjoys coaching and playing golf, cooking wood fired pizza, and rooting for the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Jodie Detwiler, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Jodie Detwiler is the Vice President of Human Resources with twenty-five years of successful experience. She has worked and consulted in both the private and public business sectors including Manufacturing, Industrial Operations, Health Care, Government and Energy. Jodie is a Human Resources expert with broad experience as a human resource leader, advisor and mentor for diverse clients and employers in the areas of Employment Law, Policy Development, Recruitment, Training, Labor Relations, Leadership and Organizational Development. Jodie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Industrial Labor Relations from Saint Francis University. In addition, she holds the highest certifications in her field with an SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) through Human Resources Certification Institute and the SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) through the Society for Human Resource Management. Outside of BLACKBURN’S Jodie enjoys skiing, golf, travel, and sports.  She has two sons and resides in the North Hills of Pittsburgh.