Nephron Pharmaceuticals President and CEO Lou Kennedy has been honored by Ernst & Young as Health Care Entrepreneur of the Year for the Southeast Thursday during a gala at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta. Kennedy, who is Chairman of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and a nationwide leader in health care. She will now compete for the EY national entrepreneur of the year award in November.

Nephron Pharmaceuticals sits just outside of Cayce, and has a West Columbia address.

“I am grateful that EY recognizes the hard work our team does every day to deliver safe, effective and affordable drugs to patients, focusing on opiod-free pain treatment” said Kennedy. “As president of a global leader in life-saving drug manufacturing, I hope this award serves as a reminder that women are leading the fight to improve lives across the country and world, and at Nephron, like so many women-owned businesses, we are just getting started.”

Business leaders consider the EY entrepreneur of the year award to be one of the highest professional honors a business owner can earn. The award identifies leaders of fast-growth companies who are making a difference for their communities and beyond through innovation.

Nephron is a certified woman-owned business, as recognized by the National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC), the first certifier of Women Business Enterprises. The certification gives Nephron enhanced visibility and a competitive edge.

Lou Kennedy, president & CEO of Nephron Pharm was named Health Care Entrepreneur of the Year for the Southeast last Thursday.