George Kitchens

George founded Artia Solutions in 2005. For almost two decades, George has ensured that Artia provides top-notch consultation services to clients in need of assistance operating within the Medicaid pharmaceutical environment. George also founded Crossroads: An Artia Solutions Conference in 2017. Prior to Artia Solutions, George was Vice President of Business Development for Provider Synergies, a company managing rebate programs for state Medicaid. One of his major accomplishments was the development of the multi-state pooling initiative known as TOP$.

Previously, George was the Florida Medicaid’s Pharmacy Services Bureau Chief for three years. He implemented the first PDL in the country in 2001. His responsibilities included the planning, directing, organizing, and coordinating of policy and procedures related to the Medicaid prescribed drug program, research and analysis of proposed state and federal legislation, Medicaid prescribed drug budget, and cost containment initiatives. Additional responsibilities included coordinating pharmacy audits, supporting various committees such as P&T and DUR, and chief liaison with PBMs. Before joining Florida Medicaid in 2001, George held numerous positions for the Eckerd Corporation. Most notably, he held the positions of Regional Pharmacy Operations Manager, Director of Brand Pharmaceutical Purchasing, Director of Managed Care Development, and Director of Clinical Services. His responsibilities included the pharmacy operations of 300 drug stores, purchasing and inventory of brand pharmaceuticals, negotiation of managed care contracts, and creation of clinical programs.

He is a member of the Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy Advisory Board, Florida Pharmacy Association, and Rho Chi Honor Society, and he served on the American Pharmacist Association Benchmarking Steering Committee, American Pharmacist Association STAT Committee, and JAPHA Editorial Advisory Board. He has also served on the Florida Department of Health Drug Therapy Task Force. George graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from Samford University.