Kim Russo is a dedicated pharmacy leader with over two decades of experience in clinical practice, health technology, and patient-centered innovation. As Vice President of Pharmacy Services and cofounder of Aspen RxHealth, Kim brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and entrepreneurial vision to every aspect of her work.After earning her PharmD from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 1998, Kim began her career at a large community hospital, where she served for 13 years. There, she rose to the role of clinical pharmacy manager and became a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist, leading a team committed to clinical excellence and collaborative care.
In 2013, Kim helped launch VUCA Health, a company focused on bridging health literacy gaps through innovative technology. Her passion for patient-first solutions eventually led her to cofound Aspen RxHealth, where she continues to champion pharmacist-led care models that drive better outcomes for patients and health plans alike.
Grounded in the belief that every decision should prioritize the patient, Kim brings integrity, compassion, and clinical rigor to her leadership at Aspen RxHealth. Whether designing care strategies or supporting the nationwide pharmacist network, she is deeply committed to advancing pharmacy’s role in transforming the future of healthcare.
Which famous quote would you pick to describe your personal business philosophy?
I don’t know how famous it is, but for start-ups in particular, I believe in Katia Beauchamp’s, “There is no one right answer, there is strategy, execution and iteration.” Starting a company can be scary if you leave your comfort zone as an expert and enter a new role as a beginner. In fact, sometimes the hardest part is just getting started! You can gain a lot of confidence by choosing to focus on objective steps instead of irrational fears of failure. And those steps are to make the best choices you can at the time, implement them and then make changes as needed to reach your ultimate vision. Continuous quality improvement all the way!
How will your unique set of skills, knowledge and professional experience help propel Aspen in the right direction?
My experience as a clinical hospital pharmacist taught me that I could always trust my decisions if they included putting the needs of patients first, and I carry that with me at Aspen.
