Florence Kariuki

Director, New Models and Episodes of Care
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

​Florence Kariuki is a nursing leader at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, serving as Director New Models and Episodes of Care, within the Health Care Management and Transformation Department. She is responsible for crafting strategy, identifying and developing innovative programs and partnerships, and overseeing strategy, design, and implementation of the largest Episodes of Care Program in the nation. She led the design and implementation of programs to reduce Emergency Department utilization, increase community/home-based care, optimize care infrastructure, and evolve Horizon’s palliative care offerings.
 
Ms. Kariuki has been an integral leader and participant in the evolution and expansion of Horizon’s value-based programs. Collaborating with Hospital C-Suite Leadership and Specialists to translate strategy into tactical execution of efficient and cost-effective care to New Jersey residents.
 
Ms. Kariuki obtained her BSN Magna Cum Laude from William Paterson University and MHA Summa Cum Laude from Seton Hall University. She serves as Board Member for the Health Coalition for Passaic County (HCPC) and the NJ Healthcare Quality Institute (NJHQI) External Advisory Board, and faculty for the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC). She is a featured Co-Author in the graduate text book, Policy & Politics in Nursing and Health Care, 8th edition. She is a task Force member of the Conversations of Your Life (COYL) initiative by the NJHQI, a fellow with the New Jersey Healthcare Executive Leadership Academy (NJ HELA), and serves as a leader within Horizon BCBSNJ’s Clinical Advisory Council.