• Availity CEO Russ Thomas is joining the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
• Thomas has served as CEO of Availity since 2012, and boasts a career inside Florida’s health and tech information sector.
• He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Tech and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia.

Russ Thomas, CEO of Availity, is joining the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

The Florida Chamber Board of Directors announced Thomas’ nomination on Wednesday. The group is composed of job creators and business leaders who champion free enterprise in the Sunshine State.

“Free enterprise isn’t free, and I am confident the experience, insight, and leadership Russ will bring to the Florida Chamber Board of Directors with help us further drive Florida to a top 10 global economy by 2030 and ensure Florida remains the best state to work, live, and start a business,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce.

Thomas has served as CEO of Availity since 2012. Under his tenure, The real-time health information network is one of largest in the healthcare industry, with more than 2 million providers across the country using ita technology and services.

Before joining Availity, Thomas served as CEO of Gold Standard, a drug information database and clinical knowledge solution. Thomas helped grow the company from a small start-up to a multi-sector leader in the healthcare market before selling the business to Reed Elsevier in 2006. He remained with Reed Elsevier as a senior executive in their clinical information business until 2008.

Additionally, Thomas serves on the Board of Directors of Iodine Software, an industry leader in clinical information documentation solutions. He also served as Chair of the United Way Northeast Florida Annual Campaign.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Tech and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia.

In his new role, Thomas will be tasked with supporting the Florida Chamber’s vision of leading the state’s diverse economy, while promoting competitiveness and high paying jobs statewide.

“I am honored to serve on the Florida Chamber’s Board with some of Florida’s most well-respected business leaders,” said Thomas. “The Florida Chamber is a dynamic organization that has and will continue to play a critical role in the development of a sustainable economy for our state.”