-AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other health care solutions for those most in need, announced that it has appointed Marla Purvis as its Georgia market president. An accomplished Medicaid and health care executive with more than 20 years of experience, Purvis will provide the strategic vision and operational expertise to lead AmeriHealth Caritas’ efforts to enter the state.

As market president, Purvis is responsible for analyzing the challenges faced by the state’s providers, associations, and community leaders, as well as developing integrated health care strategies that would aim to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable Georgians.

“Georgia is a large and diverse state that presents a significant opportunity for AmeriHealth Caritas to deliver health care services and supports to communities that would benefit from our whole person, holistic model of care,” said AmeriHealth Caritas Chairman and CEO Paul A. Tufano. “We are proud to have someone with Marla’s background lead our mission in the state and develop the partnerships and programs that can enable Georgians to achieve their American Dream.”

Purvis most recently served as Florida market president and corporate vice president of Medicare Operations for Evolent Health. She oversaw three provider service network health plans in the state, which covered 75,000 Medicaid enrollees as well as Evolent Health’s Florida Medicare Advantage business. She previously held executive roles at WellCare in Georgia, a health plan which covered more than 500,000 Medicaid enrollees. Her time at WellCare included two years as the company’s Georgia state chief operating officer and six years as market chief operations officer for eastern and southern Georgia.

“Having worked in Georgia’s Medicaid program, Georgia Families, I know AmeriHealth Caritas can bring a lot to the state and its communities,” said Purvis. “I’m excited to join the company in this effort to expand its mission.”

A graduate of the University of Phoenix and Dale Carnegie Institute, Purvis holds certifications from the John Maxwell Team as a speaker, coach, and trainer.