Pharmacy benefit management for health plans

Jamie Hale, RPh., serves as the Chief Sales Office for Optum Rx. In this role he is responsible for the strategic development and oversight of the respective sales and client management teams focused on delivering differentiated value with exceptional customer and member experience. Prior to joining OptumRx in September 2016, Jamie served as the Chief Pharmacy Officer for an accountable care organization, Cornerstone Health Enablement Strategic Solutions. In this role he was responsible for the creation, implementation, and optimization of both clinical and operational initiatives designed to assist health systems and provider groups achieve success in value-based care. Prior to joining Chess, Jamie spent 15 years at Wake Forest Baptist Health, where he last served as Director of Pharmacy. His experience in health system leadership has spanned across the continuum of care, including inpatient operations, ambulatory operations, 340b, retail pharmacy, home care, specialty pharmacy and pharmacy benefits management.

With over three decades of success in the pharmacy benefit management (PBM) industry, Byron brings deep experience, strategic insight, and proven leadership to Optum Rx. His career has been defined by a commitment to delivering value for clients and driving meaningful, sustainable growth.

Prior to joining Optum Rx, Byron served as Chief Growth Officer and Senior Vice President at a leading pass-through PBM, where he helped shape strategies that prioritized transparency and client stewardship. These experiences reinforced his belief in the importance of aligning PBM operations with the needs of those who fund and rely on them.

At Optum Rx, Byron sees a unique opportunity to help the organization expand its reach and impact. He believes Optum Rx stands apart through its transparent, pass-through business model and its dedication to serving clients and members with integrity and innovation.

Joining Optum Rx represents the culmination of Byron’s career journey. He is energized by the opportunity to apply his expertise to help drive continued growth and deliver meaningful results for the clients and communities Optum Rx serves.

Dr. Danielle Nichols is responsible for health plan business development across the western half of the United States. She has more than 15 years of business development and account management leadership expertise in managed care and specialty pharmacy.

During her tenure with Optum Rx®, Dr. Nichols has focused primarily on supporting health plan clients and prospects as a clinical consultant and sales leader for OptumRx specialty pharmacy. Prior to joining Optum Rx in 2015, she served as senior director of account management at Catamaran and clinical manager for Catalyst Rx.

Nichols earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska, an MBA from Bellevue University and Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.