Experience

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  Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Medicaid

  • Project Manager 2

    • Dec 2019 - Present

    Manage high-profile, complex projects with state-wide impacts, many of which require cross-divisional coordination within the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and coordination with other state departments or external stakeholders. Responsible for planning, development, implementation and evaluation of projects. Develop and manage project scope, timelines, budgets and monitor contracts.• Received a Director’s Award of Excellence for successfully managing the Medicaid Expansion implementation project. When giving the award, the director of the department added, “We had a flawless implementation of Medicaid Expansion.” (Employee Recognition meeting, 6/15/20.)• Served as key contributor within the project management team to add processes for prioritizing and starting new projects, streamlining leadership oversight and increasing ease of overall portfolio management.• Scoped and managed project work that led to Idaho Medicaid receiving federal approval of its Behavioral Health Transformation Waiver, a key priority for the governor of Idaho. • Praised by the department director after presenting an options analysis and several strategic recommendations for the future direction of a project that has the attention of the governor and the state legislature. The director wrote, “Really, really phenomenal work! I am so impressed with the progress that has been made. The strategic thinking that has gone into these recommendations is clearly evident.” (Director’s email, 10/7/20.)

  • Project Manager 1

    • Jan 2019 - Dec 2019

    Manage high-profile, complex projects with state-wide impacts, many of which require cross-divisional coordination within the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and coordination with other state departments or external stakeholders. Responsible for planning, development, implementation and evaluation of projects. Develop and manage project scope, timelines, budgets and monitor contracts.• Received a Director’s Award of Excellence for successfully managing the Medicaid Expansion implementation project. When giving the award, the director of the department added, “We had a flawless implementation of Medicaid Expansion.” (Employee Recognition meeting, 6/15/20.)• Enabled Medicaid to provide coverage for an additional 90,000 Idaho residents within the first year of launching Medicaid Expansion by coordinating efforts across multiple department divisions and managing the changes in Medicaid claims processing system and its policies. • Coordinated the successful transition of 8,300 care high-risk, behavioral health treatment patients to Medicaid providers. Ensured alignment of processes and procedures with outside state agencies including Idaho Department of Correction, Idaho Supreme Court and the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections.

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  Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Office of Healthcare Policy Initiatives

  • Boise, Idaho

  • Project Manager 1

    • Jan 2016 - Dec 2018
    • Boise, Idaho

    Managed the Health IT projects for the Statewide Healthcare Innovation Plan (SHIP) that expanded Idaho’s Health IT infrastructure. These projects had a state-wide reach and were large, complex and highly visible. Directed the activities of two large vendor contracts. Ensured that project deliverables were on time, within budget and project scope. Provided day-to-day direction for the health IT contractors that worked on-site during the project.• Managed the establishment of patient data-sharing connections with 120 primary care offices and the state health Information exchange, which improves patient care coordination. • Oversaw the development of a statewide data analytics system that tracked progress on selected clinical quality measures at the individual patient level, and aggregated the results at the clinic, county, regional and state levels. • Convened three community stakeholder workgroups that met regularly to seek community guidance on the projects. Led the workgroup discussions when the co-chairs were unable to attend, facilitated stakeholder recruitment for the workgroups and coordinated with the co-chairs on discussion topics and material development.

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  Boyle Network / Networking Star

  • Boise, Idaho Area

  • Project Manager

    • Sep 2012 - Jan 2016
    • Boise, Idaho Area

    Managed a nine-person marketing team, spanning two offices. Developed project timelines and managed workflow. Worked with client executives and client board members to understand key goals and objectives. Coordinated efforts with other client divisions including sales, events, legal and IT. • Launched an automated email and website marketing tool in English and Spanish for Sanki Global. Collaborated extensively with the vendor and our team to ensure consistent messaging, compelling Web page designs and captivating videos. Its success and ability to easily increase sales was endorsed by the CEO. • Developed a strategy to unveil the Sanki Fit brand. Led team projects, including the creation of a video testimonial series, targeted social media posts and a 100-page resource guide. The successful brand launch in the U.S. led to a rapid adoption and implementation in Mexico.

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  LDS Employment Resource Services

  • Boise, Idaho Area

  • Account Representative (temporary employee)

    • Aug 2012 - Sep 2012
    • Boise, Idaho Area

    • Trained and registered employers as editors on the LDSJobs.org database.• Helped job seekers find employment.

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  MSLGROUP

  • France
  • Public Relations and Communications Services
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Account Supervisor

    • 2008 - 2012

    Developed and managed effective corporate public relations programs serving as an account manager for multiple clients. Drafted written materials and managed junior staff. Promoted to Account Supervisor for successfully managing and executing public relations strategies.• Managed from inception to completion a significant press event for a billion-dollar corporation. Coordinated a staff of eight and multiple vendors. Resulted in successful contract negations with a 30% increased budget.• Developed the annual public relations project scope, timeline and budget for Underwriters Laboratories’ environment division. Managed staff resources and provided regular reports on progress and opportunities. Kept all activities within budget.• Managed Best Buy’s Washington, D.C. media outreach program. Rectified pre-existing team performance issues immediately after taking over the program, and prevented the loss of funding. Increased news coverage by 60% and was awarded two additional markets to manage.• Managed from inception to completion a stakeholder briefing in the U.S. Capitol building on behalf of the Corn Farmers Coalition, with elected officials and industry experts speaking. Secured a standing-room-only attendance.• Interviewed executives at RehabCare, a network of hospitals, with a colleague. Identified 10 potential media issues and developed recommendations. Prepared a 50-page crisis communications handbook. • Managed the project to overhaul the sustainability report for Owens Corning, the Pink Panther insulation manufacturer. Initiated the project by assessing needs, benchmarking competitor sites and proposing a plan. Managed the workflow based on the approved contract. The completed project exceeded client expectations. • Tasked with local media outreach for a recent health policy report about improving patient decision-making in health care. Secured significant news coverage in the major regional outlets assigned.

  • Senior Account Executive

    • Oct 2006 - Dec 2008

    Drafted press releases, crafted media pitches and provided client-performance feedback following interviews. Coordinated team projects spanning multiple offices through calls and constant client interaction. Worked with vendors to video tape events, distribute press releases, design and print creative materials, etc.• Coached, mentored and led a team of junior staff in media outreach for Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens list. Several had never called a reporter before but each landed news coverage.• Developed specialist skills in tracking issues using an online database and led an all-staff training to impart best practices. Created reference sheet for colleagues. • Managed monthly professional development program that I initiated.

  • Account Executive

    • Nov 2005 - Oct 2006

    Conducted outreach to news reporters and facilitated client interviews. Aided in planning press events. Compiled daily media monitoring reports. Recommended possible rapid response tactics. Participated in message slate development.• Built credibility as the day-to-day public relations contact for a multi-industry coalition by maintaining constant communication with the client, leading monthly stakeholder calls and providing daily news and policy summaries.• Conducted an extensive media audit for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Established trends on how reporters cover differences in health care quality. Presented findings to client.• Researched, compiled and distributed daily news and policy summaries for a coalition supporting congressional legislation that aided in shaping its strategies. Developed fact sheets for members of Congress.

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  Matthews Media Group

  • Assistant Account Executive

    • Jan 2005 - Nov 2005

    Assisted in developing communications strategies, key messages and patient-recruitment materials for pharmaceutical companies’ drug studies. Provided communications support for 100 different medical research centers.• Helped a pharmaceutical company overcome its challenge of retaining participation in medial drug studies through frequent contact with research center managers. Aided in the enrollment and retention of enough patients to complete the study.• Provided input in the creative design for brochures, information packets and print advertisements, which were approved and used for an arthritis drug study.

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  MSLGROUP

  • Washington D.C. Metro Area

  • Post Graduate Intern

    • Sep 2004 - Jan 2005
    • Washington D.C. Metro Area

    Researched and analyzed news coverage and competitor activities for clients and prospective clients as part of new business pitches. Developed and maintained media lists. Pitched news to local and national reporters. Tracked media coverage.• Compiled daily news summaries for Eli Lilly and Company for distribution to client executives and for shaping communication strategies.• Developed a list of reporters covering the Iraq war. Provided event support at the premier screening of the "Voices of Iraq" documentary, with reporters and government leaders in attendance.