MARKETING DIRECTORY | 2016
OptumRx marketing team members are located in 18 states
Table of contents: Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Yearbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Administrative support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Member communications and experience organization . . . . . . . . . 11 Product marketing organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Growth and retention marketing team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Specialty marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Creative services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
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Hello OptumRx Marketing! WOW — what a year! I say this with sincerity, gratitude and pride — this is the most talented and hard - working marketing team that I have ever had the privilege of working with. Thank you for your contributions and accomplishments. They are catapulting us to the number one position in grand style! On to my summer. I feel very fortunate that I was able to enjoy a week at the beach with my husband, Al. Hopefully you’ll notice from my photo that I don’t live my entire life in heels and a skirt. Yes, that’s me with the cap on my head, no makeup and loving the beach. This past year marked 30 years that I have been married to Al. I thought it would be fun for you all to see our wedding photo and the latest photo of the two of us together. It’s been an incredible journey with many lessons that I’ve been able to apply to the rest of my personal life, as well as my professional life. My husband is a remarkable person who continues to amaze me with his strength and his will to overcome what I would view as overwhelming health issues. This past year has been particularly challenging in terms of managing his health and I thank you as a team for stepping in to support me. I am humbled to be part of such a giving and supportive team. Speaking of giving, I think you will find our annual summit both inspirational and energizing. Use this time to rekindle relationships and enjoy the company of your team members while we join forces to make a difference. In closing, we should all be proud — we are working for a company that is winning on all fronts. Keep doing what you do and there will be no stopping us!
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Susan Fleming Senior Vice President, Marketing My job is to ensure that we — as a team — inspire our stakeholders to believe in what we do and drive demand for OptumRx pharmacy care services. 1-312-261-7806
[email protected]
CT
Chicago, IL
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23
Trish Adams
31
Farha Adam
106
Daniel Bretz
Zach Crnecki
4
Tiffany Burks
15
Lora Denman
Wendy Emahiser
75
Steve Emil
53
Ashley Beukelman
16
Todd Campen
79
65
89
Meghan Barry
102
40
Jessica Cunningham
8
Denise Egan
Jeff Asada
Dan Bur
51
37
Jennifer Chess
74
Neary Chhe
76
Tracy Dirks
91
Sandra Erickson
Ajda Blanchard
93
54
Heather DeStefano
24
92
Amelia Dyon
38
Eric Fegley
48
Dawn Fick
3
Susan Fleming
108
Julie Greely
Everett™ A. Gallegos
Ronnie Fults
64
94
Erin Griffith
9
Annette Hovey
Valerie Gronich
Heather Jayson
21
Kathy Kim
33
Tamara Gambino
39
55
29
Jonathan Kiehne
104
Ian Hammond
88
81
Kim Konczal
20
Robyn Gordin
71
Travis Hawton
83
Paula Johnson
Vaughn Kinghorn
Julie Gardner
17
32
Kari Johnson
34
25
Zech Hipp
26
Sean Jones
73
Carey Kane
107
Jennifer Lewison
46
Jeff Lu 5
41
52
Charleen Madruga
Boris Mack
77
Shayne McCartney
80
Scott McClusky
27
Chaise Nunnally
43
Ojullu Obang
45
Jim Peacock 6
49
Thuy Phan
42
Eric Malyszka
67
Kathleen Manicke
99
Mike McKinnon
Dorothy Nguyen
35
Sara Nichols
19
Jeff Ouellette
58
Tabassum Quadir
Therese Manzer
18
47
Vasinee Opland
100
Dan Rogers
Jason Paasch
57
90
Mark Paulson
72
Julie Rosckes
Marne Marshall
Tracy Norman
95
78
63
103
Kate Schuster
30
Amy Seidler
22
Erin Shelby
87
Bridget Swihart
Brandi Westbrook
Lisa Siebert
14
Melissa Tobiassen
59
28
Katie Witte
66
56
Ryan Spahr
Erika Treadway
Amy Stover
105
36
Susan Tsai
44
13
Rick Swartz
82
Christy Unekis
101
Ginny Van Cura
50
Amanda Wold
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Central Time CT
Schaumburg, IL
Denise Egan
1-224-231-1106
[email protected]
Sales and Marketing Administrator ROLE I have proudly maintained two roles at OptumRx for the past 8 years. The first is Executive Assistant for Susan Fleming, SVP, Marketing. Secondly, the Salesforce.com Administrator for the BriovaRx sales operations team that sells direct to prescribers. I manage all aspects of their CRM system including system customizations, security, reporting and dashboards, user provisioning and workflows. My official title is Sales Operations, Senior Analyst.
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MY SUMMER My summer was spent locally with family and friends. One highlight was volunteering with my two best friends at the East Side Association annual benefit helping to raise thousands of dollars for Joliet Area Community Hospice. It was a huge party with bands, silent auctions and raffles held outside at a community center for a great cause. I also spent a lot of time fishing on the river and quarries near my home. I grew up fishing with my dad and have always found it to be a relaxing way to spend free time. I played in a few 8 - ball pool tournaments as I have been doing for the past 20 years. I capped the summer off by purchasing the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on which I find weirdly noteworthy.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Annette Hovey
1-952-205-1059
[email protected]
Senior Administrative Assistant ROLE I’m the senior administrative assistant for Rick Swartz, Travis Hawton, Mike McKinnon, Marne Marshall and their teams. It’s been three years of service with OptumRx Marketing and 11 years total with UnitedHealth Group.
MY SUMMER The Hovey family summer trip this year was spent in Telluride, Colorado. We stayed at Bear Creek Lodge in Mountain Village which had a gorgeous view from our deck. Each day we took a gondola ride into downtown Telluride for delicious meals, mountain bike rental and access to hiking trail heads. Also, it seemed like every third person who walked by had a friendly and well-behaved dog at their side. The dogs were allowed on the gondolas too, so we got a lot of petting in. Wonderful memories for all of us.
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MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE ORGANIZATIONS
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Rick Swartz
Consumer Marketing and Communications Melissa Tobiassen
Home Delivery Marketing
Member Communications Erin Shelby
Home Delivery Campaigns
Home Delivery Communications
Jessica Cunningham Todd Campen Ian Hammond Dorothy Nguyen Jeff Ouellette
Robyn Gordin Kathy Kim
HDP Products, Ops, OE, Gen Awareness Trish Adams Ajda Blanchard Zech Hipp Sean Jones Chaise Nunnally Katie Witte
Clinical / PDL Communications Jonathan Kiehne Amy Seidler Farha Adam Kari Johnson
Client-Facing / Implementations Tamara Gambino Julie Gardner
Marketing Operations and Analytics Sara Nichols
Marketing Data and Architecture
Home Delivery Campaigns and Reporting
Erika Treadway
Jim Peacock
Jeff Asada Eric Fegley Valerie Gronich Dan Bur
Jeff Lu Vasinee Opland Dawn Fick
Thuy Phan Amanda Wold
Digital Strategy and Experience
Member Experience and Insights
Heather DeStefano
Zach Crnecki
Product Management Heather Jayson Ryan Spahr Tracy Norman 12
Boris Mack Eric Malyszka Ojullu Obang Amy Stover
Web Implementation Tabassum Quadir Brandi Westbrook
Charleen Madruga
Ashley Beukelman Callie Stark
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Rick Swartz
1-952-205-1029
[email protected]
Vice President, Marketing ROLE My group focuses on digital strategy, member communications, member experience and direct response campaigns to promote home delivery and product utilization.
MY SUMMER The highlight of my summer was spending a few days in San Francisco with my family. We had a great time running around the city trying to take in as many sites as we could in two days. I asked the guard at Alcatraz if I could leave one of my kids in solitary confinement and come back and pick him up in a few hours, but they wouldn’t go for it. This is a photo of my family at Town Hall, one of my favorite restaurants.
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Irvine, CA PT
Melissa Tobiassen
1-949-988-6063
[email protected]
Senior Director, Consumer Marketing ROLE I consider myself lucky to lead the highly motivated and talented OptumRx Consumer Marketing team. Together, we strive to create and execute best-in-class member communications that either promote the value of our home delivery pharmacy or educate members about our pharmacy care services.
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MY SUMMER Earlier this year I took a trip to Italy which has been on my bucket list for quite some time. We traveled through 3 cities — Venice, Florence and Rome — and literally ate and drank our way through the country! I absolutely loved the cuisine (the tomatoes…the wine…the pasta!) as well as the history, culture and language. One of my favorite memories of the trip was waking up really early in Venice on our first full day and taking a walk with my husband to the Grand Canal in an effort to watch the sunrise. We ended up getting lost (which is really easy to do in Venice!), but had a great time exploring the different neighborhoods and eventually taking a break in a cozy café for one of the most delicious cappuccinos I’ve ever tasted. I can’t wait to travel back and explore more of the country on another trip.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Irvine, CA PT
Jessica Cunningham
1-949-988-6196
[email protected]
Senior Marketing Manager ROLE Responsible for home delivery campaign management/oversight for member facing communications — including ongoing campaigns and new initiatives — through various communication channels.
MY SUMMER San Diego Baby - Moon: I spent a few days in sunny San Diego, CA with my husband to enjoy some time away. We visited Coronado Island to have lunch, cocktails (or mocktails), enjoy the sun and people watch. Also, spent some time sightseeing and eating our way through the city.
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Irvine, CA PT
Todd Campen
1-949-988-6381
[email protected]
Senior Marketing Manager ROLE I have more than 20 years of experience in direct response marketing, focusing on the member experience and effective marketing campaigns. I joined the Consumer Marketing Group here at OptumRx in 2014, but I have a new role on the team owning the campaign strategy. Overall I am tasked with the targeting and data strategy segmentation, working with the channel managers to evaluate campaign results from all channels as well as develop and present the marketing campaign success story within the organization.
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MY SUMMER Every year, I go play in the USA Volleyball Adult Nationals volleyball tournament which is in a different state every year, this year it was held in Orlando, FL. My wife and I have two young kids (2.5 yrs old and an 8 month old) and neither of them had been to Disneyland…so since we are big Disney fans we couldn’t pass up this opportunity to turn it into a vacation and visit Disneyworld. The vacation started off with the volleyball tournament where we won GOLD!!! Over the next few days we visited the Magic Kingdom and the Wild Animal park and enjoyed some relaxing days at the pool. While traveling with kids that young wasn’t easy, we had a great time. The rest of the summer at home was filled with days at the beach, bike rides and trips at the local park where the kids can ride a train and go on pony rides.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Irvine, CA PT
Ian Hammond
1-949-988-6072
[email protected]
Senior Marketing Manager ROLE I joined OptumRx Marketing in June of this year and manage the Outbound Telemarketing Campaigns. Previously, I was a Project Manager for Customer Service Operations with an emphasis on systems (IRIS and RxHD).
MY SUMMER My wife and I took a two - week trip to the East Coast. First stop was NYC and we took as many sites as you can in 24 hours. Second was Syracuse University, a five - hour drive north of NYC, where we watched the Orange take on the Tigers of LSU and the third and last stop was Washington D.C. to see all the sites and visit her sister who lives across the Potomac in Alexandria, VA.
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Irvine, CA PT
Dorothy Nguyen
1-949-988-6181
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE I’m a digital marketing specialist on the Consumer Marketing Team within OptumRx. I manage and execute all things digital which include emails, SMS and social media posts.
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MY SUMMER One of my most memorable trips this year was our road trip to the Grand Canyon to celebrate a friend’s 30th birthday. It was the first time I’ve seen one of the seven natural wonders of the world and it was completely breathtaking. We enjoyed an amazing breakfast with a beautiful view of the Grand Canyon at El Tovar Hotel. We then walked along the south rim to Hermit’s Rest, just taking it all in. As beautiful as our view was by Hermit’s Rest, nothing compared to the view from the watchtower at Navajo Point. Watching the sunset over the Grand Canyon at Navajo Point was my favorite part of the entire trip. It was absolutely stunning and very surreal. We ended the night with delicious burgers and beer at Diablo Burgers in Flagstaff. It was a great trip that will stay with me for years to come.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Jeff Ouellette
1-952-205-1043
[email protected]
Senior Marketing Manager ROLE As for my role at OptumRx, I work on the Consumer Marketing Team and manage our acquisition and retention direct mail channel activities. Right now I’m busy working with the team to prepare for the launch of our 2017 campaigns.
MY SUMMER The best time to live in Minnesota is from Memorial Day to Labor Day and this year was no exception! The great weather made it possible for me to take advantage of one of my favorite summertime activities, riding my newly purchased motorcycle. I enjoyed several day trips riding “up north” as well as an overnight trip along the scenic St. Croix River on the Wisconsin border. I also took a fun mini-vacation at Brainerd lakes area with my wife and some friends. While there we boated, biked on the Paul Bunyan trails, played golf, visited some great local brew pubs and experienced some fine dining.
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Irvine, CA PT
Robyn Gordin
1-949-988-6155
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE In my role I manage the creative development of the acquisition campaigns. This also includes testing strategy and annual planning.
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MY SUMMER This summer I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time with my family and most recently travel to a small island off of Virginia called Chincoteague.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Irvine, CA PT
Kathy Kim
1-949-988-6055
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE As part of the Consumer Marketing and Communications Team, I manage the creative development and communication strategies for retention and mandatory program campaigns.
MY SUMMER The majority of my year was like a rollercoaster ride with a long list of to do’s (not fun). But, I had the chance to spend a few days away from all the craziness, thanks to my best friend who is getting married later this year. I had so much fun spending time with friends, going on mini excursions, sun bathing and of course the unlimited food/drinks.
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Cedar Springs, MI ET
Erin Shelby
1-715-841-5056
[email protected]
Senior Marketing Manager ROLE I lead the Member Communications team within Consumer Marketing. We support all home delivery pharmacy and PBM member communications, including home delivery order materials, formulary change notices, clinical programs and general member education.
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MY SUMMER I got away for one camping trip with my boyfriend Jim this summer. After enduring a rainy Jeep ride (not fun), we explored the Manistee, MI area near Lake Michigan. Our campsite was right on the river, so we enjoyed two relaxing evenings by the campfire (I’m the fire starter…Jim, not so much). During the day, we did a little mountain biking, kayaking and beer tasting. We also fished. I handled my own worms (kinda gross), and also had the biggest catch — an 18-inch smallmouth bass. Other summer adventures included conquering The Stairs of Insanity (145 very vertical steps in Grand Rapids) and adding to my tattoo collection.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Trish Adams
1-952-205-1040
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE General onboarding, open enrollment and ongoing awareness strategy and planning across all lines of business: • Benefits education videos (non home delivery)
MY SUMMER My summer was spent at work, in Florida for my daughter’s dance competition, at my mom’s cabin and in Colorado for my niece’s wedding.
• Employer toolkit strategy • Newsletter content project management
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Irvine, CA PT
Ajda Blanchard
1-949-988-6405
[email protected]
Marketing Specialist ROLE I’m on the member communications team and I work on our PBM/home delivery pharmacy (HDP) operations communications. Some examples of the communications I work on are forms, the open, refill, transfer, file (ORTF) letters, HDP letters, and the fulfillment package that goes out with member orders.
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MY SUMMER My husband and I went on vacation to the Bahamas. We went on a tour that took us to an island with iguanas and then an island where they have wild pigs that swim in the water. My favorite part was feeding the pigs and holding the little babies.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Zech Hipp
1-952-205-1632
[email protected]
Contractor ROLE Professionally, I’ve been in the marketing industry for five years and have been with OptumRx and the Consumer Marketing Group for almost a year. I’m very passionate about the experience we provide to members along with the compelling and rich communications that help our members live better lives.
MY SUMMER My adventures of summer 2016 started off by venturing to the cabin, hanging out with friends and family, spending time on Uptown rooftops, going to the beach and running around with my favorite four - legged friend. But my favorite part of the summer was spending time with my favorite marketing people in California for our Consumer Marketing summit…Although, there was one adventure that will not soon be forgotten. It started in the beautiful rolling hills of Southern California where people come to visit, but never leave. It was a hot, humid Friday morning when my colleague Seabron and I ventured out into the SoCal wild. We had no plans and nothing booked, but we knew we were about to commence in the adventure of a lifetime! From spending the day seaside in San Diego to experiencing what it may have been like in the 1940s at Hearst Castle, this was an experience we will never forget!
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Sean Jones
1-952-205-1702
[email protected]
Marketing Specialist ROLE Manage/develop collateral posting process across content management sites for OptumRx Consumer Marketing while collaborating with content owners to evangelize deliverables • Drive end-to-end project management (creative development to print execution) for hundreds of ad hoc specialty transition and onboarding/open enrollment member communications • Fun Committee – Eden Prairie, Captain, Optum Marketing Summit Work Group – Volunteer Experience, Team Lead 26
MY SUMMER 2016 took me to both coasts, ice castles, music festivals, symphonies, sporting events, hole - in - the - wall restaurants, rooftops, speakeasies, and more; but one summer tale, with OptumRx roots, transcends them all. It’s Friday! Content to have swapped pines for palms, my colleague and I step outside the Irvine hotel at the tail end of July, on a warm, but crisp OC morning, basking our Midwest melanin in the SoCal sun. With our brains near capacity after an informative, fun, C.M.G. summit, more West Coast wonderment awaits. We bolt to our only planned adventure — an insightful tour of Carlsbad Home Delivery Pharmacy. With no additional activities or hotels booked, the days/nights fill themselves with sun, sand, surf, seafood, coastal roads, castle views, and mountain misadventures after dark! From a night out in downtown San Diego, to a night in Bakersfield (you’ve been warned), our transient trip was a mini - vacay for the books.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Irvine, CA PT
Chaise Nunnally
1-949-885-5868
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE I am an OptumRx marketing manager for onboarding and open enrollment. As a member of the consumer marketing team, I provide writing and editing support for new client communications and collateral development.
MY SUMMER My travels this past year were limited to local trips in Southern California. One of my favorite getaway locations is Palm Springs. I enjoy visiting this charming desert oasis for its scenic mountain beauty, hot weather (frequently in the 100s during the summer), tranquility and iconic vintage (50s/60s) character. One of the things I like most about Palm Springs is its celebration of mid - century modern architecture and design, which is prevalent throughout the city. My trip included seeing an exhibit at the Palm Springs Art Museum, riding the Aerial Tramway and visiting some local art galleries and shops.
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Katie Witte
1-952-205-1856
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE I’m a part of the member communications team, and support home delivery product communication strategy and content creation, home delivery brochures and videos, and social media content creation.
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MY SUMMER Our summer adventure looked a little different this year and kept us close to home, as we welcomed our son in February. Playing tourist in our town was one of the most fun summer adventures that we’ve embarked on yet — we spent our spring and summer settling in as a family of four, and enjoyed all that our local Minnesota summer had to offer — spending lots of time exploring nearby parks, lakes and splash pads. We built our toddler’s dream sandbox and clocked hours and hours of fetch with our spirited pooch. And last but not least, we welcomed lots of visitors excited to meet the newest little guy in the family.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Jonathan Kiehne
1-952-205-0918
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE When I am not being efficient at home I am often being efficient here at work where I serve as a Marketing Specialist for the Member Communications team within Consumer Marketing. My specialty is carve - out member communications, collateral supporting formulary change notifications and clinical programs, as well as general member education.
MY SUMMER I did not quite have a vacation this summer. However, my girlfriend Darla and I took a day off to move into a new apartment! So that is much like a vacation but with heavy lifting instead of cocktails, and packing boxes instead of travel luggage. On the upside we got the obligatory “Minnesota Summer Flu” out of the way at the same time! Efficiency!
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Amy Seidler
1-952-205-1611
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE I work with member-facing communications for UnitedHealthcare prescription drug list (PDL) cycle changes. It includes member disruption (coverage change notifications) mailings and member-facing PDL booklets a.k.a. Consumer Reference Guides.
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MY SUMMER This summer I read a biography of Catherine the Great, Empress of all the Russias 1762 – 1796. I found she was a fascinating figure whose ongoing correspondence with Voltaire is evident in many of her efforts to improve the lives of her people. I found her biting grasp of the realities and contradictions of life refreshing and quite relatable. In the quote below she sums up how I feel about this summer. “A great wind is blowing, and that gives you either imagination or a headache.” (Catherine the Great)
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Farha Adam
1-952-205-0910
[email protected]
Contractor ROLE What I do at OptumRx: I’m a marketing analyst where I manage PDL carve-in January and July cycle mailings, ad hoc mailings, eCRF and eLRF requests, proofs and other forms of communication.
MY SUMMER This summer I went to Kenya after five years to visit my husband’s family for the first time. (If I don’t look Kenyan it’s because ethnically I’m Indian! But I was born and raised in Minneapolis.) We visited three towns, each eight hours apart, within a span of 12 days. I had a great time despite meeting an overwhelmingly large family! It was especially interesting because I went during Ramadan — the Muslim month of fasting, and the whole town was lit up in holiday lights! Holiday lights always look beautiful during snowy winters, but there was something so captivating seeing these lights around palm trees and little shops during the summer months! All the shops are open till midnight since everyone needs to buy gifts for the Eid celebration. It was quite a lively experience shopping and eating late every night, especially sipping on fresh tropical juice! Everyone is out in town so it was really fun randomly bumping into people I knew. The highlight of my trip had to be when I fed a hungry group of giraffes at a safari park. :)
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Kari Johnson
1-952-205-0892
[email protected]
Contractor ROLE I’m a contractor on the member clinical communications team.
MY SUMMER I spent the last seven years contracting in content and project management, and learning about meditation, group fitness and world wines. Health care is one of my passions. I also love painting, rollerblading, cats, and classic cars. I have been with my best friend, Barron, for 16 years. Maybe we’ll plan a wedding soon. We are open to building a larger family somehow (e.g., birth, adoption, fostering, dogs, etc.). A successful vacation in my book is fresh air outside anywhere. The last vacations I took were to Brazil and New York City. That was 10 years back already. The struggle is real. Time to plan some travels again!
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MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Tamara Gambino
1-952-205-1049
[email protected]
Senior Client Marketing Manager ROLE A newly created marketing position in which I’m client-facing working directly with the implementation teams and marquee clients to represent member communications strategies and recommendations.
MY SUMMER I spent the summer of 2016 close to home. Many evenings and weekends were spent either on the side of a baseball diamond cheering on my son Michael (14) and his team or on the side of the soccer field cheering on my daughter Sienna (17) and her team. My son Nick (19) was home for the summer so we squeezed in backyard family dinners and trips to get ice cream or to a Twins game (BTW we only saw wins. Maybe we should have attended more?!?) We did have a family trip up to a lake in Northern Minnesota to relax and enjoy the early morning call of loons as well as golfing, tubing and wake boarding. A summer highlight was attending “An Evening with Malala” — the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and an advocate for education worldwide. She was truly inspiring , and it’s motivating to learn how one person can make a huge impact to help others. I also spent time with friends walking around one of the local lakes or enjoying a glass of wine in the back yard. Summers generally don’t take me or my family far from home, but the time I spend with family and friends are treasured memories that help during the cold days of Minnesota winters. 33
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Julie Gardner
1-952-205-1939
[email protected]
Contractor
ROLE I excel in collaborating between business and technical areas to achieve on - time, on budget and on - spec project completion. I have managed hundreds of projects, several from initiation to close, for small and large companies.
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MY SUMMER I’m a mother of two young kiddos with a fantastic husband so our summer trips involved lots of cabin time and water. My favorite memories from my childhood happened at my family cabin in Hayward, WI. I hope the same for my children. Kayaking, canoeing, swimming and boating — what fun and all in the north woods.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
MT
West Valley City, UT
Sara Nichols
1-801-982-3196
[email protected]
Sales and Marketing Administrator ROLE I lead the Marketing Operations and Analytics team, which is the behind-the-scenes engine powering the member marketing campaigns for home delivery. We are responsible for the data architecture and infrastructure around more than 75 data feeds that make up our member marketing database, the modeling, segmentation and building of campaigns and the analyzing and reporting on results for the member marketing campaigns. I joined Optum in 2010 and OptumRx in 2016.
MY SUMMER Nearly every summer for nearly 40 years, my family treks to a mountain in south central Utah for a week of unplugging, fishing, hiking, card playing and, new this year, family badminton tournaments. The weather is in the 60s with the clearest blue skies and most spectacular stars you’ve ever seen. This year marks my youngest’s last year of riding in the backpack on the hikes, much to his chagrin. We sleep in tents, and ironically, it is the best sleep all three kids (9, 7 and 3) get all year. It is not the best sleep my husband and I get, however. The highlight of the trip was when my 7-year-old daughter caught the largest fish anyone has ever caught out of the lake near camp with her Barbie fishing pole.
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Central Time MST*
Schaumburg, IL
Waddell, AZ
*no daylight savings
Erika Treadway
1-949-988-6057
[email protected]
Director, Marketing Data and Architecture ROLE I lead the Marketing Data and Architecture team which is part of the Marketing Analytics and Operations (MOA) group. This is a new role for me as I am transitioning out of the PDL/Formulary disruption projects. The data and architecture team is responsible for all of the data feeds and infrastructure to support our home delivery member campaigns. A key initiative on our plates is the complete integration of the legacy Catamaran data.
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MY SUMMER We took our first family trip to North Carolina in July. It was absolutely fantastic just to be with my parents, my brother and his family. That is my niece and nephew in front and then our 6 - year - old twin sons. Nope, we don’t get them mixed up. The cousins all had a great time together, the parents got a date night, and the grandparents spent lots of time with the kids. We live in Arizona and where 105+ is normal so the rest of the summer means…. POOL!
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Irvine, CA PT
Jeff Asada
1-949-988-6326
[email protected]
Senior Database Manager ROLE My role on the marketing and data architecture group is RxClaim data subject matter expert, although just as almost everyone else within the group, I do some campaigning and reporting as well.
MY SUMMER This summer was the first summer as a family of five. So as a test of our sanity, my wife and I took the kids to Hawaii. We stayed a few days at the Disney Aulani resort and few days in Waikiki. It was the longest plane ride the kids have been on, and it went much better than the nightmare I had envisioned in my head. Everyone had the time of their life; however we now have to hear weekly questions about when is next time we are going to Hawaii. Toward the end of the summer we attended a family member’s wedding at the Storm King Art Center in Upstate New York, which is an awesome outdoor sculpture museum that I would definitely recommend visiting if in the area.
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Irvine, CA PT
Eric Fegley
1-714-907-5180
[email protected]
Database Manager ROLE I am responsible for making sure that feeds and data used for marketing campaigns makes it to Wunderman, our third-party vendor that houses all the data for campaigning. I take data from many sources and make it digestible for Wunderman and track all the automated feeds to make sure they arrive and process without errors.
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MY SUMMER The highlight of my summer was a trip to Lake Tahoe for a long weekend. My close friends from grade school and I all hit the big 40 this year. We took the long weekend to celebrate and get caught up. One of the days we rented a boat and drove across the lake to the Viking house Vikingsholm.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Irvine, CA PT
Valerie Gronich
1-949-988-6367
[email protected]
Campaign Architect ROLE I currently develop PBM regulatory campaigns in support of Prescription Drug List (PDL), Bulk Chemical and Clinical Program changes. We are in the process of transitioning most of the data related communication activities to the Clinical Operations team. I am looking forward to sharing my PDL lessons learned in the coming year and expanding on my systems analytical skills.
MY SUMMER Summer brought many blessings to our family! The birth of our first grandchild, soccer camps for our youngest daughter and our annual Chris Isaak concert. Even though we did not make it out of town this year, living near the Pacific Ocean makes a quick trip to the beach a regular occurrence.
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CT
Golden Valley, MN
Dan Bur
1-952-205-0359
[email protected]
Senior Data Analyst ROLE I currently work on member mailing campaigns, including carve-in, carve-out and benefit setup resolution team projects. Also support the electronic Client Request Form (eCRF ) and the Letter Research Request Form (eLRF) and SQL Server database.
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MY SUMMER My wife and I went to Jamaica this summer for the first time! Our best friend is from Jamaica and she has a nephew in the travel industry so we got good pricing. The beach was great and we got a chance to swim with the dolphins and swim in the Glistening Waters! Now our friends are talking about an annual Jamaica trip.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Irvine, CA PT
Boris Mack
1-949-988-6060
[email protected]
Senior Database Manager ROLE I am responsible for the design, development and implementation of integrated data solutions used to support marketing, campaign and reporting initiatives. This includes managing data feeds, development projects using SQL Server, SSIS and ongoing maintenance of deployed feed solutions.
MY SUMMER “Hi, I’m Alexis and this is my husband Boris. Did you visit our Open House or see the For Sale Sign in the front yard? We’re the ultimate do it do - it - yourselfers and we’ve decided to tackle another home project. We’ve decided to sell our home ourselves! That is known in real estate as For Sale by Owner.” The quote comes from a script I wrote and was used in Whiteboard animated video to sell our home. So, that’s what my wife and I did this summer. We tried to sell our home without the use of a Real Estate Agent. Our goal was to save on the commission. On the weekends we held open houses and had 100+ home seekers pass through to check it out. We set up our own website with a dedicated URL, used Google Analytics to track visits, sessions and a plug in to track the downloads. With the help of few online resources we developed a sales contract, disclosure documents and marketing materials. We also used a free app to have a dedicated phone number and recording to describe the features of the house. It’s been a lot of work but also I’ve learned a lot as well. 41
Central Time
Las Vegas, NV
Schaumburg, IL
Eric Malyszka
1-612-632-5865
PT
[email protected]
Senior Database Manager ROLE I am a Senior Manager on the OptumRx Marketing Data and Architecture Team (MDA). My primary responsibilities are to represent MDA in all OptumRx/Catamaran-related projects, tracking and reporting of all projects and associated action items for our team, and managing the Campaign Research Request process.
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MY SUMMER As an off-roading enthusiast, my summer vacations are always spent on the trails in my 2005 Jeep Wrangler CJ Willys Edition (aka Willy). This year I was able to spend a week in the Joshua Tree, California area and a week in Moab, Utah for a friend’s bachelor party. Traveling to Moab is a pilgrimage of sorts for Jeepers and is a trip I should have done many years ago. Having lived my entire life in Orange County, CA and now Las Vegas, NV, Moab challenged me to push my limits of off-roading skills to a new level and also experience the full capabilities of my Jeep due to the extreme trail difficulties and tougher than usual conditions. Traveling with my Jeep topless with the doors off, either on- or off-road is something that I look forward to all year and I have already started planning my trips in 2017!
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Ojullu Obang
1-952-205-1370
[email protected]
Data Architect ROLE I have been at OptumRx for about two years as a senior marketing/product database analyst. I’ve worked on varieties of projects including Pharmacy Disruption List (PDL), Formulary Outreach (FO) a.k.a FD (formulary disruption), and Depot upgrade and so on.
MY SUMMER I spent my summer busy working and spending time with my kids. The only getaway I had was when I vacationed at Wisconsin Dells for two days. Kids love it over there and they enjoyed swimming. Personally, I love sport and reading. And at my free time, I like to do volunteer activities and helping those who can’t help themselves. I am well known by my sense of compassion for others.
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Amy Stover
1- 952-917-7761
[email protected]
Database Manager ROLE I am part of the Marketing Operations and Analytics department and work on a variety of projects that help support network/pharmacy disruptions, product, and new data initiatives.
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MY SUMMER Summer 2016 was all about the newest addition to our family — our dog Harper. We adopted him at the end of May this year and have spent the past few months helping him acclimate to living in a house and being a part of our family. We did not take any big family vacations this summer but did go on some dog-friendly camping trips to MN state parks. We have two young boys (Isaac, age 8, pictured) and they had a great time hiking and swimming. I also helped my parents move from Wisconsin to Florida and had a fun road trip with my brother.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Irvine, CA PT
Jim Peacock Director, Campaigns and Reporting ROLE I have the privilege of working with a team of talented professionals that are a scrappy, innovative and persistent bunch responsible for operationalizing OptumRx campaigns, analyzing performance and strategizing about the next improvement. My role is facilitating, championing and removing roadblocks.
1-949-988-6058
[email protected]
MY SUMMER Fun with family and friends as much as possible. Memories of Yosemite, fishing in Mammoth Lakes, Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree, watching the boys compete at baseball, my youngest become a thespian, going to see shows, eating, hanging, swimming, BBQing, high fiving, laughing and enjoying.
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Irvine, CA PT
Jeff Lu
1-949-988-6364
[email protected]
Reporting Manager ROLE A few of my responsibilities at OptumRx include campaign reporting, key performance indicator development, and providing analytical insight.
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MY SUMMER It’s been called many things. Whether it’s tying the knot or taking the plunge, I happily got married this past summer! That whole day is quickly becoming a blur, but there is one part of the night that particular sticks out — the mother/son dance, or so I thought. It started as a mother/son dance, but soon included a mother/daughter dance. Then our siblings eventually joined in and it quickly became a mothers/siblings dance, before finally evolving into a “newlywed, siblings and close friends/mothers dance.” Way to ruin my 1-on-1 time with my Mom! But a nice circle of family and friends singing “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men? It was quite epic.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Irvine, CA PT
Vasinee Opland
1-949-988-6012
[email protected]
Reporting Manager ROLE I work on the Marketing Operations and Analytics team. My main responsibilities include producing reports such as Digital Properties Deck, App and Mobile Metrics Deck, Lifetime Value Deck, and Email Address Acquisition Report. I also support ad hoc requests and manage data pulling and trouble shooting for Refill Reminder campaign.
MY SUMMER I went on two trips to Japan in January and May 2016 with my husband. We love their culture, people, food, and fashion! I spent two days in Tokyo to update my wardrobe and the rest traveled to Matsumoto, Nikko, and Kamakura. After the second Japan trip, we went to Thailand to visit my family in Bangkok for two weeks. In the summer in California, we like to ride our Vespa (… I just ride on the back…) along the Pacific Coast Highway and hop into random restaurants and bars. Besides all the fun time, I have been working on Data Science and Predictive Analytics certifications from University of California, Irvine (only two quarters left!).
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Dawn Fick
1-952-205-6304
[email protected]
Contractor ROLE My role within Marketing Operations and Analytics centers on campaign automation. Daily I assist with executing and analyzing marketing campaign activities to ensure that our outreach to members is optimal, successful, and productive. Oh...and anything else the team throws my way.
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MY SUMMER This summer we took a break from our regular summer activities like watching our boys BMX race, or show off our 1957 Lincoln at local car shows. My husband, Pete, and I took an adult trip to attend a friend’s wedding in NYC. Besides taking in the city lights and enjoying quiet dinners, we ventured north to Niagara Falls for a few days. Having never been there, I was in awe — definitely a place to see if you haven’t ever been. We also took the thrill of a lifetime on the River JetBoats and Class 5 rapids, worth every penny and not a speck of dryness once the tour was complete. Being a lover of chocolate, I couldn’t miss a chance to visit to Hershey, PA, where we toured Chocolate World and indulged in some chocolate spa treatments.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Irvine, CA PT
Thuy Phan
1-949-988-6310
[email protected]
Campaign Manager ROLE As part of the Marketing Operations and Analtyics team, I am responsible for home delivery campaign design and execution.
MY SUMMER This summer, I went to Vietnam to visit my family. The main purpose of the trip was to visit my brother who was in final stage of cancer, and to comfort my parents during this difficult time. It coincidentally became our family reunion, in which we had a memorable and lasting time together. Although my brother was very ill, he still managed to organize a charity trip for all of us to go to a Pagoda, where they raised abandoned kids with disabilities. Our contribution included cash, food, and a number of necessary things that the kids needed. We also got to experience a tour to see the kids’ condition and how they were cared for. It’s my brother’s wish to do charity work on a periodic basis as a way to help less fortunate lives, so we all do our best to continue his aspiration.
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Amanda Wold
1-952-703-7195
[email protected]
Campaign Manager ROLE My primary role is to execute marketing campaigns for BriovaRx mail service, home delivery, analyzing marketing data and creating ad hoc specialty campaigns.
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MY SUMMER This past summer I visited the San Juan Islands and discovered some of the most amazing landscapes and waterways are just off the northwest coast in Puget Sound. As a semi -outdoor enthusiast, this included glamping, hiking, cooking out and finding great local food and beverage stops along the way. One of the highlights was seeing families of orca whales swimming together in the wild as they were migrating through the sound and an incredible sight to see. I enjoyed this trip so much I went back two weeks later. I find being outdoors is a refreshing way to keep a healthy perspective. I also enjoy spending summertime at the cabin with my family and friends as much as possible.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Zach Crnecki
1-952-205-1046
[email protected]
Sales and Marketing Administrator ROLE Well, I generally come in at least 15 minutes late. I use the side door, that way Rick can’t see me. After that, I just sorta space out for about an hour. I just stare at my desk but it looks like I’m working. I do that for probably another hour after lunch too. I’d probably say, in a given week, I probably do about 15 minutes of real, actual work. Actual work consists of net promoter score studies, survey management, and member experience improvement.
MY SUMMER I started off the summer with a trip to Vegas, cause who doesn’t want to start off the summer in Sin City drinking and gambling. Unfortunately, I didn’t end up kicking off the summer that way; instead my beautiful kids gave me the stomach bug the night before, so I was held up in a Vegas hotel for four days — Awesome. Let’s move to mid - summer, went to Chicago, took the kiddos to the Shedd Aquarium and was able to show my son Henry where the Packers dominate the Bears every year. Then we went to Iowa to Adventureland, not by choice — and yes, there is a real place called Adventureland. If you want re - live the Griswold’s family vacation at Wally World, go to Adventureland – it’s a treat. To close things out (slipping to Fall), I’m going back to Vegas since I loved that hotel room for four days straight…
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MT
Denver, CO
Charleen Madruga
1-630-453-9196
[email protected]
Senior Marketing Manager ROLE Most of my work is around client satisfaction measures, including the annual voice of the customer/net promoter score survey, performance guarantee tools, and a variety of ad hoc projects.
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MY SUMMER This summer, we took a trip to Moab and the surrounding areas. As part of our trip, we stopped off at some caves to do some climbing and exploring, then moved on to Arches National Park. The park took an entire day and we were wiped! We were determined to make it to Landscape Arch, one of the arches predicted to fall soon. It started out as a hot hike, then turned into a wet one as the clouds came in, but it was worth it. We were planning to hike to Corona Arch the following day, but decided to put it off a year due to mud.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Ashley Beukelman
1-952-205-1882
[email protected]
Senior Market Research Manager ROLE I started with Optum in July of this year as a Senior Market Research Manager in the Member Experience and Insights group. My job responsibilities include: PG-Client Specific Member Satisfaction and Implementation Survey Management, Consumer Market Research, and Supporting our Net Promoter Score (NPS) Initiatives.
MY SUMMER It was a busy, on - the - road summer this year with my husband Matt and our two sons, Ben, 6, and Jack, 3. We traveled to the Black Hills of South Dakota; Okaboji, Iowa; Columbus and Akron Ohio; Denver and Chicago. On our adventures, we spent time with family and friends, checked out the local zoo, water parks, museums, tourist attractions, restaurants, and golf courses. My family has definitely become master car travelers and with two little kids, I have learned to appreciate a good/clean public restroom! When we were home, we spent our time outdoors enjoying the wonderful Minnesota weather by grilling, going to parks, taking the boat out, attending sporting events and concerts, hitting state and county fairs and running races.
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Heather DeStefano
1-952-205-1303
[email protected]
Senior Director, Digital Strategy and Experience ROLE I started with Optum in June as the Senior Director of Digital Strategy and Experience. My team and I own the OptumRx member, open enrollment, client and provider portals as well as the OptumRx mobile app.
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MY SUMMER My husband, Eric, and I have a son, Devon, who’s in second grade and a daughter, Ali, who’s in pre - K. This year, we took our first “official” family vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico during our son’s spring break and everyone had a blast! The kids loved swimming ALL day long and watching the iguanas and peacocks on the resort’s property. We were lucky enough to meet another family with kids the same age that we joined for dinner multiple nights and the kids even went to kids club with a couple of times. Devon and his new friend thought the all - inclusive concept was the best! They especially enjoyed bellying up to the swim up bar to enjoy “private” conversations and non - alcoholic daiquiris. Ali loved going down the lazy river with her new friend.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Heather Jayson
1-952-205-1033
[email protected]
Senior Digital Strategist ROLE I’ve been told by my colleagues that when they have a question about something they say “ask Heather.”
MY SUMMER We went diving in Cozumel which was amazing. There are a lot of tunnels and swim - throughs in Coz. We saw lots of sea turtles, nurse sharks, lobsters and crabs. The site that I was most excited to dive was Santa Rosa Wall where you can go deep (over 100 feet).
I am passionate about creating the best member/consumer experience on our portals to help our members live healthy lives.
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Minnetonka, MN CT
Ryan Spahr
1-952-205-0260
[email protected]
Senior Digital Strategist ROLE I work as a product manager on our OptumRx client and provider portals. My main responsibilities include managing the Catamaran migration efforts of our client and provider portals and developing out the future strategy/roadmap in 2017 and beyond.
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MY SUMMER Our Newborn Adventure. This summer we’ve enjoyed watching our 17 - year -old daughter Abbey prep for her upcoming senior year on the Blaine Competition Dance Team and also prepared for the arrival of our daughter Ava born July 11.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Tracy Norman
1-952-205-1481
[email protected]
Product Consultant ROLE I was recently hired onto the Digital Strategy and Experience (DSE) team as a digital product consultant. As I familiarize myself with OptumRx I will be responsible for maintaining client customization lists, fielding requests for proposal requests, communication process (plan for portal/app outages and updates) and customer service emails that pertain to the DSE business.
MY SUMMER In July, my husband Aaron and I were invited out by friends of ours to take a dinner flight. I used to work with the wife, and the husband has his private pilot’s license. They invited us out in their four - person Cessna and flew us to northern Wisconsin where we landed on a runway in the middle of a golf course. We had dinner at the clubhouse and headed back home. It was the most unique and amazing thing we have ever done.
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Tabassum Quadir Web Business Analyst ROLE I celebrated my five-year anniversary with Optum at the beginning of September 2016. I have more than 10 years of experience in product development area. I am passionate about user experience, and I am your go-to person for all consumer health portal member needs.
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1-952-205-1031
[email protected]
MY SUMMER I am a new runner and absolutely love running. I completed my first half marathon in August 2016. This summer we went to Maui for vacation and to celebrate my mother’s 60th birthday. I live with my husband, daughter who is a high school sophomore, and three happy cats.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Brandi Westbrook
1-952-205-1035
[email protected]
Sales and Marketing Administrator ROLE I excel in collaborating between business and technical areas to achieve on-time, on-budget and on-spec project completions. I am able to merge customer and user needs with business requirements, budgetary restrictions and logistical considerations to meet project deliverables. In my career, I have managed hundreds of projects from initiation to close for small, medium and large size companies. I have recently received my project management professional, certified scrum product owner, and certified scrum master credentials.
MY SUMMER My husband and I went to Dominican Republic in January for a week to enjoy some much needed sun and beach and then froze our butts off in New York in April! We made the best of it considering it rained for three days with 25 – 30 mph winds but we still managed to see the Empire State Building, Times Square, Statue of Liberty and Central Park.
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PRODUCT MARKETING
61
Marne Marshall
Value Story and Messaging Julie Greely Wendy Emahiser
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Go-to-Market Product Launch Lisa Siebert
Product Portfolio Management Kathleen Manicke
Cincinnati, OH
Marne Marshall
1-612-632-6962
PRODUCT MARKETING
ET
[email protected]
Vice President, Product Marketing ROLE I lead the Product Marketing team for OptumRx. My amazing team is responsible for value story, go-to-market product launches and product portfolio management. My biggest success tip for anyone … surround yourself with brilliant people!
MY SUMMER Anyone who knows me, knows that my answer to the “what did you do this summer?” question is pretty simple … I spent it in the gym. Many gyms. My daughter (a high school sophomore) plays basketball year-round. We spent the summer months with her travel team at tournaments in Cincinnati, Columbus, Chicago, Nashville, Washington D.C. and Augusta, GA with hundreds of college coaches watching our team. Luckily, we were able to talk my son (sophomore at Vanderbilt University) to join us at a couple tourneys. Let me just say I still need a vacation from our “vacations!” But ultimately, I am trying to enjoy this time with both my kids because, and I will sound cliché for the moment, IT GOES SO FAST! Believe people when they say that — it’s so true!
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Julie Greely
1-952-205-1038
[email protected]
Director, Growth Initiatives ROLE My role within OptumRx is to develop our highlevel messaging and support materials. This includes leading the development of our overall value story, creating our strategy and messaging for our product families (i.e. networks, clinical, formulary, synchronization) and launching new products/capabilities into the market. I am also the lead for OptumRx marketing for the “Orange Crush” work stream and I help out with other high-level projects wherever I can.
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MY SUMMER Every summer is very similar for me — I love to get outdoors and spend time with my son Casey, 13, and daughter Avery, 11. This summer we went to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It’s always good when my kids come out of the BWCA and say “flushing toilets and water with ice!” It’s a small way I help them understand that they have a lot of privileges! I’m usually running my kids to a theatre event or camp. This summer, they were both in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and Avery rides horses at the YMCA in Mound, MN. My husband runs marathons so I’m getting really good at spectating and supporting. This year, he ran Grandma’s 40th up in Duluth, MN , and he’s running his first Chicago Marathon this month. We like to hang out with friends at cabins in Minnesota or get out on our boat around Chanhassen. We live about a mile from Paisley Park so Prince really impacted us. The kids understood what he meant to the world and what a great artist he really was. Our summer highlight was renting a cabin for a week on Lake Vermillion, MN. My son recently started skiing, which thrills me because I love to ski!
Eden Prairie, MN
Wendy Emahiser
1-952-205-1783
PRODUCT MARKETING
CT
[email protected]
Director, Product Marketing ROLE I am so excited to have returned to Optum and to be working with such a great marketing team. My main focus is to support our UnitedHealthcare employer and individual product marketing needs from the overall marketing strategy and messaging to product launches and collateral.
MY SUMMER This summer our family continued our tradition of spending a week at a resort on the North Shore of Lake Superior. We spent the time hiking at the national parks, swimming, rock hunting, going down the alpine slides and of course roasting marshmallows. The trip gets better each year as the kids get older. When we go on hikes my son, Trevor, 4, can finally keep up with my daughter, Abbey, 6, and if he is lucky even win the race on the trail. We ended our trip by stopping at my in-laws’ cabin where the kids went fishing with their great grandpa. They also slept outside in a tent for the first time. They weren’t big fans so on the way home we stayed at a hotel with a waterpark.
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CT
San Antonio, TX
Lisa Siebert
1-612-632-5187
[email protected]
Director, Product Marketing ROLE I focus on the go-to-market product launch function within Product Marketing. This includes leading the launch strategy and rollout of new OptumRx products in collaboration with product partners, acting as Accelerate marketing lead, product positioning and naming, material creation for internal/external stakeholders (B2B focus) and ORx Connect product training.
MY SUMMER Our family has a tradition of kicking off the summer with a Siebert family adventure. This year we travelled to Orlando to spend quality time with wizards, minions, princesses and everyone’s favorite mouse. We spent two days at Universal Studios, where the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was definitely the family favorite. We also visited Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom, closing down the parks most nights during this whirlwind week in June. In August, we headed to my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio to visit family and friends. At home, we spent much of our time in the pool to beat the sweltering San Antonio summer heat, and both kids (Ryan, 12, and Madison, 8) celebrated summer birthdays. Earlier this year, my husband and I also ventured to Atlanta where we explored CNN and the Georgia Aquarium and embarked on a Walking Dead tour, hosted by cast member extras, where we visited sets and filming locations from our favorite TV show.
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MT
Kathleen Manicke
1-952-687-4169
PRODUCT MARKETING
Albuquerque, NM
[email protected]
Senior Manager ROLE I’m responsible for developing and maintaining the PALs (Product Availability Lists) for Direct, UHC, and UMR lines of business. This year, I was co-leader on a project to launch the KIC (Knowledge Information Center), which contains all our product and marketing collateral and resources for Direct business. And lastly, I’m the workstream lead for the implementation of Select90, our collaboration with Walgreens retail pharmacies.
MY SUMMER Outdoor adventures and family time are my two favorite things to do on a vacation. This year, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the national parks, we drove to one of the parks we’ve never been to before — Zion National Park in Utah. Along for the drive were my husband, 18- and 11-year-old sons, my sister and her husband. We had a great time hiking, and nearly dying. Google or YouTube Bright Angel trail and you’ll see what I mean!
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68
GROWTH AND RETENTION
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Travis Hawton
Employer Marketing and Sales Engagement
Payer Marketing
Julie Rosckes
Shayne McCartney
Carey Kane
Government and Provider Marketing Lora Denman
Dan Rogers
Neary Chhe
Content Creation Steve Emil
Consultant and Broker Marketing Tracy Dirks
Strategic Solutions Scott McClusky Kim Konczal
Field and Benefit Change Communications Christy Unekis Paula Johnson
CT
Travis Hawton
1-952-205-1076
[email protected]
GROWTH AND RETENTION
Eden Prairie, MN
Senior Director, Growth and Retention ROLE I’ve been with UnitedHealth Group supporting OptumRx/UnitedHealthcare Pharmacy for over eight years now. I oversee the Growth and Retention OptumRx marketing team. We are responsible for engaging our clients, prospects, consultants, brokers and the field to achieve our growth and retention goals.
MY SUMMER This summer we took a week-long vacation to New York, living in a brownstone. Like the Muppets, we took Manhattan big time: We saw the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, World Trade Center, 9/11 memorial and museum, Rockefeller Center (and Top of the Rock), Empire State Building, Grand Central Station and more. We did our own tasting tour hitting many unique and famous NY sites across Chinatown, Little Italy and all the great boroughs within Manhattan, including Katz Delicatessen with mammoth pastrami sandwiches! We walked The High Line park, biked and explored Central Park, cruised the harbor, took a few taxis, mastered the subway and walked and walked and walked! We also got all cultured with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and three Broadway shows: Stomp, School of Rock and a free 20th anniversary performance of Chicago in Central Park.
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CT
Corpus Christi, TX
Julie Rosckes
1-612-632-5829
[email protected]
Director, Employer Marketing and Sales Engagement ROLE I lead demand generation for the OptumRx employer segment, including content marketing, Pharmacy Insights email campaigns, lead generation, optum.com and our B2B social media presence. Our team also supports Sales and Client Management engagement requests such as finalist presentations, interactive demos and custom prospect websites.
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MY SUMMER We moved! These native Minnesotans left our temporary (and beloved) home of Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. Quick tip, try to avoid moving cross-country with a toddler and an infant. Quick tip #2, July is not a great time of year to move to South Texas (it’s H-O-T!). To escape the heat, we took a few trips to our families’ Minnesota lake homes – AKA, our happy place. Our daughter (Isla, 2) is now old enough to enjoy pontoon rides, jumping off the dock, and campfire s’mores. And, the crisp Northwoods’ air made for perfect napping conditions for our son (Emmett, 9 months). We definitely miss the Midwest (especially the fall weather), but I know we’ll be loving our new home once winter hits!
Warrenton, VA
Carey Kane
1-571-262-5202
GROWTH AND RETENTION
ET
[email protected]
Senior Manager ROLE My responsibilities include supporting sales and client management with presentations (finalists/retention decks), management of the OptumRx KIC, PharWeb and Connect to Market, and OptumRx event support.
MY SUMMER This summer, the Kane family ventured down to the Outer Banks (Cape Hatteras) of North Carolina for vacation where we enjoyed six days at the beach with our two boys, Tylen, 5, and Kellen, 2). The highlight of the trip was spending every day in the ocean watching the boys laugh and run from the waves. While there, we also visited the Wright Brothers’ museum, the NC Aquarium, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, and Jockey’s Ridge State Park. We are now in back - to - school mode and officially have a kindergartner! We are so excited for Ty and this next chapter in his life. After such a busy summer, we are looking forward to some cooler temperatures and enjoying some fall outdoor activities.
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Neary Chhe
1-952-205-1074
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE As part of the Growth and Retention marketing team, my primary role is field and consultant engagement. This includes finalist and presentation support, providing resources and tools for the field, and developing content for the experience center and webinars.
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MY SUMMER I usually take advantage of the eventful MN summers in the cities but this summer I ventured outside the state, and even outside the country. I kicked off my summer traveling to Montreal where I stayed by the beautiful waterfront and probably ate too many crepes. It was my first time in Canada and it was a blast exploring the historical sites and the different things you can put on your poutine. My most recent trip was to celebrate my birthday in Virginia Beach. Then I tacked on a few days in D.C. The weekend I was in D.C. was the “summer’s most extreme and long - lasting period of humidity so far”— so I had great timing. I planned lots of activities that included checking out the Newseum and other buildings with AC. My trip highlight is always the food and collectively the best place I checked out this summer was Korean BBQ at Honey Pig, just outside of D.C. It was my first try at Korean BBQ, but not my last!
GROWTH AND RETENTION
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Steve Emil
1-952-205-1078
[email protected]
Senior Communications Manager ROLE I am the senior writer for the Growth and Retention Marketing team. I research, write and design supporting graphics for articles on topics that affect our key audiences. Photo by edkohler https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en
MY SUMMER This summer we decided to stimulate ourselves and the local economy by vacationing on and by Lake Minnetonka. It is actually a series of connected bays that lies roughly 20 miles due west of the downtown Twin Cities. People native to the area, including Prince and Apollonia, have been coming to purify themselves in the waters of Lake Minnetonka for centuries. It is said that the first white people to discover the lake included the son of the military commander of Fort Snelling (on the Mississippi). In 1822 young Will paddled over 20 miles up Minnehaha Creek (of Longfellow fame) through virgin woodland, just to see where it went. It went to Lake Minnetonka, where people have been coveting property ever since.
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Clive, IA CT
Tracy Dirks
1-651-293-7648
[email protected]
Senior Marketing Manager ROLE As marketing manager for the consultant and broker space, I focus on the strategy and engagement opportunities to help position us as the leading PBM. I support the consultant relations team, which grew this summer from two to six and provide thought leadership through webinars, email campaigns and various communication channels.
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MY SUMMER I grew up in MN (Blaine) but moved to Des Moines, IA in 2003 where I met my husband, Kyle. We celebrated our 10-year anniversary this summer and have two pretty awesome kids who keep us on our toes! Peyton is 6 and Logan is 4. We spent our summer in Iowa! No big vacations, just a lot of golf, trips to grandparents and of course all the local attractions like the zoo, amusement park and state fair. The kids would love to have a big pool in the back yard, but they had to settle for a kiddie version. They spent hours in there trying to keep cool!
GROWTH AND RETENTION
Bettendorf, IA CT
Shayne McCartney
1-309-757-6312
[email protected]
Senior Manager ROLE I’ve been with OptumRx since December of 2011 and with UnitedHealth Group since 2000. My current role is to manage our B2B growth and retention strategy for our UMR clients as well as support the unique needs of our formulary management services clients. I also own B2B marketing communications and strategy for our health plan clients supporting our sales/client management teams in the payer segment and working closely with our Optum partners on our overall activities in this space.
MY SUMMER My family and I took a trip out to California over spring break and enjoyed so many great sights including the quaint town of Carmel, driving the beautiful and infamous 17 - mile drive along the coast, riding the trolley cars of San Francisco, and taking in views of the Golden Gate from the water, and of course a tour of Alcatraz. We also traveled to the patriotic city of Indianapolis in July for my daughter’s Nationals dance competition. We got a day to check out the city and the downtown area spending some time at their amazing World War Memorial Museum, paddle boating through the canal in the heart of the city and taking some adventures in very unique parks.
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Dan Rogers
1-952-205-0501
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE I joined the OptumRx Growth and Retention team in August where I manage marketing programs with the Optum/UMR partnership. I feel fortunate to be an Optum team member and am looking forward to sharing and learning new experiences as we make our way to being the #1 PBM.
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MY SUMMER My wife and I spent most of our time this spring and summer remodeling our home so we didn’t have a formal summer vacation this year. We did have fun “mini vacations” boating and waterskiing with our daughter and friends. I’m a new Optum team member so I can share last year’s vacation when I crossed two bucket list items off my list: My family and I traveled to Europe where we visited Zermatt, Switzerland and Monaco. In Zermatt, we took ski lifts from town up to the base of the Matterhorn where we explored some excellent hiking trails with amazing views. The trails were so amazing that we lost track of time and arrived at the ski lift for the ride down after closing which extended our hike ALL the way down the mountain back to town. Next, we arrived in Monaco a few days after Monte Carlo’s annual Formula One Grand Prix had been held but before the race course had been disassembled. I fulfilled a dream I’ve had since the first grade with the opportunity to drive a Ferrari around Monaco’s famous F1 race course. The downside was that I had to obey the city’s 30 KPH speed limits so my lap times were much slower than seen on the track a few days earlier!
GROWTH AND RETENTION
Portland, OR PT
Lora Denman
1-971-386-7301
[email protected]
Senior Manager ROLE I work in Growth and Retention under Travis Hawton. Last April I began a new B2B role supporting the OptumRx government segment, working on website improvements, value stories, newsletters, RFP responses and other fun projects. In addition I continue to support the Non Integrated Health Plans and FutureScripts; as well as providing B2B marketing and communications support for some of the technology transition projects such as the new member portal.
MY SUMMER It was a BUSY summer — trip to Provo UT to care for my daughter after major hip surgery in June; moved in to my brand new home in Gresham, OR in July; attended my eldest son’s wedding in Orange, CA in August (big mommy tears of joy for the happy couple); weekend trip with my twin daughters to see The Lion King musical (amazing!) and take a ferry ride in Seattle; and wrapped it up by adopting a little Schnauzer.
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CT
Schaumburg, IL
Scott McClusky
1-815-325-5537
[email protected]
Senior Manager ROLE I oversee marketing for Strategic Solutions under the Go-To-Market team, which includes Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services, Health Business Systems, Workers’ Compensation PBM and Consumer Card Services.
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MY SUMMER I spent a majority of my time focusing on some home projects and other personal goals. While this has been a very busy year both professionally and personally, any additional free time was well spent on golfing or finding time on my new mountain bike.
Raleigh, NC
Kim Konczal
1-334-956-7508
GROWTH AND RETENTION
ET
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE Responsibilities include B2B marketing, sales team support, managing educational programs that offer continuing education for nurses (monthly webinars, independent studies and annual conference), communications, website and eNewsletter development as well as special project management.
MY SUMMER Take some time to unplug…Summer, while it’s not my favorite season, has much to offer. The longer days, warm weather and endless barbecues are a few of my favorite things about summer. Each year, I try to carve in some time to unplug and focus on making memories. This year, my husband Dwayne and I visited New Orleans where we sampled some amazing Cajun cuisine and took some time to unwind while sipping perfectly crafted cocktails while listening to a few entertaining live bands. In addition, we enjoyed a restful trip with friends at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia where taking in the breathtaking views, fun in the sun, boating and laughs were all on our agenda. It is amazing how taking a short break and being completely unplugged can re - energize you where you are even more productive when you return to work!
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Christy Unekis
1-952-205-1079
[email protected]
Senior Communications Manager ROLE My team publishes ePharmacyNews every week, develops health reform communications, leads OptumRx and UnitedHealthcare January 1 and July 1 Formulary/Prescription Drug List communications and supports special projects related to new drug launches, formulary management strategies and other network initiatives.
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MY SUMMER We traveled with the Adventure Cycling Association on a road bicycling tour of Zion and Bryce National Park areas, starting in St. George, Utah. The mountainous high desert landscape with tunnels, archways, forests and waterfalls provided beautiful scenery for our trip. We climbed over 3,000 feet up to 10,400 feet elevation while passing through Cedar Breaks Monument, and then descended the same distance in one day. Off the bicycle, our best memory was hiking 2.4 miles to the top of the Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, with a view of the Virgin River and “the Narrows” below. Part of the Angel’s Landing trail is also known as “Walter’s Wiggles,” 21 switchbacks carved out of rock as created by Walter Ruesh, Zion National Park’s first superintendent, beginning in 1926.
GROWTH AND RETENTION
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Paula Johnson
1-952-205-849
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE As the new PDL Marketing Manager I bring an array of branding, graphic design, sales and marketing skills. This summer I spent significant time diving into the 1.1 PDL Cycle. I’ve enjoyed working with my team and the good humor we have. I look forward to creating excellent tools to grow the business.
MY SUMMER I grew up in Minnesota, but love the mountains and have spent over 14 years living in the Northwest. I relocated back to MN to be closer to my family and making memories with my niece and nephews who keep me young at heart. They influence me to try new things, even sturgeon fishing. I enjoyed the summer of 2016 playing at the lakes, going to the cabin, hiking, camping, concerts, visiting Prince’s tribute wall, playing tennis, trying to keep the dogs out of my tennis gear (they like the smell of new tennis balls more than I do) and of course laying in the sun getting vitamin D.
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SPECIALTY PHARMACY MARKETING
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Bridget Swihart
BriovaRx and AxelaCare Integrated Value Stories and Products Vaughn Kinghorn
PBM/Health Plan Support and Patient Experience Sandra Erickson
Meghan Barry
Amelia Dyon
Mark Paulson
Jennifer Chess
Prescriber Experience and Sales Support Erin Griffith Jason Paasch
SPECIALTY PHARMACY MARKETING
Pittsburgh, PA ET
Bridget Swihart
1-412-366-4946
[email protected]
Senior Director, Specialty Pharmacy ROLE The Specialty Pharmacy Marketing Team supports the growth of our specialty and home infusion businesses by strategically partnering with sales, client management, clinical, operations and others to develop and execute a wide range of marketing and communication initiatives. These specialty marketing initiatives focus on payers, providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and patients.
MY SUMMER Spending time with my family is my favorite way to unwind. And, spending time with my family on a fun trip is even better! This year, I was blessed to be able to take a cruise with my husband, daughter, son and father. We travelled from New York, New York (my favorite city!) to the Bahamas. Together, we enjoyed the gorgeous skyline of the Big Apple and the sunny weather and crystal blue water of the Bahamas. We also shopped, ate (way too much!) awesome food, visited the famous Atlantis Resort, and even made a new friend, a dolphin named Wheaty. After having such a great vacation and making so many wonderful memories, we were very sad to see our trip end. It was hard to return to Pittsburgh and get back to the real world. We can’t wait to do it again sometime soon!
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MT
West Valley City, UT
Vaughn Kinghorn
1-801-982-3506
[email protected]
Director, Marketing Strategy ROLE I’m a member of the Specialty Pharmacy Marketing team. My team and I are responsible for the BriovaRx and BriovaRx Infusion Services (formerly AxelaCare) value stories that we develop. We also have responsibility for new product launches within the specialty pharmacy market. We are also working on the rebranding of AxelaCare to BriovaRx Infusion Services.
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MY SUMMER Summer means trips to nearby Bear Lake, a natural freshwater lake that is a beautiful turquoise color due to the limestone rock that is in the lake. We also enjoy horses, ATV rides and the treehouse at the lake house. We also enjoy neighborhood block parties and my twin boys were especially excited about the patriotic top hats that were a dollar store find for this year’s Fourth of July bash. Pictured in the photos are my daughter, Lexi, 6, and my twin boys, Chase and Topher, 4.
SPECIALTY PHARMACY MARKETING
Chicago, IL CT
Meghan Barry
1-312-261-7833
[email protected]
Manager ROLE On the Specialty Pharmacy Marketing Team I help promote understanding of the products and services BriovaRx brings to the marketplace. Whether it’s through internal training, the development of marketing materials, the rebrand of a website, I equip the organization and our stakeholders with the tools and information they need to convey our value.
MY SUMMER Near or far, new or old, it doesn’t matter: I love to travel. Exploring the world has always been a passion of mine and in 2016, I made it a top priority. Throughout the year, I’ve had a couple quick weekend getaways and took a big trip in September to South Africa and Dubai (so make sure to ask me about it at the summit!). I spent quality time with family when I visited Las Vegas for the first time! We enjoyed the warm weather, shopping, an incredible Cirque du Soleil show and amazing food during our quick weekend getaway. No summer is complete without a couple trips to the middle-of-nowhere, Wisconsin. Those weekends are spent by the lake, reading a book and lounging. It’s a wonderful way to detox and refresh when the most difficult decision you have to make is “porch swing or hammock.”
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CT
Schaumburg, IL
Mark Paulson
1-224-231-2391
[email protected]
Manager ROLE I work within Vaughn Kinghorn’s BriovaRx and AxelaCare Integrated Value Stories and Products group of Bridget Swihart’s Specialty Pharmacy Team on content and other, provider-related initiatives.
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MY SUMMER Since my wife and I moved from Crown Point, IN to Elgin, IL early this summer, the season has largely consisted of packing boxes, loading vehicles, unloading vehicles and unpacking boxes. Interrupted occasionally by moving furniture and hanging pictures. And, of course, shuttling mounds of used, dusty cardboard to the curb. If anyone would like to know, in excruciating detail, what it’s like to move an entire household and storage locker full of furniture, clothes, art, collectables, other miscellaneous belongings and a dog between sundown and sunup on the same night, please feel free to give me a call in Schaumburg…
SPECIALTY PHARMACY MARKETING
Eden Prairie, MN CT
Sandra K. Erickson
1-952-205-1077
[email protected]
Director, Specialty Pharmacy ROLE My work for BriovaRx is focused on PBM marketing as well as member engagement. I really enjoy working with the greater marketing team, the account management teams and our UnitedHealthcare partners.
MY SUMMER I am a fan of beaches. And of being lazy on beaches. We let the airfare dictate our destinations — Mexico is a favorite — quick, easy and cheap! Spring break was spent in Cancun at a small hotel where we have become friends with the small staff. Our vacation this summer was spent moving to a new house so we had all of the packing and unpacking without the benefits of room service or drinks by the pool!
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CT
Schaumburg, IL
Amelia Dyon
1-224-231-1599
[email protected]
Marketing Manager ROLE I am a marketing manager on the Specialty Marketing Team. My main areas of focus are being the marketing owner of specialty programs like BriovaLive™ and BriovaCommunity, developing content for payers/clients related to specialty, planning and coordinating the charitable events that BriovaRx sponsors, and managing the promotional items for the specialty pharmacies.
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MY SUMMER This summer, I didn’t take any vacations or travel anywhere exciting, but I did do some fun things! My favorite workout is Pure Barre, a ballet /Pilates based workout. I love it so much, I started working at my local studio part-time! On August 23rd, I hit my 500th class and got to sign the 500 club barre. I also went to a couple outdoor concerts throughout the summer. My favorite one was Luke Bryan at Wrigley Field for his Kill the Lights Tour (pictured with my friend Justin). We also got to see Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch perform. It was a hot summer night, but we still wore our flannel and had a great time!
SPECIALTY PHARMACY MARKETING
CT
Des Moines, IA
Jennifer Chess
1-515-326-2480
[email protected]
Marketing Communications Manager ROLE At OptumRx, I own member communications that support and educate patients who use the BriovaRx specialty pharmacy. My goal is to provide the right information — at the right time — to make a positive difference in a member’s experience during treatment for their specialty condition.
MY SUMMER My big 2016 event wasn’t a vacation, but a move across state lines! My husband and I sold our house in the Chicago suburbs and moved ourselves and our feline family to Des Moines, Iowa, a town I’d visited for a total of three days before we moved. We bought a great historic house built in 1925 that continues to delight us in its quirks. Our summer has been spent exploring our new town via convertible, and unpacking, decorating, unpacking, renovating and unpacking our new home (I’m sure you see the theme!). It’s been quite a change from a big city to a much smaller town and way of life, and getting used to being a full-time telecommuter.
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Frederick, MD ET
Erin Griffith
1-240-246-4717
[email protected]
Senior Manager ROLE As part of Specialty Pharmacy Marketing, my team supports the marketing needs of the BriovaRx Provider Sales Team. Together, we execute various marketing initiatives that drive growth in open market patients and prescriptions. These initiatives include collateral creation, presentation development, provider campaigns, drug launch updates, website content and much more.
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MY SUMMER This summer was one of the most exciting of my life because my husband and I welcomed our new baby boy, Noah James Griffith, into the world. Although the weeks since Noah was born have been filled with more sleepless nights, diapers and bottles than we can count, we couldn’t be happier. Noah has brought so much joy and excitement to our family, and we can’t believe how much he has grown already since his big arrival on August 11. We are looking forward to all of the big milestones that are coming our way — from crawling to walking to Noah’s first words. I knew that being a mother would be a lot of fun. I just didn’t realize exactly how much fun it would be.
SPECIALTY PHARMACY MARKETING
Milwaukee, WI CT
Jason Paasch
1-262-334-0536
[email protected]
Senior Analyst ROLE With OptumRx, I am a marketing specialist for the BriovaRx specialty marketing team. My work specifically supports the provider sales team with collateral and sales tools. I also maintain the content of the BriovaRx website, including the specialty drug list and provider enrollment forms.
MY SUMMER This summer was full of lots of new and interesting experiences for me and my wife Liz. Our son Elliott was born in February, so this summer was spent enjoying experiencing everything through his eyes. We didn’t get to do as much as we’re used to doing during this summer, but in place of that we’ve been able to watch our child grow way too fast and become a very happy and smiley little boy. We took a few small weekend trips around Wisconsin and enjoyed the time we could spend with family and friends.
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CREATIVE SERVICES
97
Mike McKinnon
Account Management
Design
Clinical Communications
Copywriting
Kate Schuster Therese Manzer
Everett™ A Gallegos
Ginny Van Cura
Susan Tsai Daniel Bretz Jennifer Lewison
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Tiffany Burks
Veronica “Ronnie” Fults
Irvine, CA
Mike McKinnon
1-949-988-6073
CREATIVE SERVICES
PT
[email protected]
Senior Director, Creative Services ROLE I lead an incredibly talented creative team of designers, copywriters, and account managers that partner with marketing to produce award - winning communications for our members, clients and more.
MY SUMMER I took two amazing trips this year. The first was to Cuba with my Dad in February, the second to Alaska in September. These two places could not be more different. Cuba was alive, vibrant, the people were upbeat and proud of their colorful culture and history — while remaining guarded concerning recent diplomatic changes between Cuba and the U.S. Alaska was wild, remote and strikingly beautiful. I spent days in the backcountry exploring glaciers and ice caves, ice climbing, kayaking, river rafting, and taking photos of grizzly bears from 20 feet away.
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Eden Prairie, MN CT
Therese Manzer
1-952-205-1375
[email protected]
Senior Account Manager ROLE My role in marketing is as one of your account managers. I am the intake person for all Workfront requests that then get turned into marketing projects. I help manage your projects through the creative process whatever those requests may be. I love my job, primarily because of my small, but greatly talented creative team.
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MY SUMMER My summer consisted of many small fun filled adventures. My biggest trip was heading to Denver to play Auntie to my two nieces while my newest niece was born on July 5th. Other weekends I had the pleasure of listening to live music, OAR, Florida Georgia Line, Eric Hutchinson and Luke Bryan to name a few. Still others a family wedding, camping or just staying at home and relaxing outside on my deck. As always, summer is just too short and it is important to me to make the most of being outside and spending time with my family before we hibernate for our long Minnesota winter.
CT
Ginny Van Cura
1-224-231-2650
CREATIVE SERVICES
Schaumburg, IL
[email protected]
Project Manager ROLE I’m the glue that helps keep creative projects and people together. I’m responsible for planning, organizing, and managing creative projects from beginning to end. The project scope can vary from single pieces of collateral to more complex marketing campaigns.
MY SUMMER This August, our family went up to our cabin in Minocqua, WI. While it was only a short trip we were able to accomplish a lot. On our drive up we stopped at Ella’s Deli, a restaurant that has great food in a fun filled kid atmosphere. Our son, Cullen, was mesmerized by the animated toy displays that filled the restaurant from floor to ceiling. He then got a chance to go on his first carousel ride. Once we got up to the cabin our weekend was filled with boat rides, swimming, kayaking, long walks, delicious food, and even a trip to the local zoo. Cullen got to meet all sorts of animals from white tigers to giraffes and monkeys. However, I think he really loved when he got to pet a goat, feed the deer, and give a bear his “bear juice.” We all had a blast and didn’t want the trip to end. However, we made some wonderful first memories that we will cherish forever.
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PT
Murrieta, CA
Tiffany Burks
1-949-988-6069
[email protected]
Marketing Communications Specialist ROLE I’ve been with the company for seven years. I work on formulary management, MTM Clinical programs mailings and support creative services.
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MY SUMMER We took a family vacation to Washington D.C. back in April of this year. It was Derek’s first vacation and plane ride(s). Derek was 1 year old at the time and did great. He is a great little traveler which is good since Larry and I love to travel. We visited almost all the Smithsonian museums and saw the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. We were able to tour the U.S. Capitol building, Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the Library of Congress. The highlight of our trip was touring the White House! I think we waited in the security lines longer than we were in the White House but it was worth it.
Wausau, WI
Kate Schuster
1-612-632-5847
[email protected]
CREATIVE SERVICES
CT
Senior Creative Manager ROLE Responsible for design workflow and process, quality/brand control and art direction, and the oversight of designers extraordinaire.
MY SUMMER After a few sleepless attempts to combine extended travel with a toddler, we adopted the stay - cation philosophy this past year (and for the immediate future). This summer we ventured to the Camp 5 lumberjack museum and rode the steam train (Laona); combined a Lambeau Field tour with an afternoon at Bay Beach amusement park — where kiddie rides are still just a quarter (Green Bay); and were entertained by circus wonderments including tigers, elephants, acrobats, jugglers and clowns at the old Ringling Brothers winter camp, Circus World (Baraboo). But our greatest adventure this year was the addition of our son Linus to the family. Born September 11, he came just in time to make the cutoff for the yearbook!
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Las Vegas, NV PT
Everett™ A Gallegos
1-949-988-6067
[email protected]
Senior Designer ROLE I’m a Graphic Designer. I create the printed material that is used to keep OptumRx humming. I build Flyers and Brochures and PowerPoints and Letters and more! I make everything look snazzy! Photos by Daniel Aguayo, 2016
MY SUMMER What did I do this summer? I worked. I’ve been at my desk 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, for months. Heck, I even worked all day on Labor Day! So, on Sunday, I went on an Adventure®! I started my Adventure® at the Paiute Reservation. I contemplated the desert. You can just feel the coolness of autumn tugging at the heat of summer as the day ends. I tried to catch a cotton-tailed jack-rabbit. Next, I drove up the 8,000 feet to Mount Charleston. It was 62°. I went rolling around Fox Trail Meadow. I got horse poop in my hair. Then, I had a conversation with the trees in the Old Mill Forest. However, it’s terribly haunted and I think a Faerie bit my butt. I finished my Adventure® watching the world roll over into night from make-out point! Las Vegas really is an amazing place!
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Irvine, CA
Susan Tsai
1-949-988-6071
CREATIVE SERVICES
PT
[email protected]
Senior Designer ROLE I have been a graphic designer with the company for over nine years. I’m known for creating marketing materials that include print, email and html.
MY SUMMER I had a chance in the early 2016 to travel to Europe with my sister and a friend. We planned and traveled through Vienna, Austria; Prague, Czech Republic; and Budapest, Hungary. This is the first time traveling so long and far away from my kids and family, so I had a mixed feeling of excitement and missing my kids. I was most excited about visiting this little city located in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic called Cesky Krumlov. It’s famous for the panoramic views of the old town and the Vltava River from the top of the Castle. The 13th-century castle has Gothic, Renaissance and baroque elements and is a World Heritage recognized landmark. I really enjoyed all the landmarks and sightseeing, but Cesky Krumlov stands out the most because it’s the most relaxing and not crowded, compared to all other cities in this trip. After two weeks of traveling, I was anxious to finally fly home to see my two lovely girls.
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CT
Schaumburg, IL
Daniel Bretz
1-224-231-1102
[email protected]
Senior Designer ROLE I have 20 years of print experience and over 10 years’ experience in digital design projects. I’m responsible for the design of projects for product, growth and retention and trend.
MY SUMMER This year my wife and I decided not to take a big vacation and opted for several long weekends, staycations and remodeling parts of our house. Two trips took us back to my home state to visit family and friends. In Kansas City, my brother arranged a private tour of Boulevard Brewing for myself, wife, father and himself. It was us and the guide. We went where other tours cannot go with a visit to the hops storage locker being the highlight besides the sampling. We also went to St. Louis to visit the Japanese Gardens in the Missouri Botanical Gardens with our friend who afterward arranged a tour of 4 - Hands Brewing and introduced us to made - to - order nitrogen chilled ice cream at Ices Plain and Fancy. Best. Ice cream. Ever. Chicago is always an adventure. Overnights, art fairs, brunches and food exploration dominate our spontaneity. This year we’ve continued our “Great Chicago Taco Journey” and discovered a little place that serves duck tacos which is now number one on the list.
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CT
Jennifer Lewison
1- 224-231-2100
CREATIVE SERVICES
Schaumburg, IL
[email protected]
Designer ROLE I am a graphic designer on the Creative Services team, with a strong focus on Specialty communications.
MY SUMMER The Lewisons did not travel far this summer but it was still just as fun and adventurous…in a different way. We mostly spent it changing diapers, chasing around a speed crawler, and tripping over dozens of toys, but we loved every minute of it. Some of our more exciting events were going to a Cubs game, the beach, art fairs, the zoo, Cedarburg Wine Festival, and rescuing a new dog, Charley (she’s mostly boxer)! Our son Jax just turned 1 in October and keeps us on our toes. He and his new pup are the best of friends and are so fun to watch. Needless to say, it has been an exciting year and summer and I love watching our little family grow.
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Royal Oak, MI ET
Veronica “Ronnie” Fults
1-612-642-7381
[email protected]
Senior Copywriter ROLE I’m a writer on the creative services team and work closely with the crew and our marketing partners to build materials that are clear, compelling and brand-assertive.
MY SUMMER These days, my travels center on hockey, concerts and, once again, cross-country relocation. My daughter’s hockey team took us to tournaments in Chicago, Detroit and Toronto — all super cool places with distinct character and energy. No surprise Dylan’s Candy Bar was the 11-year-old’s highlight. (Thanks, Dan!) Beyond the rink, I get to concerts and mountains whenever possible. We saw a dozen artists this summer, from Chance the Rapper to Violent Femmes, but our grand finale at Red Rocks capped it all off. It didn’t matter who was playing (though Tame Impala was brilliant). Perfect evening in my favorite venue and hometown. We got a nice hike in, too, and quickly remembered how little air there is at 12,000 feet. And yeah, we moved again, this time from Arizona to Michigan. I lovelovelove road trips but genuinely hope Nebraska stays in the rear view for a while.
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optum.com/optumrx | optumrx.com OptumRx specializes in the delivery, clinical management and affordability of prescription medications and consumer health products. We are an Optum® company — a leading provider of integrated health services. Learn more at optum.com. All Optum® trademarks and logos are owned by Optum, Inc. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered marks of their respective owners. © 2016 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. ORX8856_60817
