about michael
I am a user-first and user-centered design maximalist. My approach integrates data-driven insights and in-depth user research to develop innovative solutions that address real problems and exceed user expectations. This commitment to user-centricity fosters trust, enhances product advocacy, and builds lasting relationships, all contributing to increased engagement, retention, and revenue growth.
With over 15 years of experience, I am a seasoned product leader and UX strategist. My passion lies in meticulously architecting and delivering solutions where user needs aren't just considered—they're the star of the show. I thrive on creating intuitive, visually impeccable experiences that not only captivate users but also translate seamlessly into tangible business success.
My background encompasses a broad range of expertise in UI/UX design, user research, and product development. This gives me a holistic view of the digital product lifecycle. Throughout my career, I have led initiatives in user research, requirements gathering, information architecture, prototyping, high-fidelity design, and interaction design. My efforts have consistently resulted in more streamlined user journeys and improved user experiences.
Overview
With over 15 years of experience and a deep understanding of design history, theory, and practice, Michael is a passionate user advocate who crafts delightful digital products. He seamlessly navigates all stages of the design process, from user research and information architecture to pixel-perfect layouts and elegant interactions, always prioritizing intuitive and compelling user experiences that solve real business problems.
Most proud of ...
ability to adapt ...
from a web designer/developer to a user experience designer and strategist to product leadership. From an experience design and development startup to a big four consulting firm to a Fortune 5 organization.
persistence and loyalty ...
to lead UHG's bold vision of a digital procurement transformation (Mercury) from concept, through visioning and design thinking, to implementation and successful launch; all while working with hundreds of stakeholders throughout the organization.
advocacy for users ...
empathizing, walking in their shoes, and making sure that their interests are heard; then fighting for them
being the fortunate father ...
of three beautiful, precocious daughters.
Experience
Senior Director, Product Owner, Product Strategy & Customer Experience Owner
UnitedHealth Group
February 2020 – Present
Responsible for overall strategy, vision, design, development, and execution of UHG's procurement platform
Led the creation of UHG's new custom procurement platform (supporting compliance, cost savings, and risk mitigation) from conception through delivery
Delivered enhancements in 2021 and 2022 that have resulted in a 40 point NPS increase
Director, Experience Design & Strategy
KPMG
March 2014 – February 2020
Delivered compelling and delightful user experiences for organizations across multiple industries and verticals
Collaborated with key stakeholders and team members to define and implement exceptional user experiences
Led design teams, large and small, to facilitate client's product visions through research, ideation, wireframing, sketching, prototyping, designing, and delivery of user experiences for a wide range of digital products
Worked closely with business analysts, business sponsors, project managers and IT teams to obtain and understand business problems, refine stories, and translate them into ideas and designs
Manager, User Experience Lead
Cynergy Systems
August 2007 – March 2014
Worked closely with clients and key stakeholders to understand detailed requirements and design complete user experiences that meet their business vision and need
Explored User Experience (UX) design options through user-centric design methodologies, design thinking workshops, brainstorming sessions, visual prototyping, usability testing, and user shadowing
Created final designs, websites, and applications that turn ideas and mockups into optimal solutions for services and products
Worked closely with business analysts, business sponsors, project managers and IT teams to obtain and understand business problems, refine stories, and translate them into ideas and designs
Senior UX/UI Designer
ChannelNet
May 2007 – August 2007
Lead Web Designer
Enlighten
February 2007 – May 2007
Web Designer/Front-End Developer/Flash Animator
Catalyst Design, Inc.
February 2005 – February 2007
Education
Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business
Optum AI for Business Leaders
August 2021 – November 2021
EMERITUS Institute of Management
Innovation of Products and Services: MIT’s Approach to Design Thinking
2016
Central Michigan University
Graphic Design/Art History/Photography
August 1994 – December 1999
University of Groningen, Netherlands
Art History
August 1998 – December 1998
Licenses & certifications
Optum AI for Business Leaders
Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business
November 2021
Certified Scrum Product Owner® (CSPO®)
Scrum Alliance
December 2019
AWS Fundamentals: Going Cloud-Native
Coursera
January 2019
Digital Transformation by BCG & University of Virginia
Coursera
December 2018
Serverless Machine Learning with Tensorflow on Google Cloud Platform
Coursera
January 2018
Google Cloud Platform Big Data and Machine Learning Fundamentals
Coursera
December 2017
Innovation of Products and Services: MIT's Approach to Design Thinking
EMERITUS Institute of Management
2016