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Abena Essel
Knightdale,NC
Summary
Strategic leader in enterprise transformation focused on technology, particularly in AI and automation. Spearheaded modernization initiatives that increased patient engagement by 30% and user adoption by 35% within one month. Proven ability to align cross-functional teams to boost operational performance and implement scalable solutions.
Overview
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Technical Product Manager
Optum Serve
06.2024 - 05.2026
- Led end-to-end modernization of a legacy clinical platform into a cloud-native, AI-enabled solution - delivering production-grade intelligent workflows that improved patient safety and operational efficiency at enterprise scale.
- Directed vision and execution for AI virtual agent platform, transitioning from a legacy IVR system to intelligent workflows that enhanced operational efficiency and customer safety at scale.
- Oversaw full ML/AI product lifecycle for AI-driven virtual agent platform, from proof-of-concept to production deployment, transforming legacy IVR workflows into intelligent, data-informed patient interaction systems.
- Drove 30% increase in platform engagement within 12 months by leveraging data-driven insights to continuously optimize live AI workflows and user experiences.
- Developed AI platform roadmap to incorporate operational monitoring, observability, and controls, allowing clinical and business teams to swiftly identify issues and enhance AI performance after deployment.
- Directed enterprise transformation initiatives focused on modernizing healthcare service platforms supporting high-volume patient engagement and provider operations.
Senior Technical Product Manager
Optum
01.2021 - 05.2024
- Executed customer-focused go-to-market strategy, achieving 35% user adoption within 30 days by aligning discovery, change management, and enablement across sales and operations.
- Developed data-driven prioritization frameworks for defensible roadmap decisions, supporting executive investment strategies and maximizing customer impact.
- Led strategy and execution for enterprise healthcare platforms, enhancing service delivery for external healthcare organizations.
Senior Capability Analyst
Optum
07.2020 - 01.2021
- Achieved 95% sprint readiness within 12 months by implementing structured planning and Agile governance, enhancing team efficiency.
- Improved sprint throughput by 18% through enhanced backlog refinement and user story quality.
- Served as primary liaison between business strategy and technical delivery for enterprise healthcare applications, ensuring alignment and effective communication.
- Collaborated with enterprise architects to define scalable technology capabilities, enabling long-term modernization initiatives.
Senior Quality Analyst
Optum
08.2017 - 06.2020
- Enhanced product quality and user satisfaction by streamlining defect resolution processes, resulting in a 30% reduction in production issues.
- Supported enterprise healthcare technology delivery, release management, and quality transformation initiatives.
- Built foundational expertise in enterprise systems, release management, Agile delivery, and cross-functional collaboration.
Education
Master of Science - Information Technology
North Carolina A&T State University
NC, USASkills
- AI automation
- Cloud migration
- Digital transformation
- Enterprise modernization
- Technical program management
- Data-driven decisions
- Roadmap development
- Workflow optimization
- Change management
- Risk management
- Program governance
- Portfolio management
- Strategic planning
- Cross-functional leadership
- Executive communication
- Business case development
Certification
Certified Product Owner
Timeline
Senior Technical Product Manager
Optum Serve
06.2024 - 05.2026
Senior Technical Product Manager
Optum
01.2021 - 05.2024
Senior Capability Analyst
Optum
07.2020 - 01.2021
Senior Quality Analyst
Optum
08.2017 - 06.2020
Master of Science - Information Technology
North Carolina A&T State University