Cheri Gianakos
HEALTHCARE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT MANAGER
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
2
2
Certificates
9
9
years of post-secondary education
15
15
years of professional experience
Education
Project Management Certification -
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana 03.2023 - Current
Yellow Belt - Achieving Excellence
Aetna Healthcare
West Lafayette, Indiana 01.2016 - 12.2017
Bachelor of Science - Business
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 08.1984 - 12.1989
Skills
Exceptional relationship building
undefinedAccomplishments
- 2014 - 2024, Committee Lead for services to raise funds to help the humane society, arts, food insecurities and scholarships for the community of Camel and Westfield Indiana.
- 2009 - 2023, 7 time 5 star employee review recognition.
- 2017 - 2020, National Employee Resource Group representative for Work at Home employees for state of Indiana.
- 2015, Legacy House Recognition for Life Group Service Work.
- 2015, PROPs (Peer Recognition Of Praise) Nominee for outstanding leadership with Aetna's collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation and World Kidney Day.
Certification
Six Sigma - White, Yellow and Green Belt, 08/2017
Work History
Senior Product Development Manager
Aetna Healthcare, a CVS Caremark Co.
01.2022 - 07.2024
- Reduced production costs through strategic negotiations with suppliers, leading to improved profitability for new products
- This role involved close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including marketing, engineering, design, and sales, to ensure that the product met client needs and aligned with the company's strategic objectives
- Using net promoter scores, satisfaction surveys, and internal service data, collaborated with corporate teams on companywide initiatives
- Modeled and measured baseline metrics analyzing success for large-scale role reorganization initiative
- Analyzed and reported on KPIs to validate and demonstrate success of marketing campaigns
- Bypassing the annual enrollment goal for the new product by 50% within the first quarter
- Project Management skills in coordinating project execution that ensure strategic alignment and execution across multidisciplinary teams
- Collaborated closely with middle market marketing teams to develop cohesive go-to-market strategies that maximize brand exposure upon each new product launch
- Enhanced team collaboration by introducing cross-functional communication channels and conducting regular progress meetings
- Identified market opportunities, resulting in the successful launch of multiple new products
- Spearheaded efforts to secure intellectual property rights for newly developed technologies or innovations unique to our organization’s offerings
- Evaluated emerging technologies to determine their potential application within existing or future product offerings
Product/ Project Manager, Pharmacy
Aetna Healthcare, a CVS Caremark Co.
01.2014 - 12.2022
- Ensured alignment with the PBM contract between Aetna and Caremark during their merger while upholding Aetna's service standards
- Serving as an advisor and collaborating with internal partners across service operations, provider contracting, and member advisement
- Managed Corporate Project Management, supporting matrix partners, improving provider experience, and advancing network strategies
- Led cross-functional teams through project cycles, ensuring successful pharmacy network implementations
- Ability to engage, lead and manage the completion and oversight of network development projects, resolving over $30 million in claims
- Using benefit experience and pharmacy experience to oversee PBM relationship regarding client onboarding and internal standards and system cohesiveness
- Lead for network development projects of clients based on their utilization and needs keeping both client and supplier in key focus
- Oversaw internal teams and stakeholders through project life cycle, tracking milestones, documentation, risks, and requirements
- Improved executive reporting through claims analysis, resolution of $30M, and visibility creation over 7 years
- Incorporated cross-functional thinking through all projects, ultimately, creating visibility to additional issues and corporate engagement for improvements
- Served as Department Lead for PBM related issues, enhancing meeting documentation and issue resolution processes
- Led internal and external pharmacy audits for PBM/Rx claims, IT, provider data, and customer service protocols
- Conduct document research to achieve passing score for Network portion of URAC re-accreditation
- Directed Ernst & Young's dual system provider load accuracy, validation, and cleanup processes
- Assessed initial claim data test results and identified valid audit samples for PBM review and response
- Primary liaison for PBM vendor relations, assessing network performance and ensuring compliance with contractual terms and quality standards
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to refine workflow processes and support the development of commercial pharmacy products within regulatory frameworks
Program Lead, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Program
Aetna Healthcare, a CVS Caremark Co.
01.2011 - 12.2014
- Led the Aetna Chronic Kidney Disease program which partnered with two national dialysis facilities to identify pre-diabetes CKD stage 3 and 4 members
- Designed and implemented metrics and incentives, enhancing KPI alignment with strategic goals
- Maintained budget management and industry compliance while enhancing service quality and operational efficiency
- Oversaw strategic vendor relationships, fostering collaboration to expand service capabilities
- Collaborated on provider risk contract implementation and resolved operational challenges with existing partners
- Update existing project workflows and communication process improvement opportunities
- Responsible for process development, resolution of escalated issues and claim disputes
- Two effectively managed national provider partnerships, ensuring network stability within a single program across the assigned region
- Further all parties understand of and commitment to Aetna's service model by serving as an advisor
- Managed program materials, reporting, meetings, collaborations, and training for client-activities
- Led a team of interdepartmental leads, managing daily operations as the primary point of oversight
- Activities through weekly one-on-ones, monthly staff meetings, and relevant training and development opportunities
- Analyzed value-based provider performance and trends, enabling engagement teams to identify quality patterns and implement improvement plans
Project Manager, Provider Gold Card Initiative
Aetna Healthcare, a CVS Caremark Co.
01.2011 - 12.2014
- Led a team to create a product identifying high-performing specialty providers, reducing pre-certifications and cutting administrative costs
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and adjusted accordingly
- Established communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team's ability to deliver results
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects
- The Gold Card Initiative completed with 5 provider specialties, and their ability to bypass customer service due to their previous 3 years of high achieving experience
- They would yield an annual predictive savings cost of over 500k
Project Manager, Washington State Re-contracting
Aetna Healthcare, a CVS Caremark Co.
01.2011 - 12.2014
- Led Washington State's contract management initiative, overseeing agreements with network physicians, health systems, and ancillary providers
- Successfully navigated and resolved issues related to all acquired affiliates and existing contracts in the state of Washington ensuring compliance with DOI guidelines
- Exhibited leadership and strategic management, coordinating with National Ancillary Teams, 15 contractors, and 300+ contracts
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects
Contract Manager/ National Ancillary/Urgent Care
Aetna Healthcare, a CVS Caremark Co.
08.2009 - 01.2011
- Negotiated and managed contracting and execution of national dialysis, ancillary, and urgent care agreements
- Analyzed reimbursement rates and optimized contract terms to align with organizational goals
- Conducted detailed claims reconciliation to maintain contractual accuracy and uphold system integrity
- Improved provider performance by implementing advanced operational tools, enhancing efficiency and service quality
- Serve as the single point-of-contact for the resolution of service issues including but not limited to; provider portal, claim resolution, credentialing, and system loading concerns
- Foster trust and collaboration with nationally owned long-term, acute care, and nursing facilities through visits, transparency, and issue resolution to ensure timely patient care
References
REFERENCES
Troy Pelfrey
Anthem
Product Director, Small Group, IN and CA
TPelfrey63@gmail.com
Stephanie Kessler
Lead Director of Project and Program Management
Aetna, a CVS Healthcare Co.,
smkessler@me.com
Steve Twinam,
Lead Director Aetna Network Management,
TwinamS@aetna.com
1-614-598-0309
Patty Grady
Co-lead of Committees for Tri Kappa Carmel Indiana
PGrady@indy.rr.com
317-513-8234
Kevin Mahan
Vice President of Security and Safety, Community Health Network
765-499-0415
mahan_kevin@comcast.net
Timeline
Project Management Certification -
Purdue University
03.2023 - Current
Senior Product Development Manager
Aetna Healthcare, a CVS Caremark Co.
01.2022 - 07.2024
Yellow Belt - Achieving Excellence
Aetna Healthcare
01.2016 - 12.2017
Product/ Project Manager, Pharmacy
Aetna Healthcare, a CVS Caremark Co.
01.2014 - 12.2022
Program Lead, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Program
Aetna Healthcare, a CVS Caremark Co.
01.2011 - 12.2014
Project Manager, Provider Gold Card Initiative
Aetna Healthcare, a CVS Caremark Co.
01.2011 - 12.2014
Project Manager, Washington State Re-contracting
Aetna Healthcare, a CVS Caremark Co.
01.2011 - 12.2014
Contract Manager/ National Ancillary/Urgent Care
Aetna Healthcare, a CVS Caremark Co.
08.2009 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Business
Purdue University
08.1984 - 12.1989
Six Sigma - White, Yellow and Green Belt, 08/2017
PMP Certification (testing pending), 08/2024
Community Service
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Enhanced community engagement by organizing and leading local clean-up events.
- Boosted donations to organizations by strategizing and executing fundraising events.
- Strengthened volunteer team effectiveness by providing training sessions.
- Supported efficient operations at homeless shelter, preparing meals and organizing supplies.
- Assisted in disaster relief efforts, ensuring timely distribution of aid and supplies.
- Increased cultural awareness with organization of multicultural festivals.
- Enhanced educational opportunities by volunteering as teaching assistant in underprivileged areas.
- Coordinated food drives for improved local food bank stock levels.
- Coordinated and managed volunteer activities for community service projects.
- Cultivated strong network of providers delivering necessary assistance to Senior Living community.
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