Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Timeline
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Julia Karess

Bethlehem,PA

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented leader with over 13 years of progressive leadership in product strategy, business transformation, and digital innovation. Proven success in scaling national operations, launching multimillion-dollar initiatives, and leading high-performing teams across healthcare and tech. Adept at aligning cross-functional strategies to regulatory frameworks, maximizing ROI, and driving stakeholder value. CEO and founder of a fast-growing digital wellness startup with an emphasis on tech-enabled parenting solutions.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director, Product Strategy

UnitedHealth Group
01.2024 - Current

Designed and led execution of enterprise-wide product roadmap, enhancing CMS reporting compliance and reducing audit risk by 92%.
Delivered $8M in operational efficiencies by streamlining cross-functional reporting systems using automation and KPI dashboards.
Orchestrated $30M+ in new client wins by aligning technical product capabilities to emerging RFP opportunities.
Directed budget forecasting and planning, ensuring 100% alignment with CMS guidelines and internal strategic priorities.
Built and deployed Salesforce CRM system that improved account manager efficiency by 41%.

Founder/CEO

TogetherBaby
01.2023 - Current

Founded a tech-enabled parenting startup focused on digital tools for baby care and caregiver collaboration. Currently leading development of a mobile app with a targeted App Store launch in Summer 2025.

  • Spearheading the design, build, and pre-launch strategy for a mobile app offering behavioral cue tracking, AI-powered insights, and co-caregiver syncing.
  • Built and manage a cross-functional development team (UX, engineering, content).
  • Leading branding, subscription model design, and go-to-market strategy.
  • Developed monetization pathways including premium tiers and affiliate partnerships to support early-stage revenue.

Senior, Network Engagement Manager

UnitedHealth Group
01.2019 - 01.2024

Generated over $1B in ROI through technology product adoption and national rollout of EPIC-based solutions.
Maintained #1 national performance in network adoption metrics for three consecutive years.
Directed cross-functional deployment of Azure cloud migration and digital health integration tools.
Led training programs and created national product playbooks adopted across all regional markets.
-Served as U.S. SME for EPIC integration strategy; guided 100+ health systems through digital transformation.

Facility & Physician Provider Advocate

UnitedHealth Group
01.2018 - 01.2019
  • Managed relationships with over 200 providers, achieving a 15% improvement in satisfaction scores through enhanced claims support and engagement.
  • Led contract support and negotiation for both facility and physician groups, contributing to a 10% increase in network retention.
  • Oversaw resolution of claim processing issues across 3 key lines of business (Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial), reducing average turnaround time by 22%.
  • Supported quality program execution (HEDIS, RAF, MCAIP, MAPCPI), leading to measurable improvements in coding accuracy and incentive attainment.
  • Streamlined provider onboarding and technical support processes, enhancing CMS compliance and reducing escalations by 30%.
  • Utilized systems including NDB, ISET, COSMOS/CPA, Facets, and Spire for end-to-end provider lifecycle management.

Training Supervisor

Amazon
01.2012 - 01.2017

Developed forecasting tools using AWS that optimized labor allocation, improving output by 33%.
Led 5 direct reports and improved team performance rankings to Top 50 across five consecutive peak seasons.
Delivered 100% on-time project execution for five seasonal campaigns, ensuring seamless fulfillment operations.

Education

CIO Program - undefined

NYU Tanden School of Engineering

Skills

    Enterprise Strategy Digital Transformation Revenue Growth & Profitability Product Innovation Stakeholder Engagement P&L Management Organizational Leadership Value-Based Healthcare CMS & Regulatory Compliance Scalable Operations M&A Integration SaaS & Mobile Platforms

Certification

  • Product Manager Certification
  • GitHub Essentials Certification
  • AI Essentials/ Machine learning
  • Six Sigma Certification
  • Data Analysis Certification
  • Strategic Business Analysis Certification
  • Link Certified & M&R Certified
  • Salesforce SME, EPIC SME, ECW, Insights SME, Rhyme SME, Link SME
  • IOS App Developer
  • Technology device inventor
  • Tableau/PowerBI/Sisense/SQL/Python/Chat GPT

Timeline

Director, Product Strategy

UnitedHealth Group
01.2024 - Current

Founder/CEO

TogetherBaby
01.2023 - Current

Senior, Network Engagement Manager

UnitedHealth Group
01.2019 - 01.2024

Facility & Physician Provider Advocate

UnitedHealth Group
01.2018 - 01.2019

Training Supervisor

Amazon
01.2012 - 01.2017

CIO Program - undefined

NYU Tanden School of Engineering
Julia Karess