MICHAEL Raus MBA, MSBA.
Prospect,KY
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in driving enterprise-level projects that enhance Medicare Stars ratings. Expertise in program management and stakeholder engagement, effectively managing a $10M advertising budget to optimize operational performance. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and strategic planning, fostering high-performing teams to achieve impactful results.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Category Manager (Wine)
GOPUFF/LIQUOR BARN
09.2024 - Current
- Oversaw wine category operations across strategic accounts, aligning sales, suppliers, and consultants to achieve performance goals and enhance revenue growth.
- Directed data-driven category evaluations and space planning initiatives, utilizing retail analytics to optimize assortment, shelf strategy, and market responsiveness.
- Directed vendor and stakeholder communications, inventory planning, and in-store program execution (e.g., tastings) to ensure effective program delivery and brand alignment across channels.
- Managed full-cycle talent development processes including hiring, training, performance management, and coaching, fostering a high-performing team culture that enhanced customer experience and operational efficiency.
Program Manager
CITY OF LOUISVILLE
02.2023 - 02.2024
- Directed cross-functional programs with 30+ team members, including project managers, developers, trainers, and educational specialists, resulting in timely delivery of high-impact initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
- Partnered with product owners and stakeholders to manage two million dollar budget, clarify requirements, and align deliverables with strategic business outcomes.
- Proactively identified and resolved cross-team impediments, mitigating risks and ensuring timely delivery through strong stakeholder communication and issue resolution strategies.
- Led Agile ceremonies (daily stand-ups, sprint planning, reviews, retrospectives) to enhance alignment, transparency, and continuous improvement across program teams.
Project Manager
UPS FINANCE (GLOBAL AVIATION)
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Led cross-functional efforts to develop and execute cost containment programs for international crew travel, housing, and maintenance logistics, reducing operational overhead while enhancing resource efficiency.
- Managed quarterly expense reporting and financial oversight for international aviation operations, collaborating with finance and executive stakeholders to align with organizational goals.
- Coordinated with global teams on strategic initiatives, integrating data, systems, and processes to support scalability and improve program performance in aviation operations.
- Designed and implemented international reporting systems to address multi-currency challenges in aviation fuel cost analysis, enhancing financial accuracy and operational transparency across global markets.
Founder
KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS CANNABIS
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Spearheaded end-to-end planning and execution of a cannabis retail operation—leading capital fundraising, site buildout, vendor negotiations, and operational setup to position the business for scalable growth.
- Managed program-level initiatives in business development, compliance, and go-to-market execution, integrating cross-departmental resources to achieve regulatory, financial, and operational milestones.
- Directed cross-functional initiatives in marketing strategy, legislative advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, aligning efforts with regulatory developments and statewide political campaigns to enhance community support.
- Served as strategic advisor and liaison in public policy discussions, advancing medical cannabis legislation and cultivating relationships with political stakeholders, including future gubernatorial leadership.
Business Development/Change Management
RADIANT TECHNOLOGIES
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Led the development and implementation of scalable sales and marketing processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and enabling measurable growth across newly launched regional markets.
- Directed cross-functional change initiatives by guiding strategic workplans, defining KPIs, and facilitating alignment between executive leadership and operational teams to support business transformation.
- Directed regional sales initiatives and managed territory expansion, aligning objectives with enterprise-wide program goals to drive market presence.
- Acted as strategic troubleshooter and escalation point, resolving program-level challenges to keep key initiatives on track and ensure timely delivery.
Chief Development Officer
WATERSTEP.ORG
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Oversaw fundraising and strategic development for multimillion-dollar international nonprofit, collaborating with executive leadership to advance high-impact global initiatives across 23 countries.
- Led donor outreach and community engagement programs that strengthened institutional partnerships, increased stakeholder involvement, and resulted in a sustained 20% annual rise in donor retention and giving.
- Secured $300,000 in emergency funding within six weeks by cultivating relationships with corporate sponsors and high-networth donors, directly supporting Philippine disaster recovery efforts.
- Co-developed and implemented standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for international disaster relief response, streamlining emergency program activation and enhancing cross-border coordination.
Project Manager Global Business Optimization
HUMANA
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Directed enterprise-level projects from concept to implementation at Humana, leading cross-functional teams to enhance Medicare STARS ratings while ensuring compliance with federal regulations, corporate policies, and project-specific requirements.
- Oversaw global business operations, aligning marketing initiatives with corporate goals, supervising 15 senior staff members, and leading workforce of 300+ employees.
- Led the development and launch of new product lines through data-driven decision-making and collaborative stakeholder engagement, optimizing operational performance and supporting long-term organizational growth.
- Managed $10M paid advertising budget, expanding reach to 3 million customers across multiple Humana platforms.
- Executed $1M internal infrastructure renovation project, overseeing budgeting, resource allocation, vendor coordination, and timeline management to deliver on time and within scope.
Vice President, CEO
GENERAL SHOELACE CO.
01.1985 - 01.2006
- Led transformational growth of General Shoelace from $4M to $22M in revenue over multiple years by developing and executing strategic business initiatives across marketing, operations, and product development.
- Directed all business functions, managing a 15-member leadership team and supervising 300 employees to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and operational excellence.
- Negotiated $5M buyout of competitor, managing merger of $25M in assets and budget to enhance market position.
- Implemented Just-In-Time (JIT) and perpetual inventory control systems alongside loss prevention programs, reducing shrinkage, enhancing merchandising efficiency, and lowering operating costs from 34% to 25%.
- Cultivated strong client and stakeholder relationships, securing repeat business and enhancing company reputation in competitive markets.
Education
MS - BUSINESS ANALYTICS
University of Louisville
Louisville, KYMBA -
Queens University
Charlotte, NCBSBA - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
American University
Washington, DCPMP -
New Square
New Square, PASkills
- Product lifecycle management
- Inventory & Supply Chain Management
- Program & Project Management
- Agile & Scrum Facilitation
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Stakeholder Management & Engagement
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Operational Oversight
- Financial planning
- Data Analytics and Visualization
- Technology Savvy
- Leadership & Team Building
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridTimeline
Category Manager (Wine)
GOPUFF/LIQUOR BARN
09.2024 - Current
Program Manager
CITY OF LOUISVILLE
02.2023 - 02.2024
Project Manager
UPS FINANCE (GLOBAL AVIATION)
01.2017 - 01.2019
Founder
KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS CANNABIS
01.2017 - 01.2019
Business Development/Change Management
RADIANT TECHNOLOGIES
01.2015 - 01.2017
Project Manager Global Business Optimization
HUMANA
01.2012 - 01.2013
Chief Development Officer
WATERSTEP.ORG
01.2010 - 01.2015
Vice President, CEO
GENERAL SHOELACE CO.
01.1985 - 01.2006
MS - BUSINESS ANALYTICS
University of Louisville
MBA -
Queens University
BSBA - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
American University
PMP -
New Square