Courtney C.

Esparza, MS, LPC, PMP

Battle Ground, WA | (512) 426-9450 Linkedin.com/in/courtneyesparza ccesparza@yahoo.com

Senior Program Director

Passionate and goal oriented health and education professional with experience managing projects and
programs, providing business analysis, designing innovative strategies, and training teams. Possess ability to
understand diverse customer needs, and develop solutions to meet each need. Actively identifies
opportunities to improve processes and utilize technology to reduce costs, improve productivity, and
increase service.
Program Management Strategy Development Problem Resolution
Solution Development Relationship Management Communication
Technical Aptitude New Business Development Data Collection & Analysis
Project Management Presentation Development Technical Writing

PR OF E S SI ON A L EX P ERI E NC E

Optum, Eden Prairie, MN 2007 2017

Sr. Director Innovation, WA, OR
Developed, implemented, and managed healthcare transformation strategies and solutions targeted toward
high risk populations. Built and fostered cross-functional partnerships with operation teams, vendors, and
sister businesses. Developed and evaluated performance metrics for new programs, initiatives, and services
created. Managed a team of healthcare innovation specialists and led a collaborative strategy group of
professionals.
Leveraged technology through a tech incubator type process to create effective, efficient integrated
health solution; including: web-based screeners, mobile applications, and care management platforms;
resulting in improved whole person quality care for consumers.
Directed and managed a comprehensive substance use disorder strategy and multi-faceted program with
all customers, resulting in decreased hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and increased community
tenure for consumers.
Analyzed and interpreted monthly and quarterly population health and trend data resulting in
identification of gaps in care and recommendations that improved customer quality and satisfaction.
Utilized human centered design approach, consumer journey mapping, and net promoter score that
increased customer role and consumer voice in program development resulting in more desirable
solutions.
Developed medical behavioral integration concepts and models to support Accountable Care
Organizations and Medicaid Health Homes, such as population health management, telehealth processes,
and e-consults. These programs are now a major part of integrated services in some primary care settings.
Led concept development, design, and execution of whole person health program to support primary care
clinics in moving toward value based care. Includes identification and stratification of high risk behavioral
health and co-morbid members, stepped care interventions, education, training, and consultation. This
program retained over $45M of existing business, and increased the level of confidence and knowledge of
managing mental health and substance use by the primary care team.
Presented at industry conferences and to key customers. Recent engagements: Open Minds Webinar,
Succeeding in a World of Integrated Care: Options and Management Best Practices; Care Coordination
Congress Conference, Primary Care Transformation, Key to Whole Person Medical Behavioral Integration.
 Courtney C. Esparza, MS, LPC, PMP
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Centene Corporation, Cenpatico, Austin, TX 2003 2007

Implementation Director
Designed and implemented new integrated programs and innovative solutions for Medicaid populations.
Directly collaborated with varied levels of professional staff and local state government representatives.
Served on the proposal development team for state and federal healthcare requests for proposals. Managed
the implementation team and day to day oversight of programs.
Created sustainable solutions in direct response to customer needs and contractual requirements, all with
a sharp focus on population management and high risk individuals including multi-morbid, foster care,
incarcerated, dual eligible, young adults and those in long term care, resulting increased quality of care for
populations served.
Simultaneously managed multiple program development and implementation initiatives, utilizing proven
management methodologies which included: benefit design, utilization/case management, quality
assurance, risk management, vendor procurement, and stakeholder management increasing the
efficiency of existing processes.
Provided on-going support for operational readiness and problem solving post-launch, resulting in a major
reduction in time to operationalize programs.
Streamlined departmental operations on a continuing basis through improved processes and better
defined roles and responsibilities, which reduced implementation time by 20%.
Managed strategic relationships with key customers and stakeholders, including negotiations and
communication around expectations and deliverables resulting in successful execution and retention of
Medicaid business.
Tracked, measured, and reported results of implementation initiatives to senior leadership and
stakeholders, improving visibility for portfolio management.
Presented at national and state conferences; Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Annual
Conference; Texas Peer Leadership Conference.

EDUCATION & CREDENTI ALS

Master of Science, Counseling, University of North Texas

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of North Texas
Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Texas - #15631
Project Management (PMP) Certification #486547
Human Centered Design Certification
Strategic Management Certificate
Leadership Skills and Professional Development Certification