Blog

Name:   Marty Murray
Title:    Project Manager  
Organization:    Express Scripts
Sector:   Retail Network Operations

1)     How did you get started in project management?

When I think of Project Management I believe everyone is in it one way or another. My professional route to Project Management began the most traditional way as an intern while in college. My first role was as a project coordinator in BJC Healthcare’s Center for Clinical Excellence (CCE). I enjoyed the challenge of being a business analyst early in my career; but the flexibility and control of project management was more alluring. Assisting on projects that were focused on helping patients was one of the best motivating factors.

2)      What is your favorite project that you worked on or would like to work on?

Former Project- “Innovation Space”. My favorite project by far was the Readmission Reduction Program I managed while in Centene’s Clinical Programs department. The rising cost of emergency room and medical in-patient stays are in issue for patients, hospitals, and managed care organizations. I am fortunate that I was able to manage our departments approach to solving that issue. The project was my favorite because of the diversity of stakeholders, span of subsidiaries across the country and the data science that underlined the project. I was fascinated with the predicative analytics that measured the outcome of patients readmitting back into the hospital.

3)      What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

If you ask any project manager they will tell you that the majority of their responsibility is communication. For me it is a great feeling when you encounter a group that isn’t quite sure what the need or how they will solve an issue; then work to be a bridge for them with key stakeholders. Problem solving is the most rewarding aspect of my job. It helps when you can be the middle person between the business side and technology to solve issues that affect everyday people.

4)      Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 3-5 years?

I have been able to see what project management looks like in the construction industry, the healthcare industry, the Information Technology industry, and in the non-profit sector. Additionally, I have worked for companies that are as small as three employees and as large as multi-billion dollar corporations. When I sit back and plot out my next career move; I am looking for depth and outcomes. In the next three to five years I plan to dig-in my heels with Cigna/ Express Scripts and apply all the knowledge I have gained to this point. Ideally, in five years I would have contributed to the development of an enterprise PMO, published a Project Management 101 curriculum, and worked my way into a directorship within the firm.

5)    Who is a leader that you admire and why?

I have been fortunate enough to have some world class mentors along the way. When I think of the one I admire the most it is Dawn Naney, Director of Information Technology at Centene. Dawn was the first person to introduce me to project management at BJC Healthcare. Whether it was my running into issues with projects or tips on pursing my PMP; Dawn has been there every step of the way. I am quite certain there is no problem that she can not solve. Throughout her career I have watched her accomplish tremendous outcomes and manage some of the most difficult stakeholders. At times I often try to emulate her “X-Factor.” Dawn just finds a way to get things done.