Three EMTM Case Examples: Technologist, Manager, Entrepreneur

Is EMTM a good fit for you? One of EMTM’s benefits is the diverse mix of industries, backgrounds and career paths represented by EMTM students and alumni. The following case examples illustrate three different types of students who turn to EMTM to develop leadership in the management of technology and innovation. (For more stories about current and former students, see EMTM Profiles.

A Dynamic Interaction
Case 2: Executive

Derek Bridges, MBA, EMTM’05
President
WellPoint Dental

Derek Bridges was named president of WellPoint Dental during his first year in EMTM. The firm serves 5 million people nationwide, generating nearly $1 billion in annual revenues, and is a division of WellPoint Inc (NYSE-WLP), the nation’s largest health benefits company. Bridges, who holds an MBA from the University of Kansas, began his career with U.S. Health Care. After U.S. Health Care merged with Aetna, he served in several management roles, including general manager for the Kansas City market. From 2001 to 2004, he served as president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Kansas, during which time the firm doubled its business — moving from fourth to first in overall market share for the state. Derek commuted to EMTM program from Kansas City during his first year, and then from Camarillo, California.

“EMTM taught me how to use technology to improve customer service, decrease administrative costs and differentiate my company from our competitors. Now I can ask the questions that are necessary in order to make good decisions around the application of technology — which makes me a better leader. Contrary to what you’d expect for an insurance company, these decisions are as important as anything I do.”

Read more about Derek Bridges
http://www.seas.upenn.edu/profprog/emtm/students/profiles/derek_bridges.html

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