Jake Roberts

About Jake Roberts

My approach is metrics-first and impact-obsessed. I use data to pressure-test assumptions and build plans that are both aggressive and achievable. That mindset has fueled a track record of turning problems and financial losses into tangible wins: transforming EBITDA expenses into ROI-positive programs, fixing underperforming markets, and re-architecting product portfolios and distribution models to unlock profitable growth. My history as a Medicare Advantage growth leader has taken me quickly from front-line producer to enterprise-level strategist. From independent agent to Agent Manager to Sales Director at UnitedHealthcare, then into VP and Director roles at Health IQ, eHealth, and now Wellmark. I’ve been recruited and had new high-visibility roles created when growth stalled, economics didn’t work, or distribution needed a reset, where I’ve decoded the story behind the numbers, redesigned the strategy, and led cross-functional teams to stronger economics and deeper relationships. Along the way, I’ve led multi-state agent and agency networks, a 250+ agent call center, and cross-functional enterprise teams.I’m brought into C-suite and Board-level conversations to translate complex MA economics (Stars, risk adjustment, quality, admin cost) into clear strategies that grow membership, strengthen margins, and protect the member experience. Senior leadership views me as a go-to MA SME across product, finance, distribution, compliance, and regulation. My leadership style is direct, transparent, and servant-minded: set a clear strategy, define the metrics that matter, remove roadblocks, and give people the coaching and feedback they need to win. I’m known for influencing without authority, building trust with independent agents, JV partners, executives, and front-line teams, and keeping everyone aligned on outcomes. Signature outcomes include:• 316% Medicare Advantage membership growth in three years, exceeding expectations in new market launches, and market share increases after years of stagntation and losses in mature markets.• Product and footprint redesign projected to improve margins by up to $150M.• A $400M health plan budget built with 99% membership forecast accuracy.• Tens of millions in revenue and cost savings by standing up new programs and turning loss-making initiatives into profit drivers. In short: I help health plans turn complexity into strategy, strategy into execution, and execution into measurable growth in both P&L and member value. When a company’s bottom line matters, you need me.

Experience

1. Medicare Advantage Strategy Director

   Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

   Nov 2022 — Present

   Hired to fill newly created role serving as the primary leader to champion the successful performance and execution of the Wellmark Advantage Health Plan through relationships across the organization and with Joint Venture (JV) partners.Hold substantial P&L accountability and wield influence, leading strategies and budgets tied directly to profitability and growth. Regularly invited to C-suite strategy sessions to contribute subject matter expertise and guidance.• Steer and refine product strategy to create a stable and complementary portfolio of products.• Accelerate performance by turning complex MA economics (Stars, risk adjustment, quality, admin cost) into clear, actionable strategies that turn around underperforming areas.• Maximize short-term and long-term growth by creating a market-differentiating sales and distribution strategy.• Educate and upskill the enterprise on MA plans.RESULTS & IMPACT- Commended by executive leadership for being relentless in analyzing numbers and trends to enable more informed business and financial decisions, improving results, and earning trust and respect from business partners. • Recognized as Medicare Advantage SME focusing on product, finance, distribution, compliance, and regulation; invited to deliver a primary portion of a critical Board presentation- Brought on additional agents and agencies to sell Wellmark products by developing and gaining consensus on a strategy for disrupting a long-standing contracting structure and introducing new model to more closely match the needs of the MA market- Led the product strategy and redesign of the product portfolio and footprint to address current financial shortfalls while protecting consumer experience and growth potential by leveraging network-sensitive performance drivers, including competitive intelligence, internal member-level plan performance data, and 10 years of comprehensive market and competitor knowledge.

Education

• Concordia University, Nebraska

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

  2007 — 2009

• Colorado State University Global

  Master of Science (M.S.), Organizational Leadership

  2015 — 2018

• Marshalltown Community College

  Associate of Arts (AA), Liberal Arts

  2006 — 2007

Skills

• Health Insurance
• Logistics
• Customer Satisfaction
• Retail
• Time Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Marketing
• Inventory Management
• Medicare Part D
• Coaching
• Sales Operations
• Customer Retention
• Customer Service
• Mobile Devices
• Leadership
• Medicare Advantage
• Insurance
• Pricing
• Sales
• Team Building
• Management
• Medicare
• Android
• Medicare Supplements
• Operations Management
• Medicaid
• Sales Management