Michael Rucker

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Midway into my second decade practicing digital strategy Michael Rucker's focus has moved from purely branding and marketing to using data and analytics to acquire and optimize measurable results. Prior clients and employers include Universal Studios, Sony, Red Bull, and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. Accolades include industry awards and publications. Most recently Mike has been fortunate to feed his passion for health and wellness by working in both the cognitive science and health club sectors. As part of this transition he has also developed expertise regarding wearable biometric devices and marker management software, especially in the areas of usability and engagement.

Director of Marketing at HAPPYneuron, Inc.

December 2009 - November 2010

Oversaw the marketing efforts of Scientific Brain Training’s US Division. Charged with creating and implementing the company’s online marketing plan with a focus on ROI and conversion. Managed SEM through organic SEO and PPC campaigns as well as oversaw KPIs through Google Analytics and other analytical tools. Directed various intelligence gathering initiatives to promote user-centric Web design. Authored online communication which entailed social media strategy, creating SEO focused blog articles and optimizing existing site content. Managed affiliate relationships and monitored affiliate accounts. Communicated with customers, executives, and global divisions to spearhead marketing efforts in accordance with company goals. Authored weekly content about cognitive science for various channels. Worked with strategic partners to build sales. Identified and developed alliances with associations that had influence over our target market. HAPPYneuron is a majority owned subsidiary of Scientific Brain Training (NYSE Euronext: MLSBT).

Senior Project Manager at Genex

December 2007 - July 2009

Project lead for one of Genex’s largest clients. Launched a seven figure project in less than six months. Successfully oversaw all activities of production of two high profile websites www.bhgrealestate.com and www.mybhggreenhouse.com from Discovery through Deployment which entailed managing and coordinating the work of over 30 employees and working with over a dozen outside vendors. Have proven to be successful at client development even in the absence of a client partner. Primary project of 2008 won the honor of Ektron's Real Estate Website of the Year and was nominated for a Webby award.

CMO, Principal at School Bars, Inc.

May 2005 - October 2007

Helped develop restaurant concept from the ground up. Created the marketing plan, directed product development, and helped organize financing. Was accountable for all marketing initiatives and promotional efforts as well as top-line growth and managing the company's margin goals.

Co-founder at Zugara, Inc.

January 2001 - December 2003

Co-founded interactive marketing company and helped grow Zugara to over $1,000,000 in annual revenues its first year of operations. Oversaw the day-to-day operations of company. Created operational systems to track employee productivity, project cost-benefit analysis, and project quality assurance. Oversaw company’s information technology systems. Identified client product needs and designed interactive marketing strategy through branding, websites, viral marketing, promotional CD-ROMs, and Flash design. Lead Producer on the 989 Sports interactive initiatives for SCEA while at Zugara. Additional clients included Reebok, Red Bull and American Racing.

Project Manager at Keane, Inc.

2000 - 2001

Developed the online presence for 989 Sports. Managed the Internet promotion of 989’s top-selling sports franchises. Developed an Internet portal linking all 989 products from a centralized website. Helped produce database driven sweepstakes for 989 with the purpose of collecting consumer data. Created the intranet for the interactive division of Keane, developing a workflow system to assist in increasing productivity.

Project Manager at MXG Media

1999 - 2000

Directed the production of multiple e-commerce projects in first-of-kind integrated retail and entertainment company. Coordinated MXG Beach Countdown, a music video television show broadcasted nationally on the Fox Family Channel. As project manager for the corresponding website, developed content designed to provide viewers the opportunity to purchase featured merchandise and products seen on the TV show from the website in a first of its kind convergence media product. Coordinated and project managed several other similar concepts which entailed overseeing the processes of the design team, implementers, buying division, and television department.

MPG Assistant at Universal Studios

1998 - 1999

Was a liaison between movie producers, directors, managers, agents, actors, and executives. Managed heavy phones. Organized schedules. Handled executive finances and generated expense reports. Tracked, researched, and organized literary property both internally and externally. Coordinated movie projects in production.

Senior Digital Strategist at Club One

August 2011

Deliver marketing and digital strategies based on analytics and results-driven data. Orchestrated two enterprise website redesigns from Discovery through Deployment (varying in sophistication from WordPress to Sitecore). Maintain multiple websites for outside clients. Oversee organic and paid search campaigns using skill set and various industry tools. Evaluate prospective marketing partners against ROI potential, including but not limited to: researching, recommending, and managing a mix of digital tools and strategies to successfully achieve business goals. Work internally to maintain and optimize member engagement in the digital space, which includes UX design recommendations as well as innovating ways of promoting and using wearable biometric devices to enhance our relationship with our customers. Provide thought leadership in the digital space to improve brand equity. Manage relationships with our third party vendors. Work collaboratively with the best health and wellness marketing team ever assembled.

Alliant International University-San Francisco Bay

2010 – 2016

PhD - student

University of California, Los Angeles

2007 – 2009

Certificate

Concentration: Fitness Instruction

University of Southern California

2002 – 2005

MBA

Concentration: Business Administration

London Business School

2004 – 2004

Chapman University

1997 – 1999

MFA

Concentration: Film, Television, and New Media Producing

California State University-Chico

1993 – 1995

BA

Concentration: Communications

Butte College

1992 – 1993

AS

Concentration: Economics

I am a two time Ironman athlete. I have a fitness certificate from UCLA and I'm certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. I am also a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association and a member of the American Psychological Association's Division 47. I'm currently pursuing my Ph.D in Organizational Psychology at Alliant University with a focus on corporate wellness.