Michael M. Ludwar
Chelmsford
Summary
Dynamic Principal Program Manager at Cox Automotive with a proven track record in scaling business programs and enhancing team performance. Expert in Agile program management and critical thinking, successfully launched digital marketplaces that drove significant revenue growth. Recognized for leadership in cross-functional collaboration and delivering impactful executive communications.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Program Manager
Cox Automotive
Atlanta
07.2021 - Current
- Launched and managed digital and physical auction marketplaces to drive revenue growth.
- Led cross-functional teams in Product, Delivery, and Go to Market functions to implement initiatives such as Manheim Digital Segmentation and Upside.
- Developed wholesale programs connecting targeted sellers with efficient inlane solutions, reducing disposal time.
- Established a dedicated cross-functional team to ensure data integrity by aligning objectives with key performance indicators.
- Delivered executive communications, dashboards, and program insights to enhance internal information flow.
- Aligned business and product readiness activities for successful marketplace launches.
Senior Program Manager
Cox Automotive
Atlanta
07.2017 - 06.2021
- Led cross-functional project teams to advance key program and business readiness initiatives.
- Secured growth and investment funding for $28.7M vAI initiative through stakeholder collaboration.
- Executed role and office consolidations, establishing specialized service and sales teams.
- Created credit and cancellation processes, enhancing ad automation for efficiency and cost savings.
Strategic Projects Manager
Dealer.com
Burlington
04.2015 - 06.2017
- Strengthened branding and professionalism for CAI through collaboration with Strategic Project Managers.
- Recruited and guided 11 SPMs, conducting weekly solution-focused sessions and quarterly performance reviews.
- Implemented an automated dashboard to modernize weekly status reporting and eliminate individual updates.
Manager, Project Management Office
GE Healthcare
South Burlington
03.2014 - 03.2015
- Selected for GE Crotonville leadership training aimed at developing senior leaders.
- Achieved Lean 6S certification to improve efficiency in hospital software initiatives.
- Optimized project management practices while mentoring 30 project managers nationwide.
- Supervised HCIT software deployments for healthcare organizations in U.S. Central Zone.
Service Operations Manager
GE Healthcare
South Burlington
08.2010 - 03.2014
- Resolved vendor billing issue, generating annual savings of approximately $2M to $3M.
- Collaborated with Service Delivery Leader to implement initiatives reducing client churn and vendor costs.
- Achieved Functional Lean Leader certification in HCIT by spearheading strategic improvements.
Operations Manager
United Technologies Corporation
Vergennes
08.2006 - 08.2010
- Directed operations team of 20, achieving annual sales exceeding $100M in 2009.
- Recognized as Continuous Improvement Leader, ranking in top 2% of employees statewide in Vermont in 2007.
Education
Master of Science - Administration
Saint Michael’s College
Colchester, Vermont05.2008
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Norwich University
Northfield, Vermont05.2000
Skills
- Executive leadership and presence
- Client-focused results
- Multi-business unit experience
- Business program scaling
- Lean six sigma leadership
- Agile program management
- Critical and analytical thinking
- Coaching and mentoring
- Problem solving and risk mitigation
- Team performance enhancement
Volunteer Coaching Experience
- Hockey DNA, Isle of Palms, SC, NHL Central Scouting Apprentice, 12/01/25-Current
- The Winchendon School, Winchendon, MA, On Ice Skills Instructor, 08/01/24-11/30/25
- Islanders Hockey Club, Tyngsboro, MA, Director of Hockey Ops., 08/01/22-11/30/25
- Islanders Hockey Club, Tyngsboro, MA, Assistant Coach, 08/01/22-11/30/25
- Vermont Flames Youth Hockey, Montpelier, VT, Assistant Coach/Team Mgr., 08/01/20-05/31/22
- Connecticut Jr. Rangers Youth Hockey, Stamford, CT, Assistant Coach, 08/01/18-08/31/20
- Saint Michael’s College Hockey, Colchester, VT, Assistant Coach, 10/01/01-11/30/03
Athletics And Awards
- Legends of Norwich Hockey, Norwich University Cadets, Northfield, VT, 08/01/25
- Professional Hockey Player, Les Ours de Villard de Lans, Villard de Lans, France, 09/01/00-01/31/01
- College Hockey Player, Norwich University Cadets, Northfield, VT, 1996-2000
- Individual/Team HOF Inductee, Norwich University Athletics, Northfield, VT, 07/01/10
- DIII National Champion, Norwich University Cadets, Northfield, VT, 1999-2000
- All American Selection (2x), Norwich University Cadets, Northfield, VT
Career Accomplishments
- Business Scaling & Process Improvement:
- Directed program management at CAI, launching portfolio pricing with Manheim, online market segmentation, and digital auction operations (Upside)
- Secured $28.7M investment for vAuto Applied Intelligence
- Led Salesforce launches and aligned CAI roles to customer needs
- Introduced a consulting tool for sales and 20K+ dealers
- Collaborated with executives on a scaling plan, delivered weekly reporting to 400+ stakeholders, and improved client sentiment by 6% despite a 53% workload increase
- Business Operations & Cost Reduction:
- Implemented automation projects saving ~$1M for CAI
- Standardized credit approval with audit services
- Used lean principles for ~$2M–$3M annual vendor savings
- Delivered $100M through single-channel manufacturing for Army and Navy
Distinguishing Skillsets
- Executive Leadership Engagement & Presence
- Client & Results Focused
- Multi BU Solution Group Experience
- Scale Business Programs & Operations
- Lean 6S/Functional Lean Leader
- Agile Oriented Program Manager
- Critical & Analytical Thinker
- Coach, Mentor, & Thought Leadership
- Problem Solver & Risk Mitigator
- Team Member Performance Enabler
Timeline
Principal Program Manager
Cox Automotive
07.2021 - Current
Senior Program Manager
Cox Automotive
07.2017 - 06.2021
Strategic Projects Manager
Dealer.com
04.2015 - 06.2017
Manager, Project Management Office
GE Healthcare
03.2014 - 03.2015
Service Operations Manager
GE Healthcare
08.2010 - 03.2014
Operations Manager
United Technologies Corporation
08.2006 - 08.2010
Master of Science - Administration
Saint Michael’s College
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Norwich University