Raphael G. Villas

2000 Mallory Lane, Suite 130-525 | Franklin, TN 37067

773.269.9601 |github |twitter |linkedin |portfolio |contact

As a digital craftsman, I bring a unique blend of creative front-end and technical back-end skills to every project, passionately delivering experiences that are aesthetically pleasing and technically sound. As a technology leader, I am dedicated to guiding my team toward excellence through a data-driven, user-centered design approach. Let's create something extraordinary together!

Experience

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT ENGINEERING, Click Funnels

• Led engineering teams in delivering critical platform improvements and new features for Click Funnels' e-commerce and community platforms:
• Spearheaded the implementation of key e-commerce features including an Add to Cart functionality and store search capability, expanding platform capabilities for customers' online stores and improving the overall shopping experience
• Directed the development of enhanced Course/Community features, optimizing module access management and implementing daily digest notifications to improve user engagement and streamline internal operations
• Led the integration of Stripe and Apple Pay into the Editor Checkout Element, expanding payment options and improving conversion rates for customers' sales funnels
• Implemented SMS-based two-factor authorization flow, enhancing platform security while maintaining user experience

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT ENGINEERING, Ramsey Solutions

• Led cross-functional engineering teams in delivering enterprise-scale digital products for Financial Peace Partnerships and Ramsey+ Coaching, driving product innovation while maintaining technical excellence
• Orchestrated migration to KonaKart-based e-commerce platform, implementing digital licensing system while ensuring seamless transition for existing customer base
• Spearheaded launch of Ramsey+ B2B platform, architecting scalable solution that enabled church-wide access to digital products, driving significant revenue growth
• Led architectural overhaul of business-critical Salesforce integration, implementing Backend-for-Frontend (BFF) architecture that reduced cycle time from 4.5 to 1.5 days
• Automated key acquisition processes through third-party integrations, optimizing webinar delivery system and improving operational efficiency
• Established engineering best practices and team workflows that consistently improved delivery speed while maintaining code quality
• Partnered with Security team to implement comprehensive application monitoring and penetration testing, significantly enhancing organization's security posture
• Collaborated with Sales and Customer Success teams to optimize user experience, resulting in >50% reduction in support tickets across multiple categories

INSTRUCTOR: ROBOTICS, PRINTING, DIGITAL MEDIA | 4-H Youth Development

• Designed and planned six-week curriculums for beginner through advanced students using the LEGO EV3 and Spike Prime platforms, focused on bolstering STEM skills
• Encouraged student creativity and critical thinking through hands-on robotics projects covering fundamental robotics concepts and computer programming skills
• Cultivated strong relationships with students, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, and inspiring a lifelong passion for technology and engineering

TRANSFORMATION LEAD | Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division

• Successfully coordinated the modernization of legacy systems by synthesizing a unified plan of action across various program areas, improving organizational efficiency and effectiveness
• Spearheaded operating plan initiatives for Wage and Hour IT modernization and business process enhancement, leading to heightened productivity and improved processes
• Facilitated workshops across channel areas, including strategic planning, retrospectives, and product discovery
• Enacted agile methodologies to streamline project delivery and ensure efficient use of resources, resulting in high-quality deliverables and improved project outcomes

CO-FOUNDER + PRODUCT LEAD | 18F, General Services Administration

• Led cross-functional product teams in delivering cloud-native applications using modern development practices and microservices architecture
• Established and scaled the Trusted Tester Program using data-driven UX research methodologies, recruiting 50+ beta testers to validate user-centered design implementations
• Architected and launched the C2/Communicart Approval Tool, implementing RESTful APIs and event-driven architecture to streamline federal procurement, processing over $2.5M in requests

PRESIDENTIAL INNOVATION FELLOW | The White House, GSA

• Contributed to the development of Login.gov's predecessor (MyUSA), implementing OAuth 2.0 authentication and building secure microservices using modern web frameworks
• Developed scalable task management microservice using test-driven development and continuous integration/deployment practices
• Built responsive web applications following federal digital service standards, ensuring accessibility and cross-platform compatibility

SOFTWARE ENGINEER | Groupon, Inc.

• Engineered critical e-commerce infrastructure including a distributed gift card processing engine and automated rewards fulfillment system, supporting high-volume transaction processing
• Implemented a client-side application using Backbone.js and RESTful APIs, providing real-time transparency for merchant payment systems
• Supported existing automated testing infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive code coverage and continuous integration practices
• Facilitated knowledge transfer and training for international team members in Berlin, enabling successful deployment of new invoice processing systems.

OWNER / DESIGNER | 2 Big Division, Inc.

• Led full-cycle digital transformation projects, implementing user-centered design methodologies from discovery through deployment for enterprise clients
• Architected responsive, accessible digital experiences focusing on conversion optimization and engagement metrics for diverse client portfolios
• Established strategic partnerships with industry leaders including Hill's Pet Nutrition and VML, delivering integrated digital solutions across web, mobile, and brand touchpoints
• Developed and executed comprehensive digital strategies encompassing information architecture, UX/UI design, and performance optimization
• Built and maintained long-term client relationships through data-driven results and iterative improvement processes, serving notable organizations including The Cara Program, Epic Academy, Faith in Place, and Clean Slate

WEB / INTERACTIVE DESIGNER | Big Idea Productions

• Developed immersive digital experiences for major entertainment properties including VeggieTales, 3-2-1 Penguins!, and LarryBoy, driving brand engagement across platforms
• Led a remote cross-functional team in designing and developing 'BigIdeaFun,' a children's gaming website, ensuring consistent design and technical standards throughout the project
• Applied user-centered design principles to produce engaging and intuitive interfaces that effectively promote Big Idea's properties

STAFF CONSULTANT | Metamor Technologies

• Pioneered early interactive web experiences through rapid prototyping of user interfaces, establishing foundations for sound front-end development practices
• Established client collaboration frameworks for requirements gathering and iterative development, driving successful project outcomes
• Created technical documentation and implementation guidelines ensuring consistent development practices across project teams

Skills

Engineering

Languages: Ruby | Javascript | Go | HTML/CSS

Technologies: AWS | Ruby on Rails | React / Nextjs / T3 Stack | Tailwind

Other: Relational / NoSQL Databases | Test-Driven Development

Product

Strategic Thinking + Planning | Agile Methodologies | Team Leadership | Product Thinking

Design

User Research | Visual Design | Interaction Design | Lean UX

Tools

Github | Jira / Pivotal Tracker / Linear / Trello

Education

• Post-Baccalaureate Studies, Graphic Design | University of Illinois at Chicago
• Interactive Media Studies | International Academy of Art and Design
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Loyola University of Chicago

Affiliations

• Toastmasters International | Harpeth View Toastmasters
• Rolling Hills Community Church | Family Ministry Leader

Recognition

• Ramsey Solutions | Ramsey+ Emergence Award
• Accelerating Government Nominee | ACT-AIC Igniting Innovation Award
• General Services Administration | Top Team C.R.E.W. Award