Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
I am an operational leader with extensive experience delivering solutions-focused recommendations, strengthening operational processes, and translating business objectives into actionable initiatives that lead to sustainable growth. I have been recognized for building high-impact teams, securing and engaging long-term clients, and cultivating key corporate partnerships that lead to sustainable growth. 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗦 ✦ Business Administration and Advancement • Internal and External Stakeholder Engagement ✦ Solutions-Focused Recommendations • Corporate Communications ✦ Community Engagement & Philanthropic Events • Client Success Management ✦ Impact Measurement & Performance Optimization • Strategic Planning & Implementation ✦ Cross-Functional Team Leadership • Large-Scale Event Management
➡️ 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗘 Recognized as a key multifunctional contributor, strengthening the organization’s prominent position within the community through strategically planned community engagement events, overseeing the corporate partnership acquisition and retention strategy, and managing key fundraising initiatives. ➡️ 𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗭𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧 Exceeded Zoobilation’s goals from 2017-2022 and bolstered revenue from $2M to $2.6M in 2022 by cultivating and leveraging strategic relationships, restructuring the event space, enhancing the event mobile app, and adding value to key stakeholders. Accelerated the growth of Elegant Vintage International Wine Auction from 170 attendees donating $230K to 225 engaged guests contributing $365K. Unlocked $100K in revenue by revitalizing the young professionals fundraising event from a formal event hosting 500 guests to an October Brewfest and Halloween party, capturing the attention and engagement of 1,800 attendees. Established an effective process for managing large-scale fundraising and empowered the fundraising event specialist through ongoing training and support. Leverage former catering and event management experiences to advise, garner trust, and add value to a variety of customers & industry stakeholders. Oversee impact and performance management projects, including the tracking, evaluating, and reporting of past events, increased revenue, and cross-departmental collaborations to continually enhance future events. Serve as a key contact and liaison between the Zoo, vendors, suppliers, underwriters, and restaurants, ensuring all events are highly publicized by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and communicating detailed information.
➡️ 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗘 Provided strategic direction over catering and events, supporting cross-functional teams, and collaborating effectively with sales, revenue management, and event leaders to ensure operational efficiency, forecast revenue, and introduce business modifications that support growth. ➡️ 𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗭𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧 Positioned the hotel to compete for business within the nonprofit industry by lowering the ballroom food and beverage minimum on Friday evenings. Increased revenue due to an influx of private event bookings from nonprofit organizations and enhanced employee engagement due to additional catering and event opportunities. Resolved the challenge of an underutilized ballroom during the lunch hour by collaborating with local business groups to implement affordable plated lunches. Instrumental in the organization receiving prestigious recognition by the Hilton Worldwide Luxury Portfolio for having excellent planner loyalty scores from 2011 to 2012.
➡️ 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗘 Led a cross-functional team of 6 direct reports and an annual budget of $5.3M, strengthening operational efficiency and exceeding organizational objectives. ➡️ 𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗭𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧 Served as a customer liaison, orchestrating meeting logistics, menu specifications, guestrooms, and transportation. Increased revenue by 12% by collaborating with the Executive Chef to enhance coffee break menu options. Bolstered meeting room rental revenue by establishing a widely adopted upsell incentive program and an incentive program to unlock high-speed internet access revenue. Cultivated a customer-centric services environment by guiding, training, and collaborating with kitchen and banquet staff. Accelerated catering sales throughout the year by implementing innovative marketing tools and holiday promotions. Ensured the hotel catering and event departments were aligned with industry standards by conducting competitive analyses.
➡️ Assistant Director of Catering, Meetings, and Conventions – Hilton – San Diego, CA ➡️ Meetings & Conventions Manager & Supervisory Development Program – Hilton – Anchorage, AK