Lakeville, Minnesota, United States
Disclaimer: The perspectives shared on this platform reflect my personal journey, experiences, and beliefs and do not represent the official views of Cordis. I use this space to inspire, connect, and spotlight the people and ideas that make our industry extraordinary. Every post comes from a place of respect, gratitude, and authenticity. Strategic Experiential Marketing & Commercial Services Executive | 20+ Years of Global Impact | Operational Excellence & ROI Leadership I am an executive leader who builds connection through experience and drives measurable value through strategy. With over two decades spanning global experiential marketing, commercial operations, and procurement, I have led high-performing teams, designed award-winning programs, and executed initiatives that elevate brands and deliver bottom-line results. My passion lies in transforming business objectives into meaningful experiences that inspire action and loyalty. Whether designing high-touch incentive programs or optimizing global corporate spend, I bring a data-driven mindset, a collaborative leadership style, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Current Role | Head of Global Commercial Services & Operational Efficiency, Cordis I lead enterprise initiatives that optimize performance, strengthen compliance, and enhance ROI across global sales and marketing divisions. Key areas of focus include: • Global Meetings, Events & Travel Policy – Building scalable frameworks and strategic vendor partnerships • Procurement & Vendor Management – Negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts that deliver sustainable value • Expense Policy Governance – Overseeing SAP Concur Expense strategy and analytics to drive transparency • Commercial Transformation – Partnering with executive leadership to streamline processes and elevate business performance • Global Team Leadership – Empowering a world-class team to deliver exceptional experiences and measurable outcomes Credentials & Expertise MBA | CTSM | CMM | CMP Expertise in Strategic Meetings Management, Global Procurement, Event ROI, High-Performance Leadership, and Cross-Functional Collaboration Career Highlights • Instructure – Built and scaled a global events function recognized for measurable business impact • Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. – Drove $1M+ in annual savings through Strategic Meetings Management implementation • Industry Recognition – Connect Corporate 40 Under 40 (2020), cover feature in Meetings & Conventions Magazine, and recognition by Minnesota Meetings + Events
As Director of Global Commercial Services & Operational Efficiency at Cordis, I oversee and optimize a range of critical corporate services functions to enhance operational effectiveness across the Americas Commercial Sales and Global Marketing divisions. My responsibilities include: • Global Meetings, Events & Travel Policy Management: Responsible for developing and ensuring adherence to global policies related to corporate meetings, events, and travel. This includes vendor management, site selection, and ensuring compliance with company standards. • Vendor Management & Procurement: Leading vendor relationships to drive priority pricing, cost savings, and process improvements. This includes securing favorable terms with venues, travel management partners, and other key suppliers. • Expense Policy Management: Overseeing the SAP Concur Expense platform, ensuring policy adherence, tracking cost savings, and reporting performance to executive leadership. • Fleet Management: Managing the fleet operations in the U.S. and EU, implementing strategic alternatives to reduce costs, and ensuring policy compliance. • Commercial Transformation & Procurement: Partnering with senior leadership to identify opportunities for cost savings and process efficiencies. This includes procurement and vendor alignment for meetings, events, and marketing communications. • Global Meeting & Event Team Leadership: Managing a global team responsible for executing conferences, meetings, and events. I ensure best practices are implemented across the team to maximize efficiency and monitor costs.
Global Event Strategy Maestro: Meticulously devise and own strategies for both internal and external meetings, ensuring that content resonates and speakers inspire – all in alignment with the event’s unique vision. Executive Collaborator: Forge powerful partnerships with C-suite leaders and global teammates, translating their objectives into mesmerizing global experiences that leave a lasting impact. Innovation & Tech Showcaser: Work hand-in-hand with global teams to spotlight Cordis’ groundbreaking products through immersive technology showcases at premier tradeshows and conferences. Metrics Guru: Design and helm systems that provide deep insights into the efficacy and reach of our travel, meetings, and events. Budgetary Maestro: Oversee and optimize budgets for all global travel and event initiatives, ensuring maximum ROI. Global Event Orchestrator: Champion the planning and execution of high-caliber global meetings and events that not only meet but exceed expectations. Team Builder & Leader: Mentor and guide a top-tier team of event professionals and external collaborators, all while scaling the global travel and events sector. Corporate Travel Pioneer: Craft and manage a comprehensive global travel program, partnering with the best in the industry to ensure smooth, efficient journeys for all stakeholders.
- Spearheaded the creation and development of an innovative global events and experiential strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. - Established and led a dynamic team, focusing on the seamless execution of strategic events and experiential marketing initiatives. - Directed program management for Instructure's premier user conference, emphasizing meticulous planning and execution. - Instituted standardized processes and templates, elevating efficiency across event planning, tracking, and communication. - Collaborated with organizational leadership to evaluate and integrate all events into the comprehensive strategic framework. - Maintained fiscal responsibility by managing event-related budgets; emphasized data-driven insights to underscore the value of experiential marketing. - Championed the evolution of the Center for Leadership and Learning program, positioning it as a pivotal sales and marketing instrument. - Orchestrated sales meetings and incentive trips, focusing on goal alignment and stakeholder satisfaction. - Initiated preferred vendor agreements with renowned providers in Sourcing, Logistics, AV, and Production, ensuring top-notch support for all events. - Oversaw hotel sourcing, supplier training, and contract negotiations; emphasized continuous improvement in collaboration with external partners. - Guided the conception and launch of tradeshow booths, accentuating brand presence through graphics, space allocation, and technology. - Cultivated strategic alliances with suppliers, maximizing value through volume discounts and enhanced productivity.
- Directed a team in devising and executing an integrated event strategy, ensuring alignment with marketing plans. - Partnered with sales and marketing units to curate events resonating with the company’s overarching strategy. - Established systems to streamline tradeshow and meeting processes; oversaw hotel sourcing, vendor relations, and process enhancement. - Championed both national and global event strategies, with an emphasis on customer engagement metrics. - Instituted an internal meetings management system, centralizing event booking and fostering efficient communication with sales and executive teams. - Guided the creation of tradeshow booths and maintained inventory; regularly assessed and revamped strategies for continuous improvement.
- Orchestrated an integrated event strategy, aligning messaging across all business units. - Advanced corporate objectives by devising and executing holistic event strategies for varied stakeholders. - Collaborated with business leaders to tailor event strategies, managing from conceptualization to post-event analysis. - Supervised vendor selection and negotiation, ensuring seamless event execution and vendor management. - Led a team of professionals, fostering their growth and upskilling; ensured cross-departmental integration for all events. - Rolled out the company's Strategic Meeting Management Program, encompassing all aspects of event management and logistics.
- Administered a corporate function, crafting a consistent event strategy for diverse business segments. - Managed cross-functional teams, budgets, and vendor relations; trained teams aligning them with strategic objectives. - Implemented robust project management practices, elevating resource allocation for events. - Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, from executive leadership to department heads, ensuring synchronized event strategies.
- Managed trade shows and events for five business units; led budgeting, onsite coordination, and team oversight. - Devised event programs, timelines, and services aligned with business goals. - Implemented project management techniques, enhancing event planning efficacy. - Leveraged multi-channel marketing for brand awareness and thought leadership.
- Led event staff; developed event strategies focusing on challenges and sales opportunities. - Enhanced event ROI through post-event analysis and vendor negotiations.
- Managed a $4.2 million event budget; revamped the company website and evaluated re-branding initiatives.
- Contributed to corporate advertising and promotions; oriented and trained new hires.