Director of Marketing and Communications

• Apr 2020 - Present

Discover Kalamazoo is the official destination marketing organization for Kalamazoo County. We recruit meetings, events, and conferences, that create positive economic impact throughout our community. We connect planners with local businesses and provide information and resources to both visitors and residents. We find every way possible to share our love of our community and let others know why Kalamazoo is the perfect place for a unique getaway, meeting, or event. We work to share Kalamazoo with everyone, inspiring visitors and residents to discover Kalamazoo.

Director of Live Events and Operational Efficiency

• Nov 2017 - Mar 2020

 Creating new streams of revenue through special events and corporate outings, ranging from 200 – 2,500 attendees. Events include a now multi location Donut and Beer Festival, Taco and Tequila Festival, Bourbon & BBQ Country Jam, and Mac & Cheese Festival, along with company picnics, networking events and 5k run/walks.  Planned the 25th anniversary of the Northwoods League All-Star Game with representatives from 20 teams, 60 MLB scouts, and Northwoods League personnel for a two day celebration including a banquet honoring the players, national comedy show, player showcase, home run derby, and sold out All-Star baseball game. Promoting the venue capabilities, developing sales packages, and brainstorming with clients to bring in a growing number of public and private events for alternative revenue on non-game days. For every event, developing event plans and budgets, planning marketing strategies, selling sponsorships, recruiting vendors, website and social media management, and executing all event day logistics and safety planning. Recruiting and managing groups of 100-200 volunteers per event, and leading training on ServSafe alcohol practices. Revamping the team shop aesthetics and layout for better display of merchandise and increased sales. Managing the hiring process, reviewing payroll, and strategizing on staffing schedules for over 120 seasonal employees. Reviewing company expenditures to find ways to maximize revenue, including implementing a new POS system, changing phone and internet providers, switching insurance coverage, and developing a process for game day financials.

Live Events Manager & Promotions Director

• Feb 2014 - Nov 2017

 Executed all aspects of event management for more than seven events per year including job fairs, beer/wine festivals, and a multi day community festival featuring national vendors and entertainment (Kalamazoo Ribfest) which had 10,000 annual attendees over the three day festival. Developed event plans and budgets, built sponsorship relations and involvement, and vendor recruitment and retention.  Created integrated marketing across all platforms, graphic design work, ticket selling and customer service. Strategic execution of on-site logistics and staffing including emergency planning and safety precautions. Oversaw promotions and contest logistics for six radio stations and their online components. Creative brainstorming in promotions and sponsorships to come up with unique solutions to both address client goals and enhance the consumer experience.Events ranging from 100 - 20,000+ attendees. Events included Wine Not (indoor wine festival), Southwest Michigan Job Fair, America on Tap (craft beer festival), Insane Inflatable 5k, Kalamazoo Ribfest, Battle Creek Fall Job Fair, and Kalamazoo Craft Beer Festival.

Strategic Development and Brand Assistant

• Dec 2012 - Feb 2014

 Focused on customer retention and development by gathering and analyzing customer behavior and feedback. Assisted with development and execution of the company’s three year strategic plan, especially within segmented marketing. Building the foundations for an innovative movement initiative, On the Move Kalamazoo, to create a healthier community. Developed engaging presentations that strengthened the brand and company values both internally and externally.

Events and Program Coordinator

• Jul 2010 - May 2013

 Managed all event logistics for the Kalamazoo store from creating new events, to event day execution and follow up. Facilitated in store events with apparel and shoe vendors to bring in new customers and strengthen established customer base. Developed and implemented marketing tactics for store owned events, training programs, and local sponsored events. Oversaw sponsorship opportunities for the Kalamazoo store to be engaged in community projects on health and wellness. Provided event management expertise through consultation with community partners on new and existing projects with organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Area Runners, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, Kalamazoo Marathon at the Borgess Run for the Health of It, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and the Kalamazoo YMCA.

Race Director for Southwest Michigan Race for the Cure

• Dec 2012 - Feb 2014

Career Advisor

• Sep 2008 - Jul 2010

 Building the CCPD’s image and marketing messages to appeal to target audiences while implementing new ideas in social media. Assisted students in resume and cover letter writing and created and presented programs on developing career skills. Editor and writer of the weekly electronic newsletter sent to all upperclassmen students.  Initiated the first mock phone interview program and helped increase the program from 9 participants in 2009 to 42 in 2010.  Enhanced skills in public speaking, professional etiquette, and the use of new effective marketing techniques to advertise events and increase career development awareness.

Marketing and Public Relations Intern

• Jun 2009 - Nov 2009

 Wrote press releases, solely conducted a visitor feedback survey to evaluate the free general admission promotion, took photographs of events, and responded to various in-house needs. Results from visitor feedback survey were subsequently used to implement new developments such as the joining of the two campuses for better visitor access, more ride options, and the new fee structure for admission and attractions. Contributed several articles and photographs for the fall 2009 Air Currents, the quarterly newsletter. Strengthened diverse styles of public writing and gained professional interaction with local media and surrounding businesses.