Experience

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  University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB)

  • SMC Campus Center

  • Director of Event Services

    • Jun 2016 - Present
    • SMC Campus Center

    Lead a dynamic team who provides year-round logistics for in-person, virtual, and hybrid event solutions to internal and external clients. Evaluate intended markets and propose appropriate strategies to diversify revenue streams during the off-season. Lead the development of strategies and tactics for marketing promotions. Communicate and interact with a diverse set of stakeholders and interested parties. Leverage and improve partner relationships within the campus community and the Greater Baltimore area.

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  The American University, Conference & Guest Services

  • Washington D.C. Metro Area

  • Assistant Director, Conference Sales & Marketing

    • Jun 2014 - May 2016
    • Washington D.C. Metro Area

    Manage sales process for conference prospects from initial contact through closure. Evaluate targetmarkets and propose appropriate strategies to assist in revenue generation for $6M conference/event operation. Develop strategies and tactics for marketing promotions. Communicate and interact with a diverse set of stakeholders and interested parties. Lead conference, event and guest housing team. Lead departmental marketing and communications committee in design, development and implementation of marketing and sales campaigns to increase University presence as a conference destination. Develop and maintain relationships with others both internal and external to the department. Promote conference and event services, generate leads, and initiate sales. Leverage and improve vendor relationships; Manage client communications and RFP responses.

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  UCAE: Conference & Event Services

  • Duke University, Durham, NC

  • Assistant Director

    • Aug 2011 - Jun 2014
    • Duke University, Durham, NC

    Managed use of online reservation system (Ungerboeck), and approved registered events meetingspecified criteria through Collegiate Link. Coordinated scheduling, planning, and implementation ofconferences and events within designated spaces; served on-site as needed. Created and administered contract protocol and appropriate addendums for student organizations and divisional departments for use through negotiations with vendors, performance artists, speakers and other guests. Managed banner policy/system to enable departments and student organizations to advertise upcoming events and/or information of interest for constituents. Served as liaison between customer and logistics POCs including technical services, police/safety and outsourced vendors to meet event goals. Created and administered (with Associate Director) policies and procedures to shape departmental operations as a high touch customer-focused experience for clients. Led recruitment, selection, training and supervision of additional permanent, part-time, and student staff positions. Contributed to network of clients and colleagues within conference and event industry to enhance the public presence of the University as a conference site.

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  Maximized Events

  • Owner

    • Jun 2007 - Jun 2011

    President of small event planning company from 2007 to 2011 servicing non-profit, private and corporate functions with groups of ten to 1000 in number. Offered comprehensive event planning from concept to completion, consulting, catering and site decoration with contracts up to $100K.

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  Mary Lou Williams Center

  • Duke University

  • Assistant Director

    • Aug 2007 - May 2011
    • Duke University

    Regularly contributed to the development of annual and strategic planning, the budget process, and standard operating procedures. Assessed client/event needs and expectations, recommended venues and production elements, and developed budgets for events. Designed and implemented event plans for annual programming and special events; increased annual programming roster by 50%. Oversaw planning and executions of 25th Anniversary events for the center to include a gala, jazz brunch, a major concert, three mini outdoor jazz concerts, talks with book authors and an inaugural dialogue with guest speakers from around the country. Independently solicited, evaluated, negotiated and awarded vendor contracts for office. Managed process of subcontracted vendors to create end product. Maintained systems to evaluate and monitor contractual performance; Initiated, developed, and recommended contracting policies. Served as principal contracting advisor to the office. Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including technical services, police/safety, facilities, and outsourced vendors to meet event goals. Made key recommendations and decisions related to meeting/event design, content and treatment. Established relationships with constituents across campus and within the community to plan and execute events with c-level guests, faculty, staff and students (pre-orientation, Homecoming, Parents’ Weekend, Alumni Weekend). Wrote and edited content for various programs and special events to include press releases, web updates, talking points, post event fact sheets, and evaluation/assessment materials. Represented office on Divisional assessment team, MLK Planning committee, Bias Response committee, and other committees as assigned.

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  East Carolina University--Ledonia Wright Cultural Center

  • Greenville, NC

  • Interim Director

    • Jul 2006 - Jul 2007
    • Greenville, NC

    Partnered across the campus and Greenville, NC communities to promote public use of the center as it related to cultural competency and retention of students of color. Collaborated with the Office of Development to build case statements and attract new members to the center’s Advisory Council. Initiated a partnership between the center and the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women to create inaugural fund-raising event (The Women of Distinction Gala) that highlighted the work of twelve women throughout the campus who focused on education, health, social justice, and community outreach. Oversaw planning and execution of event which hosted 600+ community and campus constituents and featured Dr. Maya Angelou as the keynote. Developed and administered career development workshops and seminars, programs highlighting cultural awareness months, academic resources and campus services. Supervised professional, graduate and student staff. Led plans with staff to produce strategic plans and standard operational procedures; managed annual budget in excess of $500,000.