AnnMari Shannahan
Connecticut,CT
Summary
Dynamic hospitality-focused communications executive with 30+ years of experience creating elevated guest experiences, leading high-performing teams, and cultivating relationships with VIP clientele, donors, partners, and stakeholders. Extensive background in luxury events, experiential marketing, brand strategies, and operational leadership across nonprofit and agency environments.
Known for bringing creativity, professionalism, and calm leadership to fast-paced, high-profile settings while delivering exceptional service experiences and operational excellence. Experienced in managing creative partnerships across Europe, Asia, and the United States, including luxury galas, fundraising dinners, hospitality activations, and celebrity-driven experiences.
Currently attending The Culinary Institute of America to combine decades of leadership, communications, and event expertise with a focused passion for food, beverage, culinary storytelling, restaurant culture, and guest experience.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Partner, Growth & Development
CLARKE — Digital Creative Agency
New York, NY
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Oversaw client initiatives, team leadership, and strategic growth efforts for a creative agency specializing in experiential storytelling and brand development.
- Managed client relationships and internal account teams while ensuring exceptional service delivery and execution.
- Led collaboration across creative, strategy, and production teams to support brand partnerships and integrated campaigns.
- Contributed to agency business development, relationship cultivation, and operational leadership.
Vice President, Public Information (Communications, Marketing & PR)
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research – Biomedical Research Organization
New York, NY
01.2010 - 01.2022
- Led communications, marketing, and event-related strategy for one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations, supporting luxury fundraising galas and hospitality experiences attended by celebrities, donors, board members, corporate partners, and international media.
- Supported international fundraising galas and hospitality-driven events in Cannes, Paris, Venice, Milan, London, Vienna, Mumbai, Rio, São Paulo, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, Dallas, San Francisco, and New York.
- Helped oversee guest-facing experiences, event communications, VIP engagement, hospitality logistics, and experiential storytelling tied to luxury fundraising events.
- Collaborated with sponsors, venues, designers, production teams, entertainment partners, auction houses, and hospitality vendors to ensure seamless event execution.
- Managed all gala-related communications including invitations, event branding, signage, video content, stage visuals, auction materials, and guest-facing collateral.
- Managed and mentored a communications team of 14 professionals in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Worked closely with executive leadership, board members, donors, celebrity ambassadors, media partners, and global stakeholders.
- Fostered a collaborative and service-oriented culture focused on professionalism, creativity, teamwork, and adaptability.
- Directed integrated communications and marketing strategies that elevated the organization’s global visibility and strengthened donor engagement.
- Produced storytelling campaigns, multimedia content, and digital initiatives supporting fundraising, hospitality experiences, and mission-driven engagement.
- Successfully transitioned major in-person fundraising events into innovative virtual experiences during the pandemic.
VP, Client Services
METHOD — Brand Experience Agency
New York, NY
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Led client service operations and managed teams delivering integrated experiential and marketing initiatives.
- Oversaw relationships with hospitality, entertainment, and lifestyle-oriented brands and media clients.
- Mentored internal staff while managing multiple projects in high-pressure environments.
Director, Website Development Services
GREATER THAN ONE — Digital Marketing Agency
New York, NY
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Managed cross-functional teams and client relationships for healthcare, media, and consumer-facing brands.
- Oversaw operations, workflow management, strategic planning, and successful project delivery.
- Increased web development sales by 350% through process improvement and business development leadership.
- Managed an internal account team and supported agency growth initiatives.
Director, Advanced Branding Group / Client Partner
VIANT / RAZORFISH — Global Digital Agency
New York, NY
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Managed client relationships and integrated marketing initiatives for global lifestyle and hospitality-related brands including Taj Hotels.
- Coordinated international teams and high-profile client initiatives across multiple markets.
- Oversaw project delivery, brand strategy, and team collaboration.
Managing Director, Digital Services
RIPTIDE COMMUNICATIONS — Digital Marketing Agency
New York, NY
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Directed client relationships, operations, and digital initiatives for major consumer and media brands.
- Managed internal teams and coordinated strategic marketing initiatives.
Art Director
PEOPLE ONLINE, Time Inc. (Media & Entertainment)
New York, NY
01.1995 - 09.1997
Server
West Street Grill Restaurant
Litchfield, CT
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Delivered attentive guest service in a high-volume restaurant environment.
- Developed strong customer service, teamwork, and hospitality skills foundational to a lifelong passion for food and dining experiences.
Server
Country Club of Farmington
Farmington, CT
01.1988 - 01.1993
- Provided exceptional member and guest service in a private club setting.
- Supported banquet, dining, and special event operations.
Education
undefined
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NYBachelor of Arts - undefined
Central Connecticut State University
Consumer Marketing Strategy Program
Harvard Business School Executive Education
Skills
- Guest Experience Leadership
- Restaurant & Culinary Industry Passion
- Luxury Events & Fundraising Galas
- Team Leadership & Staff Management
- Client & VIP Relationship Management
- Brand Storytelling & Communications
- Experiential Marketing & Partnerships
- Donor, Sponsor & Stakeholder Relations
- Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
- Vendor & Creative Partner Management
- Crisis Management & Problem Solving
- Public Relations & Media Communications
Timeline
Partner, Growth & Development
CLARKE — Digital Creative Agency
01.2022 - 01.2024
Vice President, Public Information (Communications, Marketing & PR)
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research – Biomedical Research Organization
01.2010 - 01.2022
VP, Client Services
METHOD — Brand Experience Agency
01.2008 - 01.2009
Director, Website Development Services
GREATER THAN ONE — Digital Marketing Agency
01.2004 - 01.2008
Director, Advanced Branding Group / Client Partner
VIANT / RAZORFISH — Global Digital Agency
01.2000 - 01.2004
Managing Director, Digital Services
RIPTIDE COMMUNICATIONS — Digital Marketing Agency
01.1998 - 01.2000
Art Director
PEOPLE ONLINE, Time Inc. (Media & Entertainment)
01.1995 - 09.1997
Server
West Street Grill Restaurant
01.1993 - 01.1995
Server
Country Club of Farmington
01.1988 - 01.1993
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The Culinary Institute of America
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Central Connecticut State University
Consumer Marketing Strategy Program
Harvard Business School Executive Education