Aressa Kelley
Alexander,AR
Summary
An accomplished and highly skilled Sales and Marketing Director with two master’s degrees in marketing and media. I have a proven track record of brand visibility and revenue in the retail, hospitality, and entertainment sectors. I am a dynamic leader with a strong background in strategic event management, multi-channel marketing campaigns, and P&L oversight. My expertise lies in developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies, managing complex budgets, and building high-performing teams. I am committed to leveraging my diverse skill set to develop innovative promotional programming, drive business-to-consumer (B2C) initiatives, and increase customer engagement within the casino and gaming industry.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Brand & Retail Marketing Manager
Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.
01.2020 - Current
- Managed and grew client relationships by servicing over 200,000 members annually with customized, licensed retail products, generating consistent sales at showcases and trade shows.
- Directed all aspects of event presence and merchandising, including the planning, setup, and teardown of professional exhibits at conferences across the country.
- Oversaw strategic retail buying, procurement, and end-to-end product development to ensure brand alignment and maximize profit margins.
- Created and curated a wide range of promotional products and giveaways that successfully generated leads, built customer loyalty, and enhanced the overall event experience.
Director of Marketing & Event Management
Park Plaza at Posh Events
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Oversaw and coordinated all marketing event projects, including direct-mail, email campaigns, and promotions, from concept to execution for a high-volume event venue.
- Managed annual marketing budgets and operational expenses, allocating funds for digital advertising, community sponsorships, entertainment, and promotional activities to ensure profitability.
- Developed and led a comprehensive marketing team, supervising day-to-day operations and implementing all hiring, training, and development programs.
- Spearheaded strategic multi-media campaigns, designing custom graphics, professional websites, and promotional products that enhanced brand visibility and drove significant revenue.
- Acted as a key liaison between vendors, wholesalers, and retailers, overseeing the entire order fulfillment process and resolving customer complaints to maintain high satisfaction levels.
Marketing & Admissions Manager
Strayer University
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Led and mentored a team of admissions staff, managing all aspects of hiring, training, and development to foster an environment of teamwork and exceptional service.
- Actively participated in all stages of student recruitment and enrollment, consistently exceeding monthly goals and meeting ethical expectations.
- Partnered with various campus departments, including Student Financial Services and the University Registrar's Office, to finalize the enrollment process and ensure student success.
- Voted Marketing Admissions Manager of the Year, a recognition for providing excellent service, upholding high ethical standards, and successfully leading a team in a fast-paced environment.
Marketing Specialist
COHN / Design Group
01.2010 - 01.2017
- Provided strategic direction and guidance for the planning and development of comprehensive marketing campaigns, ensuring alignment with client brand identity and goals.
- Managed daily operations, budgets, and a team of 12 employees, ensuring the efficient execution of all marketing functions.
- Served as a product and marketing specialist for the sales force, enhancing their ability to sell services and effectively communicate brand value.
- Successfully managed the growth of start-up small businesses as a minority woman, providing expertise in business strategy and higher education.
Admissions Management & Recruitment
University of Phoenix
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Exceeded new student recruitment and enrollment goals by developing strategic referral pipelines and providing comprehensive student support.
- Utilized critical thinking and problem-solving skills to proactively address and resolve student issues, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Conducted student appointments to identify educational goals, provide detailed program information, and develop personalized plans for success.
- Collaborated with finance advisors and other departments to ensure a seamless and positive enrollment experience for prospective and current students.
Assistant Operational Manager
Higher Vision Sports, Intern
01.2003 - 01.2009
- Company Overview: Euroleague Sports Division
- Managed the business affairs for professional American athletes in the Euroleague, including contract management and personal company missions.
- Administered marketing strategies for players and assisted with securing funding projects from multinational accounts.
- Handled all international travel arrangements for players, including passport and visa preparation, demonstrating expertise in complex logistics.
- Performed as a certified international visa worker, showcasing a strong understanding of international regulations and procedures.
Marketing Recruitment Officer
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Worked directly with university systems, academic affairs, and the Dean of Education to coordinate and manage undergraduate and graduate recruitment activities.
- Developed and implemented marketing communication plans, including email marketing, brochures, and social media flyers, to attract new students.
- Oversaw work-study student employees and managed the distribution of charitable scholarships to high school students, demonstrating leadership and community involvement.
- Enforced admissions policies and procedures, ensuring all activities were in full compliance with university and accrediting agency rules.
Director of Community Development Admin
Chamber of Commerce
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Provided administrative and logistical support to the Community Development Planning Board, assisting in strategic community initiatives.
- Served as a key administrative leader in community relations and event planning, managing professional and marketing communications staff.
- Managed computer processing, data entry, and personnel administration to ensure the smooth operation of daily activities.
- Collaborated on various projects to support the Educational Development Program, contributing to community growth and outreach efforts.
Education
Master of Arts - Marketing
Webster University
Little Rock, Arkansas08.2013
Bachelor of Science - Professional Studies
University of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, Arkansas12.2006
Skills
- Executive Leadership & Strategic Expertise: Over a decade of experience in marketing, event management, and business leadership, with proven success in project management, direct marketing, and media development
- Marketing & Digital Strategy: Email & Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing (FB, IG, Google Ads), Content Writing, Campaign Design & Implementation, SEO/SEM, P&L Oversight, Budget Forecasting & Control
- Event & Operations Management: Special Event Production, Direct Mail Marketing, Contract Negotiation, Team Leadership & Management, B2C & B2B Initiatives, Community Growth
- Creative & Technical Proficiency: Graphic Design (Adobe Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator), Website Management & Design, Microsoft Office Suite, Data Management Systems (QuickBooks, Student Information Systems)
- Professional Attributes: Extensive experience in employee management, training, and customer service Proven ability to identify complex problems and implement effective solutions, with a demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations
Timeline
Brand & Retail Marketing Manager
Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.
01.2020 - Current
Director of Marketing & Event Management
Park Plaza at Posh Events
01.2018 - 01.2020
Marketing & Admissions Manager
Strayer University
01.2017 - 01.2018
Marketing Specialist
COHN / Design Group
01.2010 - 01.2017
Admissions Management & Recruitment
University of Phoenix
01.2007 - 01.2010
Marketing Recruitment Officer
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
01.2006 - 01.2007
Assistant Operational Manager
Higher Vision Sports, Intern
01.2003 - 01.2009
Director of Community Development Admin
Chamber of Commerce
01.2002 - 01.2003
Master of Arts - Marketing
Webster University
Bachelor of Science - Professional Studies
University of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
Master of Arts in Marketing and Media Communication Relevant Core Coursework
- Marketing Management
- Marketing Research
- Distribution Management
- Marketing Channel Management
- Business Statistics
- Promotional Management
- International Marketing
- Integrated Studies in Marketing & Human Resource
- Project Management
- Media Communication
- Media and Culture
- Public Relations
- Media Organization and Research
- Media Production Management
Awards
Honors & Recognition: Voted Marketing Admissions Manager of the Year, Community Awareness Appreciation Award, Business Initiative Award, Entrepreneurship Advancement Award, Marketing Initiative Scholar., Professional & Community Involvement: Beta Chi Graduate Chapter (Vice President), Undergraduate Advisor, Community Service Chair., Memberships: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc | American Heart Association (Chairman, Pink Goes Red), Bryant Area Chamber of Commerce.
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