Brant Kirby
Summary
Driven event planning and operations professional with hands-on experience executing national tournaments and large-scale events through the AJGA and university programs. Proven ability to thrive during long, high-pressure event days while maintaining organization, attention to detail, and strong communication. Brings real-world event execution experience and a competitive work ethic that allows immediate impact beyond other early-career candidates.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Tournament Operations
American Junior Golf Association (AJGA)
Braselton, GA/Nationwide
02.2026 - 05.2026
- Managed tournament operations for nationally ranked junior golf events, including set-up, break-down, rules officiating, scoring, and volunteer coordination.
- Delivered high-level customer service to athletes, families, sponsors, and venue partners, ensuring a positive fan and participant experience.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams under tight timelines, adapting quickly to weather, schedule, and operational changes.
- Enhanced player experience for 100+ junior golfers per event by ensuring efficient tournament operations and resolving on-site issues in real time.
Event Coordinator
University Program Board
Normal, IL
07.2024 - 12.2025
- Coordinated one large-scale event each semester, managing aspects from research to planning, promotion, and implementation within a pre-set budget of 50,000$.
- Communicated with vendors, artist, and agencies to research and plan event components.
- Collaborated with planning and execution of three additional large-scale events.
Business Development Representative
Groupon
Chicago, IL
01.2026 - 02.2026
- Conducted outbound sales and cold-calling to local businesses, pitching Groupon’s digital marketing and customer acquisition solutions to over 50 new merchants per day
- Strengthened negotiation, communication, and resilience in a high-volume sales environment.
- Learned how to implement platforms like Salesforce and SalesLoft.
Communications/Marketing Intern
Olympia Fields Country Club
Olympia Fields, IL
05.2025 - 10.2025
- Created and posted engaging photo and video content for the club’s social media, helping promote events and showcase the club’s atmosphere maintaining over 100k impressions across platforms.
- Designed and distributed flyers to inform members about upcoming events, initiatives, and club news.
- Crafted Press Releases for tournaments and club renovations.
- Skills Improved: Photography, Photo editing, Canva, graphic design, professional writing.
Features Reporter
The Vidette
Normal, IL
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Wrote 1-3 articles per week that cater to Bloomington/Normal related news and events.
- Interviewed and researched to develop stories about different subjects.
- Produced original ideas that would interest the readers.
Caddy/Golf Staff
Olympia Fields Country Club
Olympia Fields, IL
04.2016 - Current
- Provided high-level customer service to members and guests by managing course strategy, equipment, and pace of play, ensuring a premium golf experience.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership Communications
Illinois State University
Normal, IL12-2025
Skills
- Large-Scale Event Execution
- Clear Written & Verbal Communication
- High-Volume Customer Interaction
- Relationship Building
Timeline
Tournament Operations
American Junior Golf Association (AJGA)
02.2026 - 05.2026
Business Development Representative
Groupon
01.2026 - 02.2026
Features Reporter
The Vidette
08.2025 - 12.2025
Communications/Marketing Intern
Olympia Fields Country Club
05.2025 - 10.2025
Event Coordinator
University Program Board
07.2024 - 12.2025
Caddy/Golf Staff
Olympia Fields Country Club
04.2016 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership Communications
Illinois State University