- Comedy
- Volunteering
- Community
- Self-proclaimed “foodie”
- Meeting new people
- Exploring the world
- Iced Coffee Officionado
Brianna Rutherford
Nicholasville ,KY
Summary
Experienced with community outreach and engagement strategies that drive positive societal change. Utilizes communication and organizational skills to foster community participation and support. Track record of building strong community networks and creating impactful grassroots initiatives.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Development & Location Manager
Milward Funeral Directors
02.2025 - Current
- Built rapport and lasting relationships with local ministers and spiritual leaders working alongside them to serve families.
- Coordinated logistics for funeral services, ensuring timely setup and execution of all arrangements.
- Managed transportation of deceased individuals, adhering to legal and ethical standards.
- Supervised staff during services, maintaining a respectful environment for grieving families.
- Streamlined vendor communications to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Developed operational protocols for service efficiency and compliance with regulations.
- Conducted quality checks on facilities and equipment to ensure readiness for services.
- Led initiatives to improve family engagement during pre-planning consultations, enhancing overall experience.
- Resolved location-related issues swiftly through effective problem-solving skills, minimizing delays in production schedules.
- Assisted in risk assessments for each location, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations at all times.
- Obtained appropriate permits for various uses of different locations.
- Controlled location operational expenses and maintained budgets through balance of profit promotion and cost control.
- Increased team productivity by providing clear communication of expectations and deadlines to all involved parties.
Business Development Specialist
Zorch
02.2023 - 09.2024
- Conducted market research to identify new business opportunities and potential clients.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create tailored solutions for clients.
- Assisted in preparing proposals and presentations for prospective clients.
- Analyzed client feedback to improve product offerings and customer satisfaction.
- Supported sales team in lead generation and follow-up activities.
- Expanded client base by identifying and targeting new business opportunities through market research and analysis.
- Used SalesForce to handle current portfolio and prospective leads.
Manager . Funeral Director . Embalmer
Kraeer Funeral Group, Dignity
2020 - 2023
- Implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Managed staff training programs, fostering skill development and team cohesion.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring adequate supplies for funeral services and events.
- Developed community outreach initiatives, strengthening relationships with local organizations and stakeholders.
- Coordinated logistics for memorial services, aligning schedules with families' needs and preferences.
- Directed daily operations to ensure quality service delivery and adherence to industry standards with an extremely diverse clientele.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory guidelines, maintaining high standards of safety and care in all practices.
Field Representative, Temporary campaign position
Kentucky Democratic Party
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Lead a grassroots campaign for 38 eastern Kentucky counties.
- Planned and executed outreach/fundraising events.
- Direct engagement with leaders on state and local levels.
- Organized and oversaw multiples teams of volunteers.
- Collaborated with volunteers to facilitate voter registration drives across diverse neighborhoods.
- Supported data entry and management of constituent interactions using CRM systems.
- Trained new team members on best practices for community outreach and event execution.
- Established strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and loyalty for ongoing campaign growth.
- Optimized route planning to minimize travel time while maximizing client visits, resulting in greater efficiency and cost savings.
- Assisted in organizing local events to enhance party visibility and outreach efforts.
Owner/ Operator
Rutherford Memorial and Crematory
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Managed daily operations of memorial services and crematory processes.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and industry standards in funeral practices.
- Developed marketing strategies to promote services and enhance community outreach.
- Oversaw financial management, including budgeting, invoicing, and expense tracking.
- Trained staff on customer service excellence and operational procedures.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to expand service offerings.
Deputy Coroner
Perry County Coroner’s Office
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Acquired trainings through the Department of Criminal Justice.
- Lead investigator on death scenes.
- Informed and assisted decedent’s families.
- Determined cause and manner of death as the medical certifier
- Worked closely with numerous police agencies, as well as FFA, FBI, NTSB.
- Gathered and reviewed medical records.
Education
Associate’s - Mortuary Science
Mid America College of Funeral Service
Jeffersonville2008
No Degree - Building A Campaign
Emerge Kentucky
Louisville2020
Skills
- Proficiency in both oral and written
- Territory management
- Negotiation
- Public speaking
- Advocacy background
- Dependable
- Team supervision
- Documentation
- Fundraising
- Workshop organization
Interests
Timeline
Community Development & Location Manager
Milward Funeral Directors
02.2025 - Current
Business Development Specialist
Zorch
02.2023 - 09.2024
Field Representative, Temporary campaign position
Kentucky Democratic Party
01.2019 - 01.2020
Owner/ Operator
Rutherford Memorial and Crematory
01.2016 - 01.2020
Deputy Coroner
Perry County Coroner’s Office
01.2010 - 01.2016
Manager . Funeral Director . Embalmer
Kraeer Funeral Group, Dignity
2020 - 2023
Associate’s - Mortuary Science
Mid America College of Funeral Service
No Degree - Building A Campaign
Emerge Kentucky
HIGHLIGHTS
- THE BEST OF FORT LAUDERDALE Fort Lauderdale Magazine - Best Funeral Director of 2022,
- GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE LGBT CHAMBER
- ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
- KENTUCKY COLONEL Highest honor bestowed upon a Kentucky citizen by the Governor,
- DUCHESS OF HAZARD, KENTUCKY Honorable declaration by Mayor in honor of service.
- KENTUCKY FUNERAL DIRECTOR'S ASSOCIATION
- NATIONAL FUNERAL DIRECTOR'S ASSOCIATION