Catherine Cooper
Rockford,MI
Summary
Innovative leader with proven success in community engagement, event and strategic planning, and partnership building. Expertise in program and budget management, driving impactful events and sponsorships to enhance organizational visibility and community support.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director Meijer LPGA Classic
Meijer/CC Rocks
Grand Rapids, MI
11.2023 - Current
Leadership and development of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give
- Strategy and oversight of all tournament and tournament week events inclusive of development, construction, operations, planning and execution
- Sponsorship development, sales, communication and execution of over 100 partnerships annually
- Event communications, marketing and promotion
- Budget management
- Contract negotiations, LPGA partnership collaboration
- Community and charitable partnerships
- Event Activations
- Event Operations/ tournament build and layout
Sr. Dir. Community Partnerships/Giving/Meijer LPGA
Meijer
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2013 - 11.2023
- Leadership of Community partnerships, Sports Marketing and LPGA teams
- Budget strategy and partnership management of over $45M annually
- Corporate promotions and special event planning and activation in stores and community
- Philanthropic community partnership development and management, giving strategy, donation request review and approval
- Sports Marketing - professional and community sports partnership development, negotiations and execution for midwest Meijer footprint inclusive of marketing and communications plans to supporting partnerships
- Meijer LPGA partnerships, contract negotiations, development and execution
Dir Promotions Partnerships and Co-Marketing
Meijer
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2001 - 08.2013
. Leadership of promotional events, co-marketing,sports marketing business development and financial services teams
. Revenue planning, development and sales of over $55M in annual vendor co-marketing programs.
. Corporate promotional events/special appearance coordination and activation
. Sports Marketing partnerships, negotiation and execution
. Business development program sales and gift card management
. Financial Services - Meijer credit card management, negotiation, store and corporate execution
Marketing and Promotions and Events Specialist
Meijer
Grand Rapids, MI
06.1989 - 08.2001
. Developed and activated in-store and community events and special appearances
. Created promotional, media and community partnerships
Private Label Specialist
Meijer
Grand Rapids, MI
03.1983 - 06.1989
. Developed packaging and copywriting for softlines, drugstore, hardlines and grocery products
. Worked with U.S. and international suppliers to coordinate packaging for private own brand products sold in Meijer stores
. Managed process, creative and communications with merchants and external suppliers
Sagebrush Mgr.
Sagebrush/Meijer
Grand Rapids, MI
02.1982 - 03.1983
- Oversight of daily operations and team management
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Alma College
Alma, MI04-1982
Skills
- Community engagement
- Program management
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Budget management
- Partnership building
Accomplishments
. Leadership Flight School - State College PA
. Inaugural winner of the Fred Meijer Award 2019
. 2025 Better Business Trust Award
. Best Sponsorship Activation Award - LPGA
Timeline
Executive Director Meijer LPGA Classic
Meijer/CC Rocks
11.2023 - Current
Sr. Dir. Community Partnerships/Giving/Meijer LPGA
Meijer
08.2013 - 11.2023
Dir Promotions Partnerships and Co-Marketing
Meijer
08.2001 - 08.2013
Marketing and Promotions and Events Specialist
Meijer
06.1989 - 08.2001
Private Label Specialist
Meijer
03.1983 - 06.1989
Sagebrush Mgr.
Sagebrush/Meijer
02.1982 - 03.1983
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Alma College