Catherine Polka
Fort Mill,SC
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Event and Hospitality Management professional with over 10 years of experience in event production, guest experience, and entertainment operations. Proven success in coordinating large-scale events, managing cross-functional teams, and fostering community engagement. Passionate about delivering memorable guest experiences, building partnerships, and promoting organizational excellence in fast-paced, high-energy environments.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Management/Internal Promotions and Events
Regal Cinemas
09.2025 - Current
• Oversee daily management operations with a focus on events, promotions, and corporate partnerships.
• Coordinate special screenings and community events to enhance audience engagement and drive revenue.
• Collaborate with corporate teams to implement marketing and promotional initiatives.
Creator and Host
Shinning Stars of Christmas
01.2015 - Current
- Oversee annual sensory-friendly holiday experience for special needs children and immuno-compromised guests.
- Manage 20+ volunteers and arranged multi-station setups including petting zoos, therapy animals, and Santa photos.
- Provide gifts, holiday crafts, and activities for 100 children and their family.
Entertainment Supervisor or Operations
Carowinds
05.2021 - 10.2025
- Supervised entertainment and costuming operations for seasonal events including Festival of Music, SCarowinds, WinterFest, and live theater productions.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies that improved efficiency by 70%.
- Coordinated casting, scheduling, and logistics for haunted attractions and live entertainment.
- Led training and development programs, including new hire orientations, safety workshops, and Serve Safe certifications.
- Designed internal communications and promotional materials to enhance employee engagement and guest satisfaction.
Event & Race Assistant (BGSU Co-op)
U.S. National Whitewater Center
03.2024 - 08.2024
- Supported logistics for major outdoor race events; facilitated registration, course setup, awards, and guest issues.
- Contributed to strategy meetings on increasing race participation and operational efficiency.
Entertainment Character
Six Flags Great America
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Entertainment Character (Parades & Meet-and-Greets)
Performer
Universal Studios
01.1998 - 01.2002
- Performer – Halloween Horror Nights & Earthquake Attraction Actor
Performer, Concierge, Wedding Assistant, and Merchandise Host
WALT DISNEY WORLD
01.1993 - 01.1999
- Performer, Concierge, Wedding Assistant, and Merchandise Host across Magic Kingdom, Resorts & Disney Springs
Education
Bachelor of Science - Resort and Attraction Management
12.2025
Skills
- Operations management
- Event planning
- Guest relations
- Process optimization
- Volunteer coordination
- Logistics coordination
Certification
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certified (2024)
- ServSafe Food Handler & Alcohol (2024)
- IROC – International Ride Operator Certification (2023)
- IAAPA Member (Since 2024)
Timeline
Management/Internal Promotions and Events - Regal Cinemas
09.2025 - Current
Event & Race Assistant (BGSU Co-op) - U.S. National Whitewater Center
03.2024 - 08.2024
Entertainment Supervisor or Operations - Carowinds
05.2021 - 10.2025
Creator and Host - Shinning Stars of Christmas
01.2015 - Current
Entertainment Character - Six Flags Great America
01.2002 - 01.2003
Performer - Universal Studios
01.1998 - 01.2002
Performer, Concierge, Wedding Assistant, and Merchandise Host - WALT DISNEY WORLD
01.1993 - 01.1999
Bowling Green State University - Bachelor of Science, Resort and Attraction Management
INTERNSHIP
Dolphin’s Plus – Key Largo, FL (Marine Biology Internship)
Worked in dolphin-assisted therapy program for children with special needs