Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
References
Timeline
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Cortney J. Porter

Cortney J. Porter

Urbana,Ohio

Summary

Dynamic Event Management Professional and certified chef with over 20 years of experience in non-profit organizations and high-volume kitchens. Proven track record in delivering memorable events through exceptional service, strategic sales, and innovative event production. Expertise in service management and design implementation ensures seamless execution of events that exceed client expectations. Passionate about creating impactful experiences while enhancing operational efficiency.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Culinary Development & Events

The Woodruff Farm
Urbana, Ohio
09.2018 - Current
  • Organized and managed all aspects of event execution across multiple venues.
  • Oversaw comprehensive service offerings, including catering and event handling.
  • Spearheaded the development and launch of new products for The Woodruff Farm.
  • Designed dynamic culinary options aligned with customer demands.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.

Special Events Manager

CAPA
Columbus, Ohio
07.2015 - 09.2018
  • Executed numerous successful gala events supporting the performing arts community.
  • Secured $3.1 million funding from July 2015 to 2018.
  • Created detailed reports following each event detailing the successes or failures of the event.
  • Submitted numerous grant applications to secure funds for the annual gala's budget.
  • Monitored expenses related to special events in order to stay within budget parameters.

Sales

Lasting Impressions Event Rental
Columbus, Ohio
07.2013 - 07.2015
  • Achieved $1M in generated rental income toward overall company sales.
  • Collaborated with sales team members on strategies for increasing sales volume.
  • Demonstrated leadership by conducting sales presentations, directing sales calls, managing contract negotiations and executing sales contracts.

Director of Catering

Shane's Gourmet Catering
Columbus, Ohio
01.2010 - 07.2013
  • Managed food and beverage sales for corporate hospitality clients at the Memorial Tournament from 2010-2012, generating $3M in revenue.
  • Managed staffing requirements for events serving over seventy-five corporate clients.
  • Recruited and facilitated training for upwards of 200 new employees.
  • Curated innovative culinary experiences that aligned with emerging food trends and elevated event productions.

Executive Sous Chef

Shane's Gourmet Catering
Columbus, Ohio
06.2003 - 12.2009
  • Delivered catering services to clients.
  • Oversaw food production planning for various catering occasions.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines were met in a timely manner.
  • Monitored inventory levels and procured necessary goods.
  • Managed kitchen staff team and assigned tasks for various stages of food production.

Education

Associate Applied Science - Hospitality Management, American Culinary Federation 3-year Chef Apprenticeship Program

Columbus State Community College
Columbus, Ohio
01.2003

Broadcast and Print Journalism

University of Toledo
01.1993

Skills

  • Industry knowledge
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Relationship building
  • Operations management
  • People management
  • Charismatic leader
  • Staff management
  • Vendor relationship management

Affiliations

  • Lions Club International Member, Urbana, Ohio Chapter
  • Board of Trustees, Springfield Museum of Art
  • Board of Trustees, Mercy Health Foundation, Clark & Champaign Counties
  • Junior League of Columbus, Past President & Sustaining Member
  • Phi Theta Kappa

Certification

  • Serve Safe Manager Certified
  • Better Process Control School Certification

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Director of Culinary Development & Events

The Woodruff Farm
09.2018 - Current

Special Events Manager

CAPA
07.2015 - 09.2018

Sales

Lasting Impressions Event Rental
07.2013 - 07.2015

Director of Catering

Shane's Gourmet Catering
01.2010 - 07.2013

Executive Sous Chef

Shane's Gourmet Catering
06.2003 - 12.2009

Associate Applied Science - Hospitality Management, American Culinary Federation 3-year Chef Apprenticeship Program

Columbus State Community College

Broadcast and Print Journalism

University of Toledo

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Cortney J. Porter