Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Affiliations
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Cossie Crosswhite

Norfolk,VA

Summary

Proficient in managing diverse events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and nonprofit functions. Strong organizational capabilities facilitate the simultaneous management of multiple projects, leading to seamless execution and positive feedback. Notable for creative problem-solving and resilience in high-pressure situations, contributing to successful event delivery. Skilled in vendor negotiations, fundraising efforts for non-profits, and fostering relationships that yield cost savings and improved attendee engagement.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Special Events Coordinator (Contracted)

Hampton Roads Naval Museum
Norfolk, VA
10.2024 - 04.2025
  • Coordinated simultaneous projects under stringent deadlines while achieving naval revenue goals.
  • Directed management of 300+ volunteers and staff for various events.
  • Implemented volunteer teams to deliver essential services using Better Impact program.
  • Forged relationships with businesses and military entities to secure event artifacts.
  • Accurately tracked event records, budgetary needs, and financial reporting.
  • Created marketing materials across digital platforms to promote museum events.
  • Managed vendor relationships and resolved conflicts with proactive communication.
  • Supported artifact curation alongside restoration manager while managing budgets.

International Wedding Planner and Owner

Celebrate With Cossie (1 Elegant Event)
01.2006 - Current
  • Directed planning and execution of international events, covering all aspects from design to travel.
  • Managed relationships with local and global wedding vendors, ensuring reliable referrals.
  • Facilitated detailed timelines for events to ensure timely task completion.
  • Created thematic decor concepts in collaboration with design teams for memorable events.
  • Resolved day-of challenges with innovative solutions to uphold event quality.
  • Spearheaded donor engagement initiatives for nonprofit fundraising events, enhancing community involvement.
  • Conducted project debriefings to evaluate performance and implement improvements.
  • Achieved recognition as the first African American business to win COVA award.

Zone Director Lions Club

Lions Club International
Chesapeake, Virginia
01.2025 - Current
  • Improved fundraising efforts through annual gala, raising over $50,000 for community initiatives.
  • Coordinated free eye tests for school children and refurbished used eyeglasses for distribution.
  • Forged partnerships with local charities to strengthen fundraising collaborations and community outreach.
  • Secured major donations for Lions Medical Eye Bank and food bank services through strategic engagement.
  • Cultivated donor relationships via personalized communication and stewardship activities.
  • Led disaster relief mobilization, providing resources and volunteers during natural disasters.
  • Enhanced environmental initiatives by organizing beach and highway cleanup projects.
  • Achieved distinction as first African American woman president in organization's 75-year history.

Wedding Trade Show Producer for Dillard Stores

Waterside Norfolk, MacArthur & Patrick Henry Mall
Norfolk, VA
01.2012 - Current
  • Directed multiple events and trade shows simultaneously, meeting tight deadlines while exceeding revenue goals.
  • Secured and negotiated venues within client budgets, aligning with event size, style, and specifications.
  • Oversaw end-to-end trade show operations, coordinating vendors, logistics, and concurrent activities for flawless execution.
  • Built and maintained budgets, monitored expenses, and implemented cost-saving strategies to ensure financial accuracy.
  • Developed strong vendor partnerships locally and internationally, securing preferred rates, and reliable services.
  • Led contract negotiations for accommodations and essential services, reducing costs while maintaining quality.
  • Facilitated committee and stakeholder meetings to align planning decisions with organizational objectives.

Regional Director

Association Of Bridal Consultants
Norfolk, Virginia
12.2019 - Current
  • Conducted educational classes for association members to enhance professional skills.
  • Mentored association members, providing guidance and support for career development.
  • Organized comprehensive logistics for association conferences, ensuring successful execution.
  • Maintained accurate records of member contributions and activities for transparency.
  • Planned quarterly events to engage members and promote outreach initiatives.

District Minister of Music for Conferences

EVA UCC (Eastern Virginia Association of the United Church of Christ)
Chesapeake, Virginia
01.2024 - Current
  • Coordinated music provision for all Eastern District church services.
  • Arranged music for District Choir and Conferences with effectiveness.
  • Conducted performances utilizing piano, organ, or keyboard as required.
  • Mentored musicians weekly to enhance service music quality.
  • Organized annual music workshops featuring expert clinicians and speakers.
  • Educated choirs on individual song sections and integrated Bible study lessons.
  • Developed budget for music events, maintaining proper documentation.
  • Resolved disputes within the department through effective measures.

Content Creator

Social Media and Content Creator (Contractor)
01.2005 - Current
  • Executed comprehensive content creation aligned with brand voice for effective audience engagement.
  • Developed posting schedules to align business objectives with audience interests.
  • Managed community interactions by responding to comments and fostering follower engagement.
  • Analyzed performance trends and KPIs, including likes, demographics, and link clicks.
  • Planned and executed social media campaigns, optimizing ad design to attract target audiences.
  • Established connections with relevant social media influencers to enhance audience reach.
  • Provided customer service support by addressing inquiries and engaging with clients on behalf of the organization.
  • Contracted as producer for multiple wedding expos, managing logistics and vendor relations.

Minister of Music

COGIC District Minister of Music
Virginia Beach, VA
01.2019 - 01.2022
  • Provide and organize music for all Virginia Beach District service church services.
  • Provide and organize music for Virginia Beach District Choir and District Conferences.
  • Teach choirs and ensembles individual song parts.
  • Teach applicable choir bible study adjacent to songs taught.
  • Conduct, lead, play piano/ organ/ or keyboard for each performance.
  • Teach and refine other musicians' weekly service music for each group.
  • Resolve any music department disputes, and use of moderate disciplinary action.
  • Implement a detailed music budget to the church district board and process forms for each music event or dispute.
  • Complete budget and process forms for each music event or educational trip.
  • Organize, conduct and advertise yearly music workshops by booking speakers, clinicians etc. for events.
  • Organize, conduct, budget & advertise for all music department seasonal musical events (choir day, men’s day, women’s day, youth exposition, Easter, Choral Sunday, Christmas Cantata, church and pastor’s anniversary).
  • Organize, implement and advertise for choir live CD recording and Concert.
  • Among other leadership duties.

Church Minister of Music

Living Word COGIC
Virginia Beach, VA
01.2019 - 01.2022
  • Organized and conducted music for all Living Word church services.
  • Planned and coordinated music for Virginia Beach District Choir and District Conferences.
  • Instructed choirs and ensembles on individual song parts for effective performance.
  • Led choir Bible study sessions relevant to songs being taught.
  • Conducted performances while playing piano, organ, or keyboard as needed.
  • Guided musicians in refining weekly service music for various groups.
  • Resolved disputes within music department while applying appropriate disciplinary measures.
  • Developed and managed detailed music budget for church board approval.

Special Events Coordinator

Bienville Club
Mobile, AL
01.2015 - 01.2017
  • Executed yearly planning initiatives, maximizing revenue for private business club while exceeding customer expectations.
  • Provided comprehensive management for conferences, special events, galas, and weddings.
  • Coordinated seamless transitions between sales and operations for all club events.
  • Motivated and managed catering sales team to achieve established annual goals.
  • Monitored expenses to ensure adherence to approved budget constraints.
  • Marketed club at trade shows and networking events to attract new clients and exceed revenue targets.
  • Developed engaging social media posts to solicit new clients for the club.
  • Trained event staff on efficient event flow and operations.

Owner, Producer & Creator

Bride Ride (Trademarked), Luxury Bridal Show
Mobile, Alabama
01.2013 - 01.2017
  • Oversaw simultaneous project management under tight deadlines and financial targets.
  • Executed comprehensive organization of trade shows featuring multiple concurrent activities.
  • Maintained detailed budget forecasts and records via effective data entry practices.
  • Ensured adherence to budget constraints by itemizing all expenses methodically.
  • Developed strong partnerships with wedding vendors worldwide for reliable referrals.
  • Managed contract negotiations with vendors for trade show logistics and accommodations.
  • Facilitated recruitment of staff and volunteers, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Led sponsor meetings to align event scope with strategic objectives and goals.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Music Performance

University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
05-2000

High School Diploma -

Dupont Manual High School
Louisville, KY
06-1994

High School Diploma -

Youth Performing Arts School
Louisville, KY
06-1994

Skills

  • Event planning
  • Budget management
  • Volunteer management
  • Vendor negotiation
  • Data entry
  • Customer relationship management
  • Volunteer coordination
  • Fundraising strategies
  • Relationship building
  • Community outreach
  • Conflict resolution
  • Effective communication
  • Creative problem solving
  • Fundraising strategy implementation
  • Donor solicitation and fundraising
  • Event management

Websites

Affiliations

  • 2025 Winner of Best Wedding Planner and most Unique Service via the Coastal Virginia Wedding Magazine
  • Zone Chair for the 24-I District of Virginia Lions Clubs International
  • District Minister of Music for the UCC Church

Certification

  • Certified Planner through the Association of Bridal Consultants
  • Certified Eco / Vegan Event Producer
  • Certified Outdoor Event Specialist
  • Certified Multi Cultural Event's Specialist with a focus on African, Vietnamese, and Hindu Events

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Zone Director Lions Club

Lions Club International
01.2025 - Current

Special Events Coordinator (Contracted)

Hampton Roads Naval Museum
10.2024 - 04.2025

District Minister of Music for Conferences

EVA UCC (Eastern Virginia Association of the United Church of Christ)
01.2024 - Current

Regional Director

Association Of Bridal Consultants
12.2019 - Current

Minister of Music

COGIC District Minister of Music
01.2019 - 01.2022

Church Minister of Music

Living Word COGIC
01.2019 - 01.2022

Special Events Coordinator

Bienville Club
01.2015 - 01.2017

Owner, Producer & Creator

Bride Ride (Trademarked), Luxury Bridal Show
01.2013 - 01.2017

Wedding Trade Show Producer for Dillard Stores

Waterside Norfolk, MacArthur & Patrick Henry Mall
01.2012 - Current

International Wedding Planner and Owner

Celebrate With Cossie (1 Elegant Event)
01.2006 - Current

Content Creator

Social Media and Content Creator (Contractor)
01.2005 - Current

Bachelor of Arts - Music Performance

University of Kentucky

High School Diploma -

Dupont Manual High School

High School Diploma -

Youth Performing Arts School

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