Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Relatedexperience
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Darcy Darland

Chicago Heights,IL

Summary

Highly skilled creative offering high-level administrative support to senior-level staff with six years of special event production experience, eight years of hospitality management, and 20 years of service industry expertise overall. Detail-obsessed administrative professional with superb people skills and public relations experience. A team lead adept at managing complex logistics and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Expertly assists executive team using advanced communication and organizational skills developed over years of leadership and management roles, administrative support, and special event coordination. Fiercely committed to supporting offices that serve marginalized and at-risk communities through education, advocacy, and outreach.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Catering Coordinator/ Bar Team Lead

Carino's Italian Grill
  • Rapidly promoted to catering and event coordination
  • Worked diligently to understand catering procedures and the intricacies of managing a team in an event environment
  • Received in-depth corporate training in catering sales and management and exceptional customer service
  • Collaborated with restaurant management and Catering Call Center to maintain high service standards for customers placing catering orders and address any catering inquiries
  • Demonstrated high levels of understanding of operational protocols during order fulfillment in compliance with food handlers and safety standards and policies
  • Responded promptly and professionally to catering inquiries via phone and email
  • Oversaw, organized, documented, and updated catering supply inventory for two locations and one off-site storage unit
  • Organized, executed, and oversaw a staff for catering deliveries and off-site events
  • Developed and implemented various budgets for a diverse range of clients and guests
  • Prepared budget proposals and reports for clients and management
  • Analyzed and reported sales data, working with management to set quarterly financial goals and budgets
  • Attended marketing and networking events to establish community connections and promote sales
  • Worked with the Loveland Chamber of Commerce to develop community engagement and enhance visibility
  • Designed and ran vendor booths at the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Colorado Bridal Show and Exhibition, resulting in increased catering inquiries and catering sales
  • Ensured catering orders met Johnny Carino's detailed standards outlined by our corporate policies and procedures.
  • Handled incoming company phone calls, addressing customer needs, concerns and deadlines to promote retention and satisfaction.
  • Analyzed catering orders and liaised with staff to set up equipment, supplies and menus to meet client expectations.
  • Expedited setup and breakdown of events, minimizing disruptions to client''s schedules.
  • Maintained high standards of food safety, consistently adhering to all health regulations and guidelines.
  • Solicited, negotiated and booked new and repeat business through previous clients, local businesses and event management companies to maximize catering revenue and meet and exceed goals.
  • Streamlined catering operations by efficiently managing inventory and food ordering processes.
  • Ensured seamless execution of events with diligent planning and attention to detail.
  • Monitored and controlled banquet budget and coordinated with events budgets to maximize revenue and minimize expenses while providing quality guest service.
  • Collaborated with sales teams to secure new contracts and expand the company''s clientele base.
  • Developed effective marketing strategies for promoting catering services in local communities, attracting new business opportunities.
  • Maintained an extensive calendar of events and attended necessary event meetings and conference calls.
  • Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
  • Coordinated contracts, plating guides, and team training manuals.
  • Maintained meticulous records of all events, including client feedback, to inform future improvements.
  • Negotiated contracts with clients, balancing their needs with business objectives to reach mutually beneficial agreements.
  • Coordinated logistics for over 100 successful events, ranging from small meetings to large weddings.

Internship: Office of Legislative Affairs

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
  • Performed administrative functions, assisted and conferred with the Chief of Staff
  • Drafted reports and presented mental health resources to the Department of Children and Family Services leadership team for the 'Office of Staff Resiliency' proposal
  • Assisted four legislative liaisons in tracking and reviewing policy and statutory procedures
  • Prepared position papers and other policy-related materials on behalf of DCFS for regular and veto sessions related to child welfare and protection
  • Created and distributed information packets to legislators on behalf of former Director Marc Smith
  • Assisted in researching and compiling complex confidential materials and communications for legislators, resulting in successfully implementing the 'Safety Assessment and Family Evaluation Model,' a comprehensive safety decision-making model created by Action for Child Protection
  • Represented the agency, building relationships with legislators, lobbyists, and legislative assistants, encouraging collaboration and networking
  • Produced, organized, and distributed legislative district dashboards containing statistics and financial impacts specific to The Department of Children and Family Services and each district
  • Organized and assisted in the 2023 Department of Children and Family Services Agency Overview, communicating the agency's goals, major programs, financial and personnel overviews, and budget highlights
  • Gained proficiency through daily observation of floor actions, committee hearings, and legislative procedures
  • Assisted the office in meeting deadlines and completing time-sensitive projects while maintaining attention to detail.

Public Speaking and Performance

Capital City Improv
  • Build community connections by performing improvised comedy shows
  • Write, develop, and conduct introductory workshops covering the foundations of improv
  • Create, organize, and lead 'Teen Improv Workshop'
  • Participated in publicity, community outreach, and fundraising.

Life Coach

Darcy Darland Coaching
06.2022 - Current
  • Coaches and supports ten plus 1:1 clients in improving their mental health by compassionately assessing and identifying maladaptive thought processes and behaviors, exploring resources, providing education, and empowering them via supported autonomy
  • Supports and facilitates personal and professional growth through cognitive behavioral techniques within an intersectional framework to encourage vitality and resilience
  • Created and executed a comprehensive approach to personal growth by implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion training alongside cognitive coaching and emotional processing
  • Successfully implemented Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training alongside cognitive coaching and emotional processing, leading to a significant enhancement in my ability to serve more diverse populations
  • Empowers clients through open-ended inquiries in a supportive, non-hierarchical coaching container supporting mental health and wellness
  • Meticulously documents, analyzes, and communicates both orally and through written communications on clients' progress
  • Creates all original social media content increasing interactions and followers by 40%
  • Manages all social media inquires in a timely manner
  • Utilized Microsoft Office Suite programs to perform administrative functions such as maintaining a complex client scheduling system, compiling client information, accurately processing and reporting financial transactions, responding to coaching inquiries in a timely manner, creating cold call scripts, and managing and organizing email communications
  • Maintains, handles, and secures confidential and highly sensitive materials.
  • Maintained industry knowledge by attending relevant conferences, workshops, webinars and pursuing continuous education opportunities within the field of life coaching.
  • Improved client self-awareness by conducting in-depth assessments and facilitating insightful coaching sessions.
  • Expanded life coaching practice with effective marketing strategies such as social media promotion, networking events participation, and referrals generation from satisfied clients.
  • Increased client satisfaction rates by maintaining open lines of communication, regularly soliciting feedback, and adapting coaching approaches as needed.
  • Streamlined administrative processes within the practice including appointment scheduling systems implementation or invoicing procedures improvements.
  • Mentored aspiring life coaches by providing guidance on best practices, ethical standards and professional development opportunities.
  • Created and maintained a supportive online presence through the establishment of a life coaching blog, social media accounts, and an informative website.
  • Fostered strong client relationships through empathetic listening skills, non-judgmental support, and genuine interest in client success.
  • Evaluated client progress using established metrics and adjusted coaching strategies as needed for optimal results.
  • Documented behaviors, treatments and non-compliance issues.
  • Connected clients with available resources to improve plan success.
  • Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
  • Developed treatment plans to help clients build self-confidence and resilience.

Manager/ Bar Team Lead

Conn's Hospitality Coorperation
09.2016 - Current
  • Effectively mentored, developed, and managed hospitality team members
  • Tasked with improving efficiency and profitability; represented the company's mission through maintenance of methods and procedures
  • Rapidly promoted and recognized within the company in leadership and management roles
  • Consulted on the creation of sister companies
  • Four-time 'Best Bartender In Springfield.' Featured interview on NPR's Community Voices
  • Recruited, vetted, trained, and monitored over 30 servers and bartenders
  • Ensured compliance with laws; delineated current policy and procedures to staff
  • Developed, wrote, organized, and implemented business strategies and training protocols, utilizing performance feedback, guest responses, and employee retention to measure results
  • Monitored, analyzed, and addressed efficiency through performance reviews, operating costs, and online feedback and reported findings to senior management
  • Mitigated profit loss by maintaining 17% liquor cost through diligent inventory organization and implementation of loss prevention protocol
  • Mastered multitasking organization and problem-solving in high-pressure situations by tending to a bar with 100+ guests and simultaneously assisting staff members
  • Established and maintained communication with internal and external stakeholders daily, representing the company's values and mission and enhancing guest experiences
  • Established long-range goals and objectives based on the company's values and mission
  • Prepared statements and was asked to provide testimony in the Labor and Manufacturing Committee hearing on an industry-specific policy on behalf of stakeholders.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
  • Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
  • Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
  • Improved customer satisfaction scores by overhauling customer service protocols and training staff in customer engagement techniques.
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
  • Organized professional and personal development program and seven part speaker series for staff, leading to improved performance and skill sets.
  • Implemented customer feedback mechanisms to gather insights, using this information to guide strategic planning and decision-making.
  • Enhanced team productivity by implementing agile methodologies, leading to more efficient project completion.
  • Fostered partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing company's reputation and creating new business opportunities.
  • Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
  • Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.
  • Led cross-functional teams for successful project execution while maintaining strong collaboration among team members.
  • Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.

Special Event Manager/Coordinator/ Bar Team Lead

Tommy Bahama R
03.2013 - 05.2016
  • Successfully planned, designed & directed the execution of corporate, social, and private events for prestigious clients, consistently delivering successful outcomes and high levels of client satisfaction
  • Acted as the main point of contact between internal and external stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and staff
  • Fostered a collaborative creative environment by working closely with clients, vendors, and team members to develop initial concepts, design themes, and plan event details such as seating, food and beverage service, speakers, and day of execution strategies
  • Oversaw and strategized logistical details, including decor, catering, entertainment, transportation, location, guest list, equipment, and promotional material of hundreds of events ranging from intimate receptions, pre and post-concert parties, and golf outings to large weddings and C Suite corporate events
  • In collaboration with the Cynthia Mitchell Woods Amphitheater special event production and planning staff, assisted in the execution of our company's largest annual event, the 'Parrot Head Party,' including the coordination of two remote bars, 33 regular staff members and 15 supplemental support staff members, themed food and beverage menus, decorations, entertainment, giveaways, and guest list.
  • Ensured successful post-event follow-up by conducting debriefs with clients, vendors, and executive management alike to assess areas needing improvement.
  • Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders to promote collaboration and ensure smooth execution of each event.
  • Streamlined event processes by implementing efficient project management tools that improved overall productivity and organization.
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
  • Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
  • Created comprehensive post-event reports that provided insights into areas of success and opportunities for future improvement.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative event themes that met client objectives and exceeded expectations.
  • Developed successful partnerships with local businesses to secure sponsorships or donations for events, benefiting both parties involved.

Education

Associate of Arts -

Lincoln Land Community College

Bachelor of Social Work -

The University of Illinois
05.2023

Certified Life Coach -

The Life Coach School
05.2021

Skills

  • Public Speaking
  • Event Marketing & Promotion
  • Customer Service
  • Event Planning & Coordination
  • Event Design & Conceptualization
  • MS Office, Outlook, Excel, Teams
  • Risk Management & Compliance
  • Vendor Relationship Management
  • Strength-based Management
  • Adaptability & Flexibility
  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Attention to Detail & Precision
  • Office Administration
  • Administrative Support
  • Strong Problem Solver
  • Schedule & calendar planning
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Information confidentiality
  • Customer Service-Oriented
  • Calendar Management
  • Excel spreadsheets
  • Document Preparation
  • Advanced MS Office Suite
  • Project Planning
  • Schedule Management
  • Staff Management
  • Report Writing
  • Conference planning
  • Project Oversight
  • Task Delegation
  • Logistics Coordination
  • Event Coordination
  • Documentation And Reporting
  • Social Media Management
  • Meeting Support

Relatedexperience

Capital City Improv, Public Speaking and Performance, 06/2018, Present, Build community connections by performing improvised comedy shows, Write, develop, and conduct introductory workshops covering the foundations of improv, Create, organize, and lead "Teen Improv Workshop", Participated in publicity, community outreach, and fundraising

Certification

  • Certified Life Coach, The Life Coach School - June 2022
  • Advanced Coaching Certification in Intersectional Feminism, The School For New Feminist- August 2023

Timeline

Life Coach

Darcy Darland Coaching
06.2022 - Current

Manager/ Bar Team Lead

Conn's Hospitality Coorperation
09.2016 - Current

Special Event Manager/Coordinator/ Bar Team Lead

Tommy Bahama R
03.2013 - 05.2016

Catering Coordinator/ Bar Team Lead

Carino's Italian Grill

Internship: Office of Legislative Affairs

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

Public Speaking and Performance

Capital City Improv

Associate of Arts -

Lincoln Land Community College

Bachelor of Social Work -

The University of Illinois

Certified Life Coach -

The Life Coach School

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Darcy Darland