Darren McCartney
Miami,Florida
Summary
More than twenty years of solid experience in the sports and international event industry, event planning, logistics, marketing and business operations. Excellent problem solving and client service skills. Energetic team player with positive can do attitude. Strong organizational skills. High level of confidentiality and trustworthiness. Extensive experience working in senior management positions and fast-paced environment.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Media Operations Analyst
CONMEBOL - Copa America 2024
Miami , FL
05.2024 - Current
- Ensure a top-notch media experience supporting the tournament operations of the Hard Rock Stadium.
- Collaborate with multiple tournament venues, orchestrating the logistical planning, resource allocation and functional activities of media representatives ensuring compliance with timelines and quality standards.
Vice President of Stadium Operations
Fort Lauderdale United Football Club
Fort Lauderdale , FL
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Maintained ongoing communication with executive team members regarding project progress and direction.
- Formulated guidelines to improve operational efficiency and productivity.
- Negotiated contract specifications with major vendors.
Host City Airport Arrival and Departure Manager
FIFA (Fédération Internationale De Football Association) Women's World Cup 2023
Brisbane , Australia
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Played a vital role in the success of the first tournament delivered under a new operating model with the establishment of a Local FIFA Subsidiary in Australia and New Zealand, working closely with airport authorities and aviation security overseeing stakeholder arrival and departures at Brisbane International Airport.
- Managed FWWC staff monitoring charter flight arrival and departures and ramp loading/unloading with an average of 75 logistical movements per day, evaluating and improving the daily operations on airside and landside.
- Greeted teams, referees and VIPs at arrival gates and escorted them through passport control, baggage assistance and customs and biosecurity assistance.
- Facilitated smooth coordination between contracted ground transportation providers to meet specified service level requirements.
Vice President of Operations
California United Strikers FC
Rancho Santa Margarita , CA
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Implemented policies and managed all logistics for the National Independent Soccer Association league team.
- Managed $3 million annual budget including player contracts.
- Enhanced company profits through the implementation of comprehensive marketing and sales tactics, leading to a significant rise in ticket sales by 35-40%.
- Oversaw all Day-of-Game stadium operations including but not limited to collaborating with City of Irvine officials, providing on-site management, problem-solving, decision-making, supervising and supporting staff and coordinating all aspects of event.
- Secured team air travel, hotel accommodations, F&B, ground transportation and training sites in ten league venues across the United States.
Vice President of Operations
The Miami Football Club
Miami , FL
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Launched the North America Soccer League franchise club team in its inaugural season at Florida International University stadium; implementing comprehensive operations standards for competitions.
- Liaised with key stakeholders including stadium personnel, event contractors and service providers, the league office and marketing partners during planning and execution facets to ensure cooperation and efficiencies Day of Game including event timeline precision from set-up to breakdown at venue, including security, parking, maintenance and F&B concessions.
- Created annual departmental budget and negotiated all hotel, airline and ground transportation contracts.
- Assisted in the coordination of broadcasting operations, technology, accreditation, press conference and other areas of stadium responsibilities.
- Scheduled and implemented the stadium specific overlay development program for the competition, timelines, permits, coordination of installation, operation and removal of all temporary structures and signage.
- Collaborated with technical coaching staff in all areas; from negotiating player contracts to overseeing Miami FC training facility and stadium requirements. Managed overlay requirements for the training grounds including liaising with the appropriate venue operator of each site to ensure all required levels of service are being met grooming of turf, security lighting, cleaning and waste.
Project Director, Consultant
Relevent Sports
Miami , Florida
01.2014 - 08.2014
- Managed four pre-season tournament matches featuring Real Madrid CF, Manchester United, Manchester City, and FC Barcelona in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Minneapolis. Oversaw a dynamic management team of 175 staff per venue. Conducted strategic and motivational meetings to drive performance.
- Executed timely processing of accounts payable and payroll within designated deadlines.
- Prepared monthly reports, financial reports and cash flow projections.
Director of Operations
North American Soccer League
Miami , Florida
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Relaunched the North American Soccer League (NASL) in Division II, collaboarating with marketing personnel and sponsors to ensure successful management of all league marketing initiatives and sponsorship fulfillment.
- Prepared and executed the RFP process for league special events and provided operational planning and implementation for these events such as annual Player Combines and NASL post-season games.
- Created and administered all policies and procedures and directed annual NASL Team Operations seminars; Developed and updated league manuals for team and Day of Game stadium operations.
- Ensured that all FIFA, CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) and national association rules and regulations were in compliance; supervised league operations including Day of Game standards, procedures and requirements for stadium, teams and match officials.
- Generated and managed budgets for all match officials travel, fees and per diems; and liaised with national governing body referee departments on all aspects of this functional area including drafting official forms, issuance of league Game Notices to/for referees and teams, and review of reports.
Director of Operations
Chivas USA – Major League Soccer
Carson , California
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Administered $500,000 operations budget and +$1,275,000 day of game costs budget.
- Managed all operational areas for Chivas USA: club operations, game operations, game presentation, day of game sponsor/vendor activation, player and spectator safety and team scheduling, adhering to Major League Soccer operations, rules & regulations.
- Supervised a team of thirty staff members and led coordination efforts between stadium personnel, security team, sponsors and media to manage all Day of Game operations.
- Facilitated events in the greater Southern California area, including company functions, player appearances and sponsor activation and fulfillment.
- Managed all administration functions with the Front Office management, Chivas USA team, Home Depot stadium representatives and Major League Soccer.
Director of Operations
Morevents
Denver , Colorado
01.2008 - 09.2008
- Demonstrated creative and forward-thinking leadership in planning and executing affiliate hospitality events for the Democratic National Convention, surpassing profitability goals for sponsors.
Marketing Manager
Amadeus North America
Miami , Florida
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Created and implemented marketing programs to support the channel marketing strategic commercial objective for the North America region.
- Provided ROI and event cost analysis reports for executive management.
Marketing Manager
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise
Pompano Beach , Florida
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Managed marketing program and initiatives for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, overseeing the development and implementation of advertising and promotions.
- Administered customer service enhancement programs to strengthen customer relations.
Consultant
Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF)
New York , New York
01.2003 - 01.2007
- As Marketing Manager for the 2007 and 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup in Miami and New York venues, was responsible for the development and execution strategic marketing plans for client accounts, sponsorship fulfillment, implementation of venue promotions, field board placement, brand presence, ticketing and hospitality.
- As General Coordinator for the 2006 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup in Miami; Assistant General Coordinator for the 2004 Pre-Olympic Men’s qualifying tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico; and Football Director for Soccer for the XIV PAN AMERICAN GAMES 2003, Santo Domingo, oversaw and executed all aspects of Day of Game operations at the tournament stadia.
Director of Operations
PGI The Event & Communication Agency
Miami , Florida
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Successfully implemented and enforced corporate policies and procedures across a diverse range of business operations, including transportation services, entertainment, evening events and themes, meeting enhancements, recreational activities, and teambuilding events for corporate clients.
- Generated revenue and managed fiscal operations by implementing strategies such as up selling, budget development, project profitability management, and vendor relationship leveraging. Oversaw final billing and program closure.
- Reviewed client contracts, developed trusting relationships with clients, and utilized exemplary product knowledge to successfully deliver daily site inspections. Managed the pre-planning and flawless on-site execution of programs.
Director of Operations
Inter Forever Sports
Miami , Florida
01.1998 - 01.2002
- Organized, staged and promoted all CONCACAF international matches and ancillary special events.
- Collaborated with FIFA officials, global marketing representatives, federations, stadium management and local government agencies to ensure efficient production and successful implementation of tournament programs, and to create quality venues for and manage high expectations of sponsors, radio and television rights holders, media representatives, special guests, athletes and spectators.
- Directed innovative marketing strategies that generated leverage opportunities for official sponsors by enhancing brand recognition and integrating value added functions in day of game operations, i.e. field board placement, promotional give-a-ways and half-time shows.
- Identified corporate and product advertising needs and contributed to advertising campaigns by promoting events through radio, television and print media.
- Formulated and executed extensive procedural guidelines and policies; designed and implemented operations budget; prepared monthly operations reports; conducted strategic meetings and monitored facilities planning.
- Recruited, trained and supervised Day of Game operations personnel, obtaining substantial wage savings and increased productivity; directed and accelerated the productivity of the administrative support staff; and located qualified vendors and service providers under strict corporate budgets.
- Brought critically needed discipline and strengthened company’s identity as marketing leader in global community by optimizing leverage opportunities, securing trust and confidence amongst industry peers, and significantly improving customer satisfaction.
Operations Manager
Los Angeles Galaxy
Los Angeles , CA
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Managed all aspects of Day of Game operations: conducted pre and post-game management meetings with Major League Soccer officials and stadium representatives to ensure all operational procedures, including, but not limited to ticketing, sponsorship fulfillment, accreditation, media relations, staffing and security guidelines would be carried out in compliance with league policies.
- Executed all departmental organizational and administrative functions: training and competition schedules; coordinated special projects, i.e. team appearances, photo-shoots and autograph sessions; secured travel arrangements, including accommodations, flights and ground transportation; and monitored annual budget.
- Recognized for outstanding leadership efforts resulting in appointment of Team Liaison for league-wide special events including the 1997 MLS All-Star Game.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
United States International University
San Diego, CASkills
- Event Operations and Logistics
- Staff Training and Development
- Budget Forecast and Oversight
- Contract Negotiations
- Strategic Planning
- Project Leadership
Timeline
Media Operations Analyst
CONMEBOL - Copa America 2024
05.2024 - Current
Vice President of Stadium Operations
Fort Lauderdale United Football Club
01.2024 - 04.2024
Host City Airport Arrival and Departure Manager
FIFA (Fédération Internationale De Football Association) Women's World Cup 2023
06.2023 - 09.2023
Vice President of Operations
California United Strikers FC
01.2021 - 01.2022
Vice President of Operations
The Miami Football Club
01.2015 - 01.2019
Project Director, Consultant
Relevent Sports
01.2014 - 08.2014
Director of Operations
North American Soccer League
01.2011 - 01.2013
Director of Operations
Chivas USA – Major League Soccer
01.2009 - 01.2011
Director of Operations
Morevents
01.2008 - 09.2008
Marketing Manager
Amadeus North America
01.2007 - 01.2008
Marketing Manager
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise
01.2005 - 01.2007
Director of Operations
PGI The Event & Communication Agency
01.2004 - 01.2005
Consultant
Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF)
01.2003 - 01.2007
Director of Operations
Inter Forever Sports
01.1998 - 01.2002
Operations Manager
Los Angeles Galaxy
01.1996 - 01.1998
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
United States International University
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