Debbie Lynch
New York, Florida, Texas
Summary
Dynamic hospitality executive with a strong track record of generating over $10M in annual revenues. Expertise in strategic sales leadership and revenue management enhances operational excellence and client relationships. Prepared for senior leadership roles focused on optimizing profitability and exceeding performance benchmarks.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Catering Operations Manager
Compass Group-Chartwells USF Tampa
Tampa
07.2025 - Current
- Managed daily catering operations for diverse events across campus venues.
- Supervised catering staff to ensure efficient service and adherence to safety protocols.
- Developed training materials for onboarding new team members in catering processes.
- Facilitated communication between culinary teams and event organizers for seamless execution.
- Supervised day-to-day activities of catering staff to ensure exceptional customer service was provided at all times.
- Collaborated with marketing team on promotional efforts for catering services.
- Provided training to new employees on proper service techniques, safety protocols, and company standards.
- Scheduled staff members to ensure adequate coverage of events.
- Analyzed trends in customer preferences to stay current with industry changes.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures for catering operations.
- Oversaw the hiring, training, and supervision of catering staff, promoting a culture of excellence and professionalism.
Senior Director of Catering
Compass Group Chartwells - FlU Miami
Miami
2024 - 2025
- Developed strategic 3 Tiered Catering programs to enhance Faculty satisfaction and student engagement.
- Led training sessions for management staff on operational efficiency and service standards.
- Analyzed customer feedback to drive improvements in menu offerings and service delivery.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure quality food supply and timely deliveries.
- Built relationships with external partners, vendors, and customers in order to foster collaboration.
- Provided guidance on best practices in project management to ensure successful outcomes.
- Directed marketing initiatives to promote dining services across the university campus.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to maximize organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.
- Oversaw budgeting processes and ensured fiscal responsibility was maintained throughout the year.
Senior Above Property Revenue Manager & Rooms Controller
Marriott International RMAS
Desert Springs
01.2023 - Current
- Leveraged an incisive analysis of prevailing market trends, nuanced demand patterns, and the intricate landscape of competitor pricing, translating insights into judicious, data-driven determinations that underpinned successful pricing strategies.
- Formulated and meticulously executed multifaceted pricing strategies, navigating the intricate intersection of revenue and occupancy goals, while steadfastly upholding the integral fabric of rate consistency.
- Championed the seamless integration and consistent upkeep of sophisticated revenue management systems and tools, serving as the bedrock supporting the intricate web of pricing strategies, all aimed at sustaining operational excellence.
- Pioneered a regimen of regular forecasting and budgetary scrutiny, meticulously aligning tactical execution with overarching revenue aspirations, consistently surpassing benchmarks.
Consulting on Hospitality & Catering Events
Contract Based & Consulting Services
09.2019 - Current
- Skillfully navigated intricate labor dynamics associated with hourly employees contracted by clients, leading to notable upswings in retail revenue and marked enhancements in guest service quality.
- Conceptualized, organized, and managed comprehensive strategies for catering and destination events, encompassing budget oversight, vendor coordination, accommodations, and contract negotiation for both weddings and corporate functions.
- Orchestrated a spectrum of annual corporate conferences, galas, luncheons, outdoor events, and gatherings, ensuring meticulous execution and a seamless guest experience.
- Employed advanced management methodologies to drive operational enhancements within the realm of hospitality, consistently enhancing guest and client satisfaction while achieving cost efficiency and inventory optimization.
- Assumed a pivotal role in guiding executive-level deliberations for catering and event strategies, pertinent to new business acquisitions, the formulation of compelling Request for Proposals (RFPs), and the dynamic landscape of post-Covid-19 catering innovations.
Director of Catering & Events
The Villa at Casa Casuarina (a.k.a The Versace Mansion)
Miami
11.2016 - 08.2019
- Collaborated in the strategic development of annual budgets and projections, while taking a lead role in collective efforts encompassing public relations, marketing endeavors, and the creation of property-specific marketing resources.
- Mentored and guided diverse teams of catering and event professionals, serving as a role model, enabling empowerment, and providing coaching throughout the complete employment journey.
- Innovatively devised comprehensive package menus and themes, maintaining an acute awareness of industry trends and competitive landscape, thereby amplifying guest satisfaction, optimizing event space utilization, and exceeding sales and revenue benchmarks.
- Ensured uncompromising safety measures to safeguard guests, associates, and property assets, upholding functional and well-equipped event spaces to guarantee optimal guest experiences and asset preservation.
Director of Catering
Queens University of Charlotte – Compass Group Chartwells Higher Education
Charlotte
10.2015 - 11.2016
- Skillfully led and managed a diverse range of compelling university brand events, collaborating seamlessly with Compass Group to ensure seamless execution.
- Formulated and executed highly efficient event strategies spanning various university segments including presidential, alumni, board of trustees, and student life departments, resulting in revenue upswing and pioneering catering innovations.
- Continuously undertook the recruitment, skill enhancement, and mentoring of proficient catering and banquet personnel, fostering the optimization of event logistics and experiences.
- Played an integral role within the Compass Group executive board, leveraging specialized catering expertise as a catalyst for driving groundbreaking new business acquisitions.
Director of Catering
Chevron – Compass Group Eurest Dining
Houston
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Monitored and analyzed competitor pricing, positioning strategies, and market data to maintain an up-to-date understanding of local market trends and demand drivers. Provided strategic action plans to senior management and the team based on these insights.
- Exhibited a comprehensive grasp of both macro and micro-economic factors influencing supply and demand within the local market, effectively anticipating market fluctuations and adapting strategies accordingly.
- Fostered professional growth among team members by individually mentoring and guiding them, event management, and leadership. Orchestrated personalized development plans, internal and external training, and engagement in industry-related functions.
- Revitalized and executed new catering menus, resulting in complete revenue capture across all market segments while aligning offerings with current preferences and trends.
Senior Catering & Retail Manager
BP Global – Compass Group Eurest Dining
Houston
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Proven expertise in effective organization, adeptly juggling numerous responsibilities, adeptly prioritizing tasks, and skillfully assigning duties, resulting in consistently exceptional outcomes.
- Diligently upheld meticulous documentation of all catering initiatives, while actively contributing to strategic marketing and promotional initiatives aimed at captivating fresh clientele.
- Actively engaged in fostering business growth prospects, encompassing comprehensive market analysis, competitor insights, and the cultivation of valuable client and vendor partnerships within the designated region.
- Sustained adept leadership in fast-paced retail environments marked by substantial volume, exhibiting expert command of profit and loss management, while concurrently optimizing financial gains and surpassing sales benchmarks.
Catering Sales Manager
Ruth Meric Catering
Houston
01.2009 - 01.2011
Marketing Manager – Sales
North Star Broadcasting WRSV 92
Rocky Mount
01.2007 - 01.2009
Assistant General Manager
Rose Hill Conference Center – Boddie Noel Enterprises
Nashville
08.2006 - 01.2007
Catering Sales Manager
The Marx Hotel & Conference Center
Syracuse
01.2002 - 08.2006
Skills
- Employee Engagement
- Training Coordination
- Policy Compliance
- Project management
- Relationship Building
- Financial Trend Analysis
- Budget Management
- Sales Reporting
- P&L Management
- Strategic Sales Leadership
- Menu Planning
- Culinary Collaboration
- Team Leadership
- Contract Negotiation
- Event planning
- Vendor negotiation
- Leadership development
- Event Design Production & Management
- Revenue Growth & Business Development
- Purchasing Management
- Client Relations
- Guest Interaction
- Staff Management
- Forecasting & Budgeting
- Budgeting
- Training Review
- P&L Oversight
- Revenue Management
- Operational Excellence
Locations
- New York
- Florida
- Texas
Timeline
Senior Catering Operations Manager
Compass Group-Chartwells USF Tampa
07.2025 - Current
Senior Above Property Revenue Manager & Rooms Controller
Marriott International RMAS
01.2023 - Current
Consulting on Hospitality & Catering Events
Contract Based & Consulting Services
09.2019 - Current
Director of Catering & Events
The Villa at Casa Casuarina (a.k.a The Versace Mansion)
11.2016 - 08.2019
Director of Catering
Queens University of Charlotte – Compass Group Chartwells Higher Education
10.2015 - 11.2016
Director of Catering
Chevron – Compass Group Eurest Dining
01.2013 - 01.2015
Senior Catering & Retail Manager
BP Global – Compass Group Eurest Dining
01.2010 - 01.2013
Catering Sales Manager
Ruth Meric Catering
01.2009 - 01.2011
Marketing Manager – Sales
North Star Broadcasting WRSV 92
01.2007 - 01.2009
Assistant General Manager
Rose Hill Conference Center – Boddie Noel Enterprises
08.2006 - 01.2007
Catering Sales Manager
The Marx Hotel & Conference Center
01.2002 - 08.2006
Senior Director of Catering
Compass Group Chartwells - FlU Miami
2024 - 2025