Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Locations
Timeline

Deborah E Donnelly

East Hampton

Summary

Energetic and organized individual with a natural talent for multitasking and problem-solving in fast-paced environments. Possessing knowledge of event planning principles and project management techniques, along with skills in vendor coordination and budget management. Committed to creating memorable and seamless events that consistently exceed client expectations. Demonstrating excellent organizational skills and a genuine passion for event planning. Eager to continue learning and growing within the catering and event industry. Past experience includes successfully organizing large-scale educational field trips for groups of 70+ people, directing Shakespeare Festivals for over 50 students in a middle school setting, and recent involvement in event planning for various wedding events. These experiences highlight a strong foundation in customer service and project coordination, as well as the ability to quickly grasp industry knowledge. Ready to utilize and further develop communication and logistics skills to excel in an events management role.

Overview

41
41
years of professional experience

Work History

Wedding Event Coordinator

Georgica Jude Events
02.2023 - 09.2024
  • Coordinated timelines and schedules for all parties involved, streamlining communication and reducing stress on the wedding day.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing exceptional wedding planning and coordination services.
  • Managed budgets effectively, optimizing resources without compromising quality or client expectations.
  • Leveraged strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines under pressure.
  • Streamlined event logistics for seamless execution of weddings and related events.
  • Facilitated open lines of communication between clients, vendors, and internal team members for effective collaboration throughout the planning process.
  • Conducted thorough venue inspections, ensuring optimal alignment with client preferences and requirements.
  • Ensured compliance with all local regulations pertaining to event permits, licenses, and safety guidelines, safeguarding the success of wedding event.
  • Maintained strong vendor relationships, ensuring high-quality service delivery at competitive pricing.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create memorable experiences for wedding celebration.
  • Designed custom floor plans and seating arrangements to optimize guest experience during ceremony and reception.
  • Addressed potential issues proactively, mitigating risks while maintaining a smooth event flow.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms and conditions for clients.
  • Implemented creative solutions to overcome last-minute challenges or changes in plans without sacrificing the overall vision of the event.
  • Worked closely with clients to develop personalized wedding plan that fit within budget.
  • Developed and adhered to timelines to keep ceremony and reception running smoothly.
  • Oversaw setup and breakdown of wedding decorations and supplies.
  • Collaborated with bridal couple to achieve expectations and vision for wedding.
  • Organized logistics and prioritized tasks for wedding.
  • Supervised personnel and directed in wedding task administration and completion.
  • Liaised between wedding venues, vendors and engaged couple to help plan and deliver successful event.
  • Helped bridal couple select wedding decorations and floral arrangements, menus and music.
  • Completed final reviews of ceremony and banquet area setups to resolve last-minute issues.
  • Scheduled appointments with potential clients to discuss wedding plans.
  • Coordinated with vendors in securing necessary supplies and services for wedding.
  • Assisted with vendor contracts, negotiating rates and terms with wedding suppliers.
  • Established and managed communications with vendors, confirming service and supply delivery.
  • Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
  • Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
  • Coordinated travel and accommodations for event attendees.
  • Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.

Teacher (Generalist - ELA, Mathematics, Humanities, Literature, Sustainability)

Williston Central School
01.2010 - 06.2024
  • Level II Vermont Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) licensed in Mathematics 5-9; English Language Arts 5-9; Social Studies 5-9 teaching approximately 85 total students in a dynamic & collaborative 5th-8th grade 'house' learning model alongside 3 teachers and 4 paraeducators/special educators
  • Core values include problem solving, communication, self-direction, and citizenship with a focus on student voice, student choice, family communication, and highly personalized/goal directed curriculum
  • PBiS Certified Classroom Behavioral Coach
  • WCS Committee member: Program Council, Building Council, Humanities, Mathematics, CY Mentoring, PBiS, EST
  • Bi-annual Intern Supervisor to undergraduate UVM Education students including performance coaching, oversight & grading
  • Director of the annual Shakespeare Theater Festival (grades 5-8)
  • Organized and executed annual week-long field trips to NYC or Washington DC including lodging and curriculum planning, budget planning/spend oversight, volunteer recruitment and oversight

Bridal Shower Event Coordinator

Georgica Jude Events
11.2023 - 05.2024
  • Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
  • Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
  • Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution and positive outcomes.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between event segments by creating detailed schedules and providing clear communication to staff and participants.
  • Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
  • Enhanced attendee experience by meticulously planning and executing event logistics.
  • Maintained accurate records of all event expenditures, ensuring budget compliance across multiple projects.
  • Elevated client satisfaction, tailoring event themes and activities to match their vision and objectives.
  • Facilitated memorable experiences, overseeing creative direction of event themes, decor, and entertainment options.
  • Streamlined vendor selection and negotiation, ensuring high-quality services while adhering to budget constraints.
  • Negotiated with venue owners to secure prime locations, aligning with event size, type, and attendee expectations.

Rehearsal Dinner Event Coordinator

Georgica Jude Events
04.2021 - 09.2021
  • Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
  • Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
  • Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution and positive outcomes.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between event segments by creating detailed schedules and providing clear communication to staff and participants.
  • Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
  • Maintained accurate records of all event expenditures, ensuring budget compliance across multiple projects.
  • Negotiated with venue owners to secure prime locations, aligning with event size, type, and attendee expectations.

Teaching Assistant & Office Administrator

Williston Central School
01.2006 - 01.2010
  • Oversaw a range of critical team organization & project management workstreams in support of 4 teachers and 4 paraeducators/special educators
  • Owned all office administrative tasks, event/fieldtrip planning and execution, office supply budget & inventory, and MTSS data entry tasks
  • Stepped outside of job requirements to own two literature classes each year including all curriculum planning, teaching execution, grading

Executive Assistant

Donnelly Psychological Services
01.1996 - 01.2006
  • Oversaw all administrative workflows in support of lead Psychologist to optimize efficiency, productivity, and service quality
  • Owned all office accounting duties including oversight and organization of all billing/invoicing and quarterly/year-end tax filing
  • Maintained 100% confidentiality of all communications, transcribed, and edited 3-5 Psychological evaluative reports on a weekly basis
  • Performed detailed and efficient data entry via scoring various psychological report forms and recording scores according to company policy

Owner & Operator

Wildflower Daycare
01.1990 - 01.1995
  • Launched and oversaw a daycare for children with ages ranging from 3 months - 5 years including daily activity & meal planning, billing and invoicing

Merchandise Director

J.C. Penny Inc
01.1984 - 01.1990
  • Developed and lead the execution of the women's RTW merchandise strategy, owned seasonal buy, analyzed & understood product trends/sales data
  • Recruited, hired & developed floor team to drive a culture of premier customer service, with a focus on merchandise display guidelines, inventory management procedures, and the internal selling ceremony

Education

M.Ed. - Educational Leadership

St. Michael's College, South Burlington, Vermont
01.2018
  • Capstone: Impact of Instructional Strategies on Academic Engagement for Students who have Experienced Developmental Trauma
  • GPA: 4.0

Skills

  • Exceptional organization/time/logistics management
  • Excellent relationship building
  • Menu planning
  • Entertainment booking
  • Timeline creation
  • Event design
  • Venue selection and coordination
  • Invitation management
  • Vendor coordination
  • Proficient with G-Suite

Accomplishments

  • Wedding event planning experience in New York City and eastern Long Island managing all vendor coordination and communications.
  • Organized and implemented large scale educational excursions to New York City and Washington DC for groups of 70+ individuals for 15 years.
  • Directed and managed Shakespeare Festival in educational milieu for 17 years.
  • Managed supplies, budget and coordination of middle school teaching team for 4 years.
  • Masters Degree in Educational Leadership with a capstone focus on engagement of students with developmental trauma.
  • Mentored several college interns in the middle school classroom, organizing communication with university personnel for successful completion of internship.
  • Coordinated the planning and communication of two home new construction projects in Vermont, working with general contractors and vendors for successful build completion.

Locations

  • Williston, VT
  • East Hampton, NY

Timeline

Bridal Shower Event Coordinator - Georgica Jude Events
11.2023 - 05.2024
Wedding Event Coordinator - Georgica Jude Events
02.2023 - 09.2024
Rehearsal Dinner Event Coordinator - Georgica Jude Events
04.2021 - 09.2021
Teacher (Generalist - ELA, Mathematics, Humanities, Literature, Sustainability) - Williston Central School
01.2010 - 06.2024
Teaching Assistant & Office Administrator - Williston Central School
01.2006 - 01.2010
Executive Assistant - Donnelly Psychological Services
01.1996 - 01.2006
Owner & Operator - Wildflower Daycare
01.1990 - 01.1995
Merchandise Director - J.C. Penny Inc
01.1984 - 01.1990
St. Michael's College - M.Ed., Educational Leadership

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Deborah E Donnelly