Debra Denton
Villa Rica,GA
Summary
Enterprising and results-driven leader in conference and event planning with extensive experience organizing, designing, and managing high-profile events across diverse industries, including retail, restaurant, healthcare, biotechnology, and travel. Demonstrated ability to lead projects, enhance relationships with sponsors and business partners, and execute events that align with objectives and contractual obligations. Adept at managing budgets, driving sales growth, overseeing logistics, and enhancing client and visitor experiences. Possess exceptional expertise in identifying and meeting event requirements to drive bottom-line gains and competitive advantage. Showcased strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail. Proven ability to build and maintain robust relationships with internal and external stakeholders, vendors, sponsors, business clients, and senior management.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Conferences & Events
MiMedx
11.2020 - Current
- Manage $1.2M conference budget; $2.2M annual sales training budget; and $780K sales incentive program
- Ensured the seamless execution of programs by coordinating air and ground travel, hotel accommodations, and event agendas and production, while adeptly resolving complex issues.
- Manage all logistics functions, including coordination with exhibit houses, show decorators, and transportation services.
- Develop content and agenda, including travel, hotel, production and food and beverage selections.
- Execute 90 regional, 12 national conferences, 8 regional planning meetings, 1 national sales meeting and 1 sales incentive program per year, within budgetary limitation within company and regulatory policies.
- Key Events: National Sales Meeting 440 attendees | Area Meetings | Regional Meetings | President's Club (40 Winners + guests) | Circle of Excellence (20 Winners + guests) Board of Directors Meetings | Leadership Meetings
Executive Assistant to Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
MIMEDX
07.2016 - 11.2020
- Provided executive administrative support for the EVP, Chief Compliance Officer and SVP Operations
- Full service domestic and international travel management for executives and small groups
- Act as the point of contact between executives, employees and outside contacts
- Assist with planning and management of meeting logistics for up to 500 attendees at our annual team meeting
- Manage internal risk assessment preparation and presentations for the Audit Committee of the Board
- Assist with preparation, communication and distribution of applications, documentation and submissions to the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- Manage company filing system for all FDA and CMS submissions and applications
- Complete and approve invoices and expense reports on behalf of the EVP, SVP and Chief Compliance Officer
- Maintain positive relations with key Board members, outside business partners and our internal team.
Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer
Benevis Practice Services
01.2009 - 01.2016
- Provided executive administrative support for the CEO, President and Chairman of the Boar
- Detailed calendar management including Board, company-wide and business rhythm meeting calendars
- Managed executive and Board travel arrangements as wells as group offsite meeting logistics
- Prepared all executive and Board communications including; meeting materials, agendas and minutes
- Completed and approved invoices and expense reports on behalf of the CEO and President
- Planned executive leadership retreats, annual picnic and quarterly employee meetings
- Managed internal filing system for all financial, quarterly and Board materials.
Senior Executive Assistant to Chief Financial Officer
Wendy’s / Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc.
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Recruited by former manager, SVP of Sports Authority, as Executive Assistant in his position as CFO of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc
- Promoted and relocated from Florida to Atlanta during RTM Restaurant Group’s acquisition of Sybra, Inc
- (Arby’s largest franchisee based in South Florida)
- Calendar management, travel arrangements and screen inquiries while keeping executive apprised of necessary information
- Liaison between senior team, board members, internal business units and external contacts
Executive Assistant to President and Chief Merchandising Officer
The Sports Authority
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Increasing roles of responsibility, starting as Executive Assistant to SVP, Finance and Corporate Controller
- Promoted and temporarily relocated from Florida to Denver to help support the transition and integration during the merger between Gart Sports and Sports Authority
- Managed executive calendars; group travel arrangements for industry tradeshows and business conferences
- Coordinated and prepared materials, agendas and minutes for executive committee meetings
- Managed record-keeping, filing and other ongoing activities for the quick retrieval of essential information.
Executive Assistant
Pro Management Resources, Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Pro Management provides financial, investment, tax preparation and personal services to professional athletes
- Provided administrative support to clients and company president
- Managed all levels of client support including assistance with banking, tax preparation, monthly reports, relocation services, major purchases and personal matters
- Performed various office functions; including office supplies, accounts payable and payroll tracking
- Maintained the company Western Union account, negotiated terms and served as company banking liaison.
Administrative Assistant
American Express Travel Related Services
01.1990 - 01.1997
- Establishment Services Liaison, Platinum Card “By Invitation Only” Specialist, Platinum Card Customer Service Associate
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL01.1995
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Event Details & Logistics
- Project/Program Compliance
- Event Management/Planning
- Relationship Building
- Staff Training & Development
- Venue & Vendor Sourcing
- Sales & Revenue Growth
- Cost Reduction & Containment
- Budget Administration
- Contract Negotiation
Timeline
Manager, Conferences & Events
MiMedx
11.2020 - Current
Executive Assistant to Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
MIMEDX
07.2016 - 11.2020
Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer
Benevis Practice Services
01.2009 - 01.2016
Senior Executive Assistant to Chief Financial Officer
Wendy’s / Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc.
01.2004 - 01.2009
Executive Assistant to President and Chief Merchandising Officer
The Sports Authority
01.2001 - 01.2004
Executive Assistant
Pro Management Resources, Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2001
Administrative Assistant
American Express Travel Related Services
01.1990 - 01.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Florida Atlantic University