Dina Danahy
Orlando
Summary
Senior management professional with expertise in driving an 11% increase in sales across key product lines. Skilled in executing culinary demonstrations and managing complex projects. Proven ability to strengthen distributor relationships and enhance brand visibility through impactful food shows.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Account Executive, Culinary Specialist
Affinity Group
Orlando
04.2015 - 07.2024
- Executed six to nine weekly sales calls, consistently exceeding targets.
- Achieved year-to-date sales increase of 11% through two distributors across top 10 product lines.
- Introduced new products and conducted demos for national brands such as Dole and McCormick.
- Specialized in culinary demonstrations for sales calls, market meetings, and menu quest events.
- Managed projects with marketing teams and culinary specialists to showcase new manufacturer items and enhance brand presence
- Planned and executed food shows featuring 25 to 30 booths to enhance brand visibility.
- Developed objectives to educate sales teams and strengthen distributor relationships.
- Launched 10 to 15 new products annually including various manufacturers' top item sales goals resulting in increased sales.
Director of Catering Operations
Levy Restaurants
Orlando
01.2000 - 08.2010
- Achieved annual department sales growth of seven to ten percent over ten years.
- Maintained budget discipline while improving guest satisfaction and employee motivation.
- Cultivated long-term client relationships, enhancing collaboration with major media networks and event promoters.
- Executed logistics, menu planning, contract negotiations, and client communications for special events.
- Managed diverse client portfolio including Orlando Magic, ESPN, Microsoft, WWE, and NCAA.
- Controlled labor, liquor, and food costs, contributing to profitable returns for Orlando's catering sector.
- Designed service development initiatives based on operational assessments and program implementation.
- Established catering operations that consistently met Orlando budget requirements while generating profit.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - culinary science and hospitality management
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NY09-1987
Skills
- Sales forecasting
- Sales forecasting tools
- Customer relationship management
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Microsoft productivity tools
- PowerPoint presentation software
- Shared drive reporting
- Quest
- Micros
- Positouch
- Food safety regulations
- Emergency response training
References
Available on request
Community
- Frontline Outreach Community Center, Charity facilitator, 10 years, Organized charitable holiday event for 500 underprivileged families., Volunteered time in toddler day care and after school basketball coaching.
- Northlake Park Community School, PTA Board of Directors Communication Secretary, 2017-2018
- Waters Edge HOA, Board of Directors-Secretary, 2017-Present
- Melanoma Aim Foundation, Member
- Worked directly with City of Orlando commissioners on annual community fundraising events including BETA center of young women and boy scouts of America.
Timeline
Account Executive, Culinary Specialist
Affinity Group
04.2015 - 07.2024
Director of Catering Operations
Levy Restaurants
01.2000 - 08.2010
Associate of Applied Science - culinary science and hospitality management
The Culinary Institute of America