Donna L Meyreles
Yorktown Heights
Summary
Proactive, results-driven professional with progressive expertise in leadership and problem solving in global event and hospitality management for major corporate financial institutions. Keen understanding of business priorities, authentic leader committed to developing collaborative teams and positive workplace environments. Cross-functional communicator effectively working with high-profile executives, vendors, and customers. Versatile, innovative, and loyal management professional able to see the “big picture” while staying on top of all the details. Recognized for consistent success in developing and delivering world-class events while remaining focused on the bottom-line.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Event Management
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
04.2015 - Current
- Manage the operations of the Events and Conference Services department with a diverse team of event professionals, executive concierge and food service management staff
- Set functional goals aligned to those defined by the President and the business area Chief Executive
- Oversee the planning, budgeting, and execution of all major events and conferences sponsored by the Bank
- Attain third party resources to meet event objectives and remain within budget
- Transformed a dysfunctional, inefficient, and unprofessional events department into a professional, cohesive, and highly effective unit
- Transitioned department’s service model from in-person to virtual event management with a month, offering a complete array of hands on event management
- Implemented process improvements for various phases of the event planning process enhancing production efficiencies
- Created and implemented the department three-year strategic plan outlining the priorities and direction of the department
- Developed and executed an event department staffing plan establishing career paths
- Produced extraordinarily successful events supporting the Banks mission
Senior Event Planner
UBS Wealth Management
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Plan, execute, and finalize projects on time, within budget and in accordance with regulatory guidelines
- Streamlined event planning processes for increased efficiency and cost savings through vendor negotiations and contract management.
- Utilized project management tools to track progress against timelines and ensure timely completion of all tasks leading up to an event.
- Spearheaded venue selection process, negotiating favorable terms while remaining within budget constraints.
- Developed creative event concepts that exceeded client expectations and garnered positive feedback from attendees.
Director, Global Event Management
Zurich Insurance Group
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Planned, executed, and finalized projects on time, within budget and scope objectives, including acquiring resources and coordinating efforts of team members to deliver events according to plan
- Identified and resolved project issues
- Interfaced with Group CEO and other Senior Leadership to develop event strategy and implementation plan all the while effectively communicating project status
- Led cross-cultural teams in execution of events world-wide
- Created, managed, and reconciled event budgets in excess of $4.5M
- Managed, mentored, motivated and coached team members, influencing them to take positive action and accountability for assigned work
- Created a global event department, cultivated staff, developed department business plan and governance guidelines, implemented systems, established roles and responsibilities
- Produced phenomenally successful events in numerous countries using cross-cultural teams and vendors to include: United States, Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Demonstrated outstanding leadership and superb project management skills in the creation, production, and execution of events, consistently scoring 95% or greater on post event surveys
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Recognized for producing a benchmark event on the PGA TOUR circuit receiving 'Best Of' Awards for 'Best Special Event' in 2010 and 'Best Charity Integration' in 2011
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Spearheaded a one brand marketing aesthetic approach to all meetings and events; 2008 recognized by IMCA for Best Event Brand Integration
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Introduced and successfully integrated electronic event management into all meetings and events
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Established a community outreach program as one of the pillars of Zurich events
- Enhanced stakeholder satisfaction with timely and transparent communication strategies.
- Successfully launched first annual worldwide Zurich leadership team meeting supporting CEO’s strategy and brand campaign, resulting in a One Zurich global community
Senior Manager, Global Meeting Planning
PricewaterhouseCoopers
02.1988 - 09.2003
- Company Overview: PricewaterhouseCoopers is a multinational professional services firm delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services
- Expanded and managed the meeting planning department of Global Leadership’s internal meetings and events both domestically and internationally
- Hired, trained, supervised, and motivated a team of meeting planning professionals responsible for all Firm meetings, events, and educational programs
- Successfully lead cross-cultural teams in the production and management of high-profile customer events which reinforced the Firm’s brand
- PricewaterhouseCoopers is a multinational professional services firm delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services
- Cultivated and nurtured effective working relationships with third party vendors, establishing a worldwide network for procuring valued services
- Negotiated vendor contracts leveraging Firm spend to optimize savings resulting in an annual cost savings of 15%
- Prepared and administered annual department budget
- Responsible for vendor management including selection, negotiation, and contract compliance
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results.
- Established strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business.
- Collaborated closely with peers from other departments to drive organizational success jointly as one cohesive unit.
- Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives.
- Improved team performance by providing comprehensive training and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Mentored junior staff members for skill development and career progression within the organization.
- Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
- Achieved operational excellence by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability in navigating complex situations or rapidly changing environments with ease.
- Balanced competing priorities efficiently while maintaining focus on critical tasks requiring immediate attention.
- Conducted performance evaluations, compensations and hiring to maintain appropriate staffing requirements.
- Implemented innovative solutions to overcome challenges, leading to enhanced productivity levels.
- Executed appropriate staffing and budgetary plans to align with business forecasts.
- Consistently met or exceeded annual performance targets set by senior leadership.
- Managed budgets effectively, achieving financial objectives while maintaining strict control over expenditures.
- Evaluated vendor offerings critically to select the most appropriate partners for delivering desired results at optimal costs.
- Spearheaded change management efforts for seamless adoption of new systems or processes among employees.
- Evaluated hiring, firing, and promotions requests.
- Facilitated partnerships with industry leaders, expanding company's network and opening new business opportunities.
- Coordinated cross-departmental projects to improve product delivery timelines, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Negotiated high-value contracts with new suppliers, securing better pricing and terms, which improved profit margins.
- Enhanced team performance with regular coaching sessions, focusing on individual strengths and areas for improvement.
- Drove adoption of new technology solutions, modernizing operations and improving operational efficiency.
- Launched comprehensive customer feedback system, leading to enhanced product features and higher customer satisfaction rates.
- Led strategic planning sessions to align departmental goals with overall company vision, fostering cohesive growth strategy.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
Education
BS - Biology, Business
MANHATTAN COLLEGE
Riverdale, NYSkills
- Strategic Planning
- Workflow Process Analysis
- Resource Management
- Client Relations
- Project Management
- Negotiations
- Event Management
- Budget Management
- Brand Management
- Event Production Management
- Talent Development
- Event Technology Systems
- Guest management
- Relationship building
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Brand awareness
- Strategic planning
- On-site execution
- Meeting facilitation
- Teamwork
- Creative direction
- People management
- Troubleshooting and problem resolution
- Creativity and adaptability
- Operations management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Data-driven decision making
- Multitasking Abilities
- Menu planning
- Attendee engagement
- Team management
- Vendor negotiation
- Brand promotion
- Clear communication
- Employee development
- Active listening
- Organizational development
- Organizational improvement
- Effective communication
- Goal setting
Timeline
Head of Event Management
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
04.2015 - Current
Senior Event Planner
UBS Wealth Management
01.2014 - 01.2015
Director, Global Event Management
Zurich Insurance Group
01.2008 - 01.2013
Senior Manager, Global Meeting Planning
PricewaterhouseCoopers
02.1988 - 09.2003
BS - Biology, Business
MANHATTAN COLLEGE
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