Accomplished event planner with extensive experience in special events, fundraising, and publicity. Skilled in donor engagement, sponsorships, logistics, and vendor relations. Passionate about creating impactful experiences that drive organizational success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Event Consultant and Coordinator
LRS Event Planning
11.2007 - Current
Collaborate with private clients, corporate groups, and nonprofit organizations to plan and execute high-profile events, including weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, milestone celebrations, and charity galas
Deliver professional, knowledgeable, and attentive service while ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for clients
Oversee and manage diverse event staff, ensuring smooth coordination and execution
Develop and maintain event budgets, adhering to financial requirements while delivering upscale, memorable experiences
Cultivate strong vendor relationships with top rental companies, caterers, florists, and photographers to ensure exceptional event execution
Plan and execute events at premier Los Angeles venues, including the Beverly Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, Beverly Hills Hotel, Four Seasons, Casa Del Mar, Sunset Tower, The London Hotel, as well as private residences, country clubs, theaters, and elite event spaces and studios
Event Officer, West Coast
Save the Children
04.2021 - 03.2025
Plan, coordinate, and execute events, ensuring seamless logistics and exceptional guest experiences
Develop event concepts, timelines, and budgets while managing vendor negotiations and contracts
Oversee venue selection, catering, entertainment, and décor to align with client objectives
Coordinate with vendors, staff, and stakeholders to ensure smooth event execution
Manage on-site logistics, troubleshoot issues, and adapt to last-minute changes
Track expenses, process invoices, and ensure events stay within budget
Communicate with fundraisers regularly, providing updates and ensuring satisfaction
Supervise event setup, breakdown, and post-event evaluations to improve future planning
Manager of West Coast Events
Save the Children
01.2017 - 03.2021
Led planning and logistics for special events across the West Coast region
Spearheaded the creation of a logistics team for the inaugural Los Angeles gala at the Beverly Hilton, hosting 800+ guests and raising over $4 million
Collaborated with the Board of Trustees and donors to coordinate arrangements for high-profile honorees
Director of Special Events
California Institute of the Arts (CALARTS)
01.2010 - 06.2020
Plan and oversee all aspects of the organization’s fundraising events, including venue selection, timelines, guest lists, staffing, menus, and décor
Collaborate with event sponsors, vendors, and planning committees to ensure seamless execution
Manage budgets, track expenses, and ensure events align with financial goals
Negotiate vendor contracts and maintain strong relationships to optimize event quality and cost efficiency
Cultivate and engage executives, prospective donors, community members, board members, and volunteers to enhance fundraising efforts
Successfully organized high-profile events, including: Annual REDCAT Gala (2010–present), a seated dinner for over 200 guests
Art auction with Christie’s Auction House, Paula Cooper Gallery, and Metro Pictures in NYC, featuring over 80 works and raising over $2 million
Various speaker series, performances, and special events in collaboration with board members and donors
Publicist
Michael Kohn Gallery
05.2010 - 01.2014
Generated press for high end art gallery for various 25th Anniversary events
Worked on raising gallery’s profile with mainstream Los Angeles media and national press
Generated press for art exhibits for numerous artists for gallery's roster of artists.
Publicist
FORYOURART
01.2009 - 03.2010
Created and implemented press plan to increase awareness for art-related projects and events
Developed an expertise at branding a new company and created a strategic marketing and publicity campaign for art publications and mainstream media
Generated press for several of the organization’s collaborations, including fashion event at Intermix boutique with world renowned artist, Marilyn Minter (October 2009), and the Michael Kohn Gallery’s exhibition of David Lynch photographs in collaboration with Danger Mouse (June 2009)
Manager, Corporate Communications
MTV Networks
03.1999 - 11.2006
Coordinated and managed press campaigns and production logistics for various award shows for MTV, VH1, and Spike TV
Organized and oversaw logistics for Television Critics Associate events for MTV Networks
Developed and implemented various press plans for MTV, VH1, Nick at Nite, TV Land and Spike TV’s original programming
Managed press plans and premiere production and logistics in partnership with Paramount Studios on Nickelodeon Movies
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Film & Television Production, Art History
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Madison, WI
05.1997
Skills
Charitable fundraising
Multitasking
Communication skills
Working with charitable boards
Soliciting sponsorships
Budget development
Vendor curation
Timeline management
VIP relations
Media relations
Relevant Attributes And Skills
Passion for charitable fundraising
Excellent multitasker
Superior communication skills
Experience working with charitable boards
Soliciting sponsorships
Developing and following budgets
Curating vendors and timelines
VIP relations
Skilled with media relations and publicity
Proficient in Microsoft Office and other essential event computer programs
Timeline
Event Officer, West Coast
Save the Children
04.2021 - 03.2025
Manager of West Coast Events
Save the Children
01.2017 - 03.2021
Publicist
Michael Kohn Gallery
05.2010 - 01.2014
Director of Special Events
California Institute of the Arts (CALARTS)
01.2010 - 06.2020
Publicist
FORYOURART
01.2009 - 03.2010
Owner/Event Consultant and Coordinator
LRS Event Planning
11.2007 - Current
Manager, Corporate Communications
MTV Networks
03.1999 - 11.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Film & Television Production, Art History
University of Wisconsin – Madison
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