Ellen S. McGarry
Chicago,IL
Summary
Experienced operations manager and event producer, skilled in process improvement and team leadership. Proven success in project management and enhancing efficiency. Adept at driving profitability and fostering team development in fast-paced environments.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Exhibit 5, LLC
Chicago, Illinois
10.2019 - 03.2024
- Directed daily operations to optimize workflow and resource allocation.
- Created scheduling system for depositions, court reporters, and transcription production.
- Established procedures to maintain consistent product standards and enhance efficiencies.
- Implemented detailed training initiatives to improve staff skills and knowledge.
- Analyzed key performance metrics and reported findings to senior management.
- Created professional development opportunities to promote staff growth, and fostered a positive work environment, resulting in higher employee retention rates.
- Promoted from video court reporter to operations manager, significantly increasing business revenue.
Board Member
Friends of Coonley
Chicago, Illinois
06.2016 - 10.2019
- Collaborated with other board members, administration, and volunteers, promoting open communication and shared decision-making to implement fundraising campaigns, an annual gala, and community events.
- Participated in designing budgets, as well as plans for resource distribution.
- Enhanced volunteer involvement significantly by redesigning the recruitment strategy.
- Formulated strategies for maintaining operational continuity amidst leadership changes.
- Coordinated and lead large-scale community events, enhancing engagement and volunteer involvement.
Parent Teacher Organization Co-Chair
John C. Coonley Elementary School
Chicago, Illinois
11.2014 - 06.2016
- Facilitated effective communication between administration and families to strengthen school-community relations.
- Developed and executed student-centric events to enhance community engagement, including an annual fall festival and grade-level dances.
- Organized informative speaker series on education and child development to foster home-school partnerships.
- Boosted parent involvement through regular updates on volunteer opportunities and school events.
Account Manager
XA, The Experiential Agency
Chicago, Illinois
01.2006 - 04.2008
- Managed complete sales process for corporate and non-profit events, including lead generation and closing deals.
- Produced diverse events such as galas, fundraisers, product launches, and conferences by selecting venues and suppliers.
- Negotiated contracts with audiovisual services, caterers, equipment rentals, and entertainment providers.
- Established clear communication channels between clients and internal teams to ensure seamless execution of events.
- Consistently exceeded client expectations while maintaining positive interactions among all stakeholders.
Senior Sales Consultant
Food For Thought
Lincolnwood, Illinois
05.2001 - 01.2006
- Designed, coordinated and procured all elements for off-premise catered events, encompassing menu development, beverage service, rentals, floral and décor, entertainment, staffing, valet parking services, lighting, and audio/visual equipment.
- Assisted in venue selection and created detailed floor plans, production schedules, and event timelines.
- Negotiated favorable vendor contracts to enhance service offerings and client satisfaction.
- Lead the sales team in achieving the highest performance levels in revenue, volume, and margin over consecutive years.
- Supported leadership in developing marketing and sales plans through sales data analysis and customer insights sharing.
Sales Associate
Blue Plate Catering
Chicago, Illinois
05.1999 - 04.2001
- Exceeded first-year sales goals, breaking company records through strategic client engagement.
- Created detailed catering proposals and subsequent production of weddings, corporate events, non-profit events, and social events.
- Developed division strategy to streamline service offerings and boost operational efficiency.
- Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing inquiries and concerns.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure seamless event flow and execution.
Sales Assistant; Executive Sous Chef
Entertaining Company
Chicago, Illinois
03.1997 - 02.1999
- Drafted menu proposals and coordinated rental equipment and linen orders for events.
- Planned floor layouts and timelines while managing event staff assignments.
- Audited restaurant services conducted at American Girl Cafe in downtown Chicago.
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations and food preparation as Executive Sous Chef upon hiring.
- Executed head chef duties at various catered events, ensuring high-quality standards.
Saucier and Poissonnier of Seasons Restaurant
The Four Seasons Hotel
Chicago, Illinois
03.1996 - 03.1997
- Oversaw food service stations, managing five to seven menu items from preparation to clean-up.
- Stocked ingredients and adhered to recipes, adjusting seasonings for optimal flavor.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations during kitchen operations.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in kitchen area to uphold high restaurant standards in an extremely high-paced environment.
Sous Chef; Banquet Cook; Line Cook
Hotel Nikko Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
06.1994 - 03.1996
- Assisted with menu development and recipe testing across various departments.
- Supervised and trained kitchen staff; maintained stringent food safety and sanitation standards throughout kitchen operations.
- Participated in weekly managerial meetings with department heads for operational alignment.
- Held cook and lead cook positions in the cafe, banquets and garde manger departments prior to promotion to the role of sous chef.
Education
Philosophy and Religion Majors
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IASkills
- Operations management
- Event coordination
- Sales expertise
- Project management
- Team leadership and building
- Vendor negotiation
Timeline
Operations Manager
Exhibit 5, LLC
10.2019 - 03.2024
Board Member
Friends of Coonley
06.2016 - 10.2019
Parent Teacher Organization Co-Chair
John C. Coonley Elementary School
11.2014 - 06.2016
Account Manager
XA, The Experiential Agency
01.2006 - 04.2008
Senior Sales Consultant
Food For Thought
05.2001 - 01.2006
Sales Associate
Blue Plate Catering
05.1999 - 04.2001
Sales Assistant; Executive Sous Chef
Entertaining Company
03.1997 - 02.1999
Saucier and Poissonnier of Seasons Restaurant
The Four Seasons Hotel
03.1996 - 03.1997
Sous Chef; Banquet Cook; Line Cook
Hotel Nikko Chicago
06.1994 - 03.1996
Philosophy and Religion Majors
University of Iowa
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