Erica Lucas
Special Events | Marketing | Military Collaboration
Clarksville,TN
Summary
Highly motivated professional with strong work ethic who has extensive experience in marketing, event planning, and military collaboration. Organized, multi-tasker who communicates well across all mediums, excelling in fast-paced, high stress environments with a proven track record of successful planning, leading, and executing to meet desired goals.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Spouse Advisor - 5th Special Forces Group
5th Special Forces Group
Fort Campbell, KY
06.2021 - Current
- Reinvigorated 3rd Battalion's Soldier & Family Readiness Group supporting over 2000 personnel by acting as interim SFRG leader, implementing the Battalion Commander's family readiness goals.
- Established new leadership, recruited record number of spouse volunteers, & set up a sustainable leadership infrastructure.
- Serve as trusted liaison between the Command Team & families.
- Planned & led merchandise sale with multiple vendors raising over $12K in a single day for families - exceeding profit projections by over 20%.
- Organized & successfully executed holiday party for over 350 people, coordinating all aspects of event including vendors, timeline, & budget.
- Continuously work to support families through outreach, communication, & community events.
Special Event Coordinator (Contract)
"On Air With Ella" Podcast
Alexandria, VA
04.2017 - 05.2017
- Assisted in planning & successfully executing an "On Air with Ella" Podcast health & wellness retreat in Scottsdale, AZ.
- Managed & entertained attendees throughout the event to maintain momentum and provide positive branding for ELLA Podcast.
- Coordinated & facilitated a large scale catered dinner with private chef & staff for retreat attendees.
- Negotiated favorable agreements with vendors & facilities staying under budget while fulfilling all contract requirements.
- Organized social activities for the retreat to include workout classes, local experiences, cocktail hour, catered meals & dinners out.
Enrollment Service Specialist
Columbus State University
Columbus, GA
01.2007 - 09.2008
- Responsible for assisting college students with all aspects of enrollment services including - admissions, registration, & financial aid.
- Advised students in person and online to identify & solve problems within the University's Admission Department.
- Marketed Columbus State University to potential future students by answering questions & successfully guiding them through all aspects of the admission process.
Promotions/Marketing Assistant
Raycom Media
Columbus, GA
10.2005 - 04.2006
- Responsible for running weekly show promotions & public service announcements for both WXTX Fox 54 & WTVM Newsleader 9 on a daily basis.
- Created new promotional content through the writing of commercial scripts for nationally syndicated T.V. shows.
- Launched promotional events (such as Foxtacular 2005) for both stations to attract new viewers.
- Assisted in the creative production of new show promotions.
Event/Marketing Assistant
The Trivista Group
Winston-Salem, NC
06.2004 - 06.2005
- Assisted in facilitating executive-level workshops around the country.
- Captured key points & ideas vital to clients' success during workshops & successfully transferred into comprehensive reports for presentation.
- Conducted thorough brand/market research for clients prior to & at the conclusion of each workshop.
Marketing Assistant
First Command Financial Planning
Lawton, Ok
10.2003 - 04.2004
- Planned, promoted, and attended marketing events to include luncheons, dinner seminars and military ceremonies representing First Command.
- Provided military personnel with detailed information about First Commands' services to include; banking, life insurance and investments.
- Continuously created new clientele through innovative marketing events.
- Increased my certified Representatives' monthly business from $2,000 to over $10,000.
Public Affairs Coordinator
The Florida Office Of Drug Control
Tallahassee, FL
01.2001 - 08.2003
- Planned & coordinated various large-scale events through the Governor's office for the state of Florida.
- Created detailed agendas, brochures, & flyers for numerous summits, conventions & planning sessions.
- Worked with press through the writing & execution of multiple Public Service Announcements to include; press releases, radio, & television scripts.
- Managed multiple aspects of the Governor's "Drug Free Communities Program" including the initial grantee application/selection process, annual site visits, & data collection throughout the fiscal year.
- Assisted in coordinating numerous events for the state of Florida including the Governor's annual Drug Summit, the 2001 & 2002 Florida State Prevention Conferences, & Family Day 2001 & 2002.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Affairs
The Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 09.2000 - 05.2003
Skills
Special Event Planning
Communication
Relationship building
Military collaboration
Resource coordination
Multitasking
Proficient in full suite of Microsoft Office programs and all Social Media platforms
Additional Information
- Over 20 years of Military Family Readiness Group involvement to include key caller, advisor, & leadership roles.
- Current member of 5th Special Forces Group Family Readiness Steering Committee.
- Completed 5th Group Leadership, CARE team (loss and bereavement), & financial management training.
Timeline
Senior Spouse Advisor - 5th Special Forces Group
5th Special Forces Group
06.2021 - Current
Special Event Coordinator (Contract)
"On Air With Ella" Podcast
04.2017 - 05.2017
Enrollment Service Specialist
Columbus State University
01.2007 - 09.2008
Promotions/Marketing Assistant
Raycom Media
10.2005 - 04.2006
Event/Marketing Assistant
The Trivista Group
06.2004 - 06.2005
Marketing Assistant
First Command Financial Planning
10.2003 - 04.2004
Public Affairs Coordinator
The Florida Office Of Drug Control
01.2001 - 08.2003
Bachelor of Arts - International Affairs
The Florida State University
09.2000 - 05.2003