Gayle Nelson
Augusta,GA
Summary
Customer-oriented, strategic-thinking sales and event professional with 30+ years of experience in building relationships, cultivating community partnerships, retaining top accounts and growing profit channels. Multi-tasking and self-motivated leader with expertise in expanding network connections, persuasively introducing services, vendor relations, centered on client satisfaction and strengthening community impact.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales and Event Coordinator
Salvation Army Kroc Center
Augusta, GA
05.2023 - Current
- Managed logistics related to transportation, catering, entertainment, decorations for events.
- Coordinated revenue-generating events for the Center resulting in over 100K in revenue.
- Monitored budgeting process for each event to ensure cost efficiency.
- Coordinated with media personnel such as photographers and videographers for capturing important moments during the event.
- Facilitated meetings between vendors and clients in order to discuss overall project scope and timeline.
- Analyzed data from previous events in order to improve future ones.
- Provided on-site support during the day of the event including problem solving if necessary.
- Developed event themes and concepts to ensure successful execution of events.
- Supervised staff members responsible for registration desk setup and management during events.
- Organized vendor contracts, negotiated fees, and ensured compliance with all regulations.
- Conducted pre-event site visits, assessing venue suitability and identifying potential logistical challenges.
Event Management Director & Founder
We Got You Covered Elegant Events
Augusta , GA
01.2010 - Current
- Managed vendors and suppliers to ensure that all necessary materials were delivered on time and within budget.
- Negotiated pricing structures with vendors in order to secure favorable terms while staying within established budgetary constraints.
- Provided oversight of team members responsible for handling day-to-day operations related to the planning process.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to identify areas of improvement for future events.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive event plans and strategies to maximize resources, optimize outcomes, and increase ROI.
Division Director of March of Dimes
March of Dimes
Fayetteville, NC
02.2008 - 05.2010
- Maintained relationships with external stakeholders such as vendors, contractors, government agencies.
- Participated in strategic planning initiatives by providing input on long-term objectives.
- Managed the daily operations of the division including financial planning, resource allocation, and personnel supervision.
- Developed divisional budget, monitored spending, and identified cost savings opportunities.
- Collaborated with senior leadership on departmental budgets, staffing plans, and annual goals.
- Oversaw operations involving volunteers, board members, community participants, and vendors within 3 counties
- Successfully oversaw the financial planning and utilization of a 300K budget
Education
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NCSkills
- Sales strategy development
- Team Collaboration
- Goal Setting
- Excellent Communication
- Customer Service
- Event Billing
- Customer service-driven
- Fundraising Events
- Vendor Relationship Management
Accomplishments
- Employee of the Year - Salvation Army Kroc Center
- Division Director of the Year - March of Dimes
- Boots & Booties World's Largest Military Baby Shower
Affiliations
- Event Manager for Annual Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. Black and White Ball 2024
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sales and Event Coordinator
Salvation Army Kroc Center
05.2023 - Current
Event Management Director & Founder
We Got You Covered Elegant Events
01.2010 - Current
Division Director of March of Dimes
March of Dimes
02.2008 - 05.2010
Elizabeth City State University
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