Gretchen Weston Baum
Newport,Rhode Island
Summary
Dynamic maritime professional with extensive experience in yacht command and navigation, demonstrating a strong commitment to team collaboration and achieving optimal results in diverse environments. A unique blend of skills in sailing, culinary arts, hospitality, teaching, counseling, and business facilitates effective communication and rapport with owners, crew, charter guests, and daily management operations. Recognized for reliability and dedication to maintaining the highest performance standards while adapting to evolving challenges, consistently delivering excellence in all maritime endeavors.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CEO
Newport Yacht Management
Newport, RI
04.2024 - Current
- Newport Yacht Management – CEO April 2024 – Present Newport RI, Palm Beach, FL, Oyster Bay, NY, Southwest and Northwest Harbor, ME, Dubai, UAE, Nantucket MA, and Martha’s Vineyard MA.
- 2025 Aboard: SY Northern Star 76’ Hinkley- Mate, Chef, Stew, SY ROXANNE 35’ Sabre - Captain
- 2024 Aboard: SY Knickerbocker, 35 Meter Palmer Johnson, SY Thalia, 49 Meter Vitters, MY Sea Owl, 62 Meter Feadship, MY Serena, 1964 22.5 Meter Feadship, SY Miss Shell 22 Meter Y7, SY Bolero, 1949 73 Foot Yawl Sparkman and Stephens
- Yacht Chef, Deckhand, Stewardess. Provisioned yachts with culinary and maintenance items. Ensured 5 Star service for owners and guests. Maintained interior and exterior yacht cleanliness and operations. Implemented process improvements that enhanced operational efficiency and reduced downtime.
- Oversaw project management efforts, ensuring timely execution of multimillion-dollar yachts.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Created a positive work culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Skills: Organization – Hospitality – Dining service – Culinary – Boat Handling - Navigation
Founder and CEO
Reef Mills Tropical Foods
Newport, Rhode Island
03.2020 - Current
- Development of a healthy, organic, non-allergic, tropical food product range with no preservatives. This venture emerged during the pandemic, infused with my background in hospitality, catering, and retail development of a healthy, organic, non-allergic, tropical food product range with no preservatives.
- Skills: Product Promotion
- Team Leadership
- Food and Beverage Operations
- Marketing
- Business Development
- Budgeting
- Entrepreneurship
Events Sales Specialist
Team One Newport
Newport, Rhode Island
10.2017 - Current
- Spearheaded sales operations at prestigious events such as Volvo Ocean Race, Block Island Race Week, and Newport and Annapolis Boat Shows to enhance brand visibility.
- Skills: Product Promotion - Event Management - Sales - Marketing - Customer Service
Field Service Coordinator
KVH Industries, Inc.
Middletown, Rhode Island, United States
02.2023 - 07.2023
- Responsibilities ranged coordination of new maritime technology installations globally from account management including onboarding new customers. Projects ranged from commercial to private vessels in the US, Asia and Europe.
- Coordinated field service operations to ensure timely and efficient support for customers.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement in service delivery strategies.
- Skills: Logistics Management - Project Management -Salesforce
Licensed Assistant Manager
Mama Leone
Newport, Rhode Island, United States
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Assistant Manager of an Italian Restaurant. Implemented Marketing strategy for new company website. Increased Catering sales for local College Events. Ensured employee retention. Responsible for scheduling and training employees. Creating a strong emphasis on customer service. Performed daily routine activities: accounting, sales, food service, and restaurant cleanliness.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Skills: Team Leadership - Food and Beverage Operations - Event Management - Marketing Strategy - Customer Service
Yacht Chef and 1st Mate
S/Y Wild Thing 70’ Little Harbor
Antigua and Barbuda
10.2019 - 09.2020
- Developed seasonal menus focusing on fresh, local ingredients to enhance culinary offerings and guest satisfaction.
- Assisted captain with sailing and yacht maintenance.
- Skills: Food and Beverage Operations - Catering - Logistics Management - Hospitality Management - Project Management
Hospitality and Culinary Instructor
Newport Public Schools
Newport, Rhode Island
11.2018 - 09.2019
- Guided high school students in culinary and hospitality skills. Assisted in menu creation and execution while demonstrating kitchen management techniques. Supported students in understanding international cuisines and event catering. Acted as an education leader for national baking and food service competitions. Provided career counseling and introduced hospitality opportunities in the yachting industry.
- Developed and implemented culinary lesson plans aligned with state standards.
- Facilitated hands-on cooking demonstrations to enhance student engagement and skill acquisition.
- Streamlined inventory management processes for kitchen supplies, reducing waste and costs effectively.
- Integrated nutrition education into culinary courses to foster healthy eating habits among students.
- Organized community events showcasing student culinary creations to promote school programs.
- Implemented individualized learning strategies, accommodating diverse learning styles and fostering student success.
- Skills: Teaching - Culinary Education - Food Safety - Event Management - Customer Service
Yacht Chef and Race Navigator
S/Y Ticonderoga 72’ Ketch Eristoff
Newport, RI
05.2018 - 11.2018
- Catered and prepared food and beverage service for, crew, owner and guests. Provided navigation during regattas.
- Developed and executed diverse menus, incorporating local ingredients and seasonal foods.
- Skills: Teamwork -Navigation - Food Safety - Food and Beverage Operations - Event Management - Catering - Losgistics
Adjunct Professor as Sailing Captain for MBA Leadership Program
University of Denver
San Diego, California, United States
10.2017 - 10.2017
- Leveraged sailing & boat handling skills to teach teamwork, leadership and communication skills effectively to MBA students at the University of Denver.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop interdisciplinary projects that expanded educational opportunities across departments.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to enhance student learning experiences and increase course engagement.
- Skills: Coaching - Team Leadership - Communication - Sailing Instruction
Owners Representative at the America's Cup
The Manhattan Yacht Club and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
Bermuda
05.2017 - 09.2017
- Conducted extraordinary customer service to VIP guests during the AMERICA'S CUP EVENTS representing the Ritz Carlton Property development in Bermuda. Managed sailing yacht activities, inventory, and services during this event. Held responsibility for accounts payable, crew, guests, and vessel safety.
- Managed guest relations, ensuring exceptional service and satisfaction in high-end hospitality environments.
- Fostered partnerships with local vendors, enhancing product offerings and enriching guest experiences at events.
- Handled customer complaints quickly and professionally to restore customer confidence and prevent loss of business.
- Enhanced company reputation by providing exceptional customer service and support.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance operational workflows, resulting in improved service delivery times.
- Oversaw inventory management processes, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste in food and beverage operations.
- Skills: Team Leadership - Food and Beverage Operations - Event Management - Customer Service - Yachting
Fleet & Program Manager
Fleet & Program Manager
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
07.2013 - 04.2017
- Managed 2 sailing/racing programs across New England, the Caribbean, and Europe. Responsible for daily operations including concierge services, provisioning, cooking, cleaning, and transporting yacht to different locations. Race crew, navigator, and tactician for super yacht regattas as well as private yacht chef and first mate.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance program delivery and operational efficiency.
- Developed strategic plans that aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
- Skills: Teamwork and Leadership - Event Management - Catering - Logistics Management - Project Management - Yachting
Grant Assistant and Training Coordinator
US Sailing
Portsmouth, RI
09.2012 - 07.2013
- Achieved effective management of powerboat and windsurfing programs through strategic scheduling of US Sailing certified instructor courses. Improved student learning outcomes by providing comprehensive course materials. Drove impactful marketing strategies based on insights derived from Google Analytics. Secured grant renewals by meticulously documenting program activities.
- Skills: Logistics Management - Project Management - Marketing - Strategic Planning - Budgeting - Sailing Instruction - Presentation Skills
Licensed Property Manager
CM Property Management
Jersey City, New Jersey, United States
03.2010 - 08.2012
- Real Estate consultant, project and construction manager. Ensured all properties were compliant with building regulations. Scheduled routine property maintenance. Responsible for renting and accounting of properties.
- Skills: Logistics Management
- Project Management
- Sales
- Property Management
- Business Development
- Real Estate Development
Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Viewpoint Realty
Jersey City, NJ
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Maintained professional relationships between buyers and sellers. Sold and rented properties in the Jersey City area. Marketed properties on the company website and performed open houses. Responsibilities included accounts receivable and payable through leases and sales of properties.
- Skills: Direct Sales
- Marketing
- Real Estate Transactions
- Customer Service
- Presentation Skills
- Market Research
Hotel Concierge Manager
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Jersey City, NJ
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Launched and established the Concierge Service Desk at the newly opened Westin Hotel. Catered to all guests needs ranging from travel itineraries, transportation, tours, sporting events, restaurant reservations, theatre shows, etc.
- Skills: Direct Sales
- Logistics
- Customer Service
- Accounting
Marketing Team Member
Gigunda Group
Manhattan, NY
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Marketing and events person at New England Mountain resorts and Times Square New York promoting environmental companies. Hosted the Charmin and Duracell New Years Eve Campaign. Responsible for logistics, brand awareness and customer relations.
- Skills: Branding & Identity
- Product Promotion
- Event Management
- Marketing
- Customer Service
Retail Sales & Inventory Manager, Marketing
Team One Newport
Middletown, RI
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Quality control for warehouse, store, and event sales. Marketing for the Team One website, collegiate programs, and regatta and boat shows. Other roles include inventory management, product launches for established brands such as Puma and Slam. Helped expand the growth of sales by over 200%
- Skills: Product Promotion
- Event Management
- Logistics Management
- Project Management
- Sales
- Marketing
- Customer Service
- Organization Skills
Property Manager and Head Tour Facilitator
Newport Restoration Foundation
Newport, RI
11.2004 - 10.2005
- Landlord for 75+ rental properties. Generated new property leases and lease renewals. Collaborated with the foundations Property Maintenance team, historic commissions and tenants to service 18th century residential properties and mansions. Implemented a modern scheduling system for museum tours. Marketing assistant for curated events.
- Skills: Direct Sales
- Event Management
- Real Estate Transactions
- Customer Service
- Property Management
- Presentation Skills
Sailing Events and Marketing Coordinator
New York Yacht Club
Newport, RI
04.2004 - 10.2004
- Managed all NYYC yachting events, including the organization and running of regional and international sailing regattas and the introduction of the team racing program; developed and rolled out the newly developed event registration website. Cross-functional coordination and alignment across all departments, members, and event participants.
- Skills: Event Management
- Marketing
- Budgeting
- Yachting
Education
MA - Education Counseling
PROVIDENCE COLLEGE
Providence, Rhode Island05-2016
BA - Business Management and Marketing
ECKERD COLLEGE
St. Petersburg, Florida01-2004
Skills
- Proficient Boat Handling
- Olympic Class Sailing
- Event Planning
- Organization
- Interior Design
- Culinary
- Effective Communicator
- Budget Planning
- Team Player
- Athlete
Certification
- Licensed US Coast Guard 100 Ton Captain
- Licensed RYA 100 Ton Offshore Captain
- Certified STCW Training
- Certified ENG1
- Certified Hospitality Instructor
- Certified Food and Safety Restaurant Manager
- Certified PADI Advanced Diver
- Certified Salesforce
- Certified in Satellite Communications KVH Industries Inc
Languages. No Tatoos, and Non Smoker
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Elementary
Interests
Traveling, Family and Friends, Yoga, Kiteboarding, Surfing, Equestrian, Skiing, Art Community Outreach, and Reading
Timeline
CEO
Newport Yacht Management
04.2024 - Current
Field Service Coordinator
KVH Industries, Inc.
02.2023 - 07.2023
Founder and CEO
Reef Mills Tropical Foods
03.2020 - Current
Licensed Assistant Manager
Mama Leone
01.2020 - 01.2022
Yacht Chef and 1st Mate
S/Y Wild Thing 70’ Little Harbor
10.2019 - 09.2020
Hospitality and Culinary Instructor
Newport Public Schools
11.2018 - 09.2019
Yacht Chef and Race Navigator
S/Y Ticonderoga 72’ Ketch Eristoff
05.2018 - 11.2018
Events Sales Specialist
Team One Newport
10.2017 - Current
Adjunct Professor as Sailing Captain for MBA Leadership Program
University of Denver
10.2017 - 10.2017
Owners Representative at the America's Cup
The Manhattan Yacht Club and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
05.2017 - 09.2017
Fleet & Program Manager
Fleet & Program Manager
07.2013 - 04.2017
Grant Assistant and Training Coordinator
US Sailing
09.2012 - 07.2013
Licensed Property Manager
CM Property Management
03.2010 - 08.2012
Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Viewpoint Realty
01.2010 - 01.2012
Hotel Concierge Manager
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
01.2009 - 01.2010
Marketing Team Member
Gigunda Group
01.2008 - 01.2009
Retail Sales & Inventory Manager, Marketing
Team One Newport
01.2005 - 01.2008
Property Manager and Head Tour Facilitator
Newport Restoration Foundation
11.2004 - 10.2005
Sailing Events and Marketing Coordinator
New York Yacht Club
04.2004 - 10.2004
BA - Business Management and Marketing
ECKERD COLLEGE
MA - Education Counseling
PROVIDENCE COLLEGE