Heather Bruel
Somers,CT
Summary
Accomplished Executive Assistant at MassMutual Financial Group, adept in office administration and project management. Demonstrated success in improving onboarding processes and event planning, showcasing meticulous attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities. Excelled in fostering cross-departmental communication and achieving cost savings, highlighting exceptional interpersonal skills and proficiency in MS Office Suite.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Assistant
MassMutual Financial Group
07.2014 - Current
- Owned all administrative functions for 16 leaders and 200+ associates over two organizations including; calendaring, invoice reconciliation, travel planning, expenses and reimbursements, Slack channel and Mlist maintenance.
- Facilitated onboarding of approximately 70 new employees per year, ensuring appropriate system access and technology deployment for their seamless transition into departmental workflow.
- Managed technology inventory, tracking and ordering to ensure proper spend.
- Served as business project owner for the revamping of onboarding process for the call center.
- Managed special projects to improve overall business operations within the organization efficiently.
- Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate effective communication throughout the company.
- Contributed to budget management by monitoring expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Responsible for expense reconciliation for technology, supplies, industry memberships, training and consulting fees, educational expenses, travel and employee recognition.
- Supported leaders with HR-related tasks, Workday reporting, hierarchy management.
- Served as project manager for large-scale departmental move.
- Ensured on-campus workspace available and equipped with technology for hybrid associates.
- Delivered exceptional organizational support enabling executive focus on high-level strategic initiatives fostering company growth.
- Maintained confidentiality with sensitive meetings and documentation.
Event Consultant
Cigna
11.2013 - 07.2014
- Worked as Contractor to manage full-service event coordination and operation for corporate programs that executed less than 10 weeks from request date.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines. Maintained accurate records of all event expenditures, ensuring budget compliance.
- Designed and oversaw event registration website (Cvent) to collect and track attendee information.
- Implemented innovative solutions to resolve challenges during the planning process or on-site at events.
- Maintained clear communication throughout the planning process, ensuring all stakeholders were informed and aligned on event goals and progress.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
Event & Conference Planner
MassMutual Financial Group
11.1999 - 05.2012
- Partnered with internal clients to design high-quality, cost effective business meetings, event and conferences that aligned with business goals.
- Managed event logistics and operations including; sourcing and contracting venues/vendors, budget planning and reconciliation, registration website creation and maintenance (Cvent), attendee management, overnight accommodations, air travel/ground transportation arrangement, menu planning, excursions/activities, gift selection, presentation creation and audio visual requirements.
- Specialized in coordinating and supporting programs for the Executive Leadership team, Board of Directors and Agents.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Managed budgets effectively, negotiating contracts to secure cost savings without compromising quality.
- Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions. Handled crisis management situations promptly minimizing negative impact on event outcomes and client satisfaction.
- Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution and positive outcomes.
Associate Director of Meeting Services
MassMutual Financial Group
05.2005 - 09.2009
- Led teams of up to 8 Event & Conference Planners, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans.
- Filtered and assigned all requests for event/conference support. Prioritized tasks and allocated resources appropriately to keep teams focused and productive.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff to share innovative ideas and providing resources for professional development.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Trained and developed departmental staff for specific projects and ongoing operational needs.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
Sign & Display Designer
MassMutual Financial Group
11.1997 - 11.1999
- Designed & produced in-house signs and displays for company's incentive conference and business meetings.
- Produced all internal directional signage for multiple campuses.
- Ensured budgets and timelines were maintained during production.
- Regularly produced under extreme deadlines.
Administrative Assistant
MassMutual Financial Group
05.1997 - 11.1997
- Provided support to Graphics Department
- Delivered excellent customer service through prompt responses to client inquiries, addressing concerns effectively, and building strong relationships.
- Managed filing system, entered data and completed other clerical tasks.
- Managed phone and email correspondence and handled incoming and outgoing mail and faxes.
- Managed paper and electronic filing systems by routing various documents, taking messages and managing incoming and outgoing mail.
- Managed time cards for in-house contractors.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA05-1997
Skills
- Executive Support
- Office Administration
- Project Management
- Strong Problem Solver
- Meticulous Attention to Detail
- Customer Service-Oriented
- Interpersonal Communication
- Advanced MS Office Suite
Timeline
Executive Assistant
MassMutual Financial Group
07.2014 - Current
Event Consultant
Cigna
11.2013 - 07.2014
Associate Director of Meeting Services
MassMutual Financial Group
05.2005 - 09.2009
Event & Conference Planner
MassMutual Financial Group
11.1999 - 05.2012
Sign & Display Designer
MassMutual Financial Group
11.1997 - 11.1999
Administrative Assistant
MassMutual Financial Group
05.1997 - 11.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Westfield State University
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