Hollie Gatewood
Guyton,GA
Summary
High-performing Event Manager with an extensive portfolio of international and domestic project accomplishments spanning 10 years. Outgoing, hands-on professional bringing valuable relationship building and retention skills, which amassed diversified network of service providers, ensuring optimal quality, and results for successful client events.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Travel Specialist
Compassion International
10.2022 - Current
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
- Managed complex international travel arrangements, ensuring smooth and seamless experiences for business travelers.
- Booked tickets for air, hotel, and ground transportation.
- Negotiated favorable rates with vendors to secure cost-effective solutions for corporate clients'' travel needs.
- Spearheaded efforts in crisis management during unforeseen events or disruptions, minimizing negative impacts on client travel plans.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to maintain high levels of service quality and support, benefiting both the company and clients.
- Managed relationships with preferred vendors to secure exclusive discounts and benefits for the company.
- Increased client satisfaction by efficiently managing travel bookings, accommodations, and itinerary changes.
- Contributed insights during team meetings on potential improvements in internal processes that could result in better client outcomes or operational efficiencies.
- Managed administrative functions such as billing and expenses.
Event Planner
Citizen Church
05.2019 - Current
- Volunteered at church-sponsored outreach events, providing polite, friendly representation.
- Helped with special events such as Next Level, Community Outreach, Back to School Bash, Open House and Staff Retreats to coordinate resources, spaces, vendors and schedules.
- Supported organization of annual church retreats, creating memorable experiences for attendees.
- Coordinated with local businesses for event sponsorships, enhancing community ties.
- Streamlined organization of church events, reducing setup times significantly.
- Enhanced retreat experiences by developing and implementing innovative programs and activities.
- Collaborated with diverse teams of staff, volunteers, and vendors to ensure successful execution of each retreat.
CFO
Coastal Lawn Management
04.2018 - 08.2022
- Managed company-wide budgets, payroll, accounting and other financial operations.
- Prepared accounts and conducted audits according to regulatory requirements.
- Supported company growth objectives by developing solid financial plans.
- Collaborated with business unit managers to prepare annual financial reports, tax returns and pension plan financial statements.
- Monitored business trend forecasts and adjusted budgets and operational plans to maximize growth and opportunities.
- Minimized losses by improving financial strategies to improve corporate position.
- Maintained impeccable office organization to support efficiency, professionalism and performance objectives.
- Managed office budget to handle inventory, postage and vendor services.
- Booked hotel rooms, car rentals and flights for company trips and conferences.
- Oversaw CRM updates and backups, report generation and troubleshooting requisition.
- Organized personal and professional calendars, including reminders for upcoming meetings and events.
- Updated company websites, accounts and social media outlets to promote marketing and brand awareness.
Event Coordinator
Coastal Event Planner
04.2018 - 04.2022
- Oversaw event logistics, venue scheduling and accommodations.
- Planned, coordinated and executed weddings and special events.
- Coordinated vendors, timelines and budgets for events.
- Selected décor and event materials fitting clients' requests and vision.
- Organized corporate luncheons, dinners, conferences and special events.
- Designed and maintained spreadsheets documenting vendor, facility and guest information.
- Assessed event success and identified improvement areas through client feedback.
- Scheduled and managed transportation for event participants.
- Recommended money-saving strategies for events to bring costs within budget.
- Directed florists, photographers, musicians and ceremony participants during pre-ceremony, ceremony and post-ceremony events.
- Hosted large groups by engaging with attendees during annual events.
- Organized event facility, food and beverage selections and audio-visual arrangements.
- Networked to obtain potential event sponsors.
- Greeted guests to promote positive, memorable experiences.
- Responded to questions, complaints and conflicts quickly and thoroughly.
- Explained and demonstrated games and activities to party participants.
Travel Coordinator
Self-employeed
02.2009 - 12.2021
- Coordinated cruises, trains and flights based on cost and time of travel to enhance client experience and satisfaction.
- Handled travel arrangements for groups, couples, executives and special needs clients.
- Took payments via credit and debit cards and handled sensitive information with professionalism and discreteness.
- Sustained operational efficiencies, coordinating domestic/international customer travel accommodations while managing airfare, hotel bookings and rental car reservations.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction ratings, researching travel options, negotiating rates, presenting best deals and resolving issues efficiently.
- Researched and created memorable and exquisite travel itineraries for high-level clients, celebrities, politicians and business executives.
PTO President
South Effingham Elementary
08.2017 - 05.2020
- Worked closely with senior leadership to establish funding objectives and devise workable development plans.
- Raised funds by coordinating events.
- Planned and coordinated resourcing, staffing and venue acquisition for fundraising events.
- Boosted fundraising donations by $40,000, which increased outreach and communication efforts.
- Developed projections for annual revenues, including donations, sales and grants to support cash flow management.
- Worked with volunteers to guide fundraising activities, managed finances and strategized with board members to innovate opportunities to attract new donors.
- Created online fundraising campaigns on Facebook and Instagram social media platforms, offering insightful content designed to highlight organizational objectives and attract givers.
- Developed insightful fundraising materials for newsletters and websites to attract sponsorship opportunities.
- Handled donation boxes, counted donation totals and transported funds to appropriate locations.
- Assembled booths, created promotional materials and hung up signs.
- Attended team meetings and assisted with campaign planning when appropriate.
- Identified and recruited more volunteers to support and help with fundraising campaigns.
- Connected with donors via phone, email and in-person interactions.
- Collaborated with fundraising supervisors and teams to boost promotion and funds.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
Patient and Event Coordinator
Finger and Associates
03.2006 - 01.2009
- Drove event attendance while reducing overhead through marketing and outreach initiatives.
- Coordinated plans and specific event needs with internal personnel.
- Collaborated with leadership and colleagues to coordinate staffing for each event.
- Coordinated vendors, timelines and budgets for events.
- Organized corporate luncheons, dinners, conferences and special events.
- Oversaw event logistics, venue scheduling and accommodations.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between event segments by creating detailed schedules and providing clear communication to staff and participants.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FLSkills
- Travel Arrangements
- Travel Planning
- Special Events Planning
- Project Management
- Vendor and contract negotiations
- Guest Relations
Timeline
Corporate Travel Specialist
Compassion International
10.2022 - Current
Event Planner
Citizen Church
05.2019 - Current
CFO
Coastal Lawn Management
04.2018 - 08.2022
Event Coordinator
Coastal Event Planner
04.2018 - 04.2022
PTO President
South Effingham Elementary
08.2017 - 05.2020
Travel Coordinator
Self-employeed
02.2009 - 12.2021
Patient and Event Coordinator
Finger and Associates
03.2006 - 01.2009
Some College (No Degree) -
Southeastern University
Similar Profiles
Marc AragundiMarc Aragundi
Senior Manager - Enterprise Agile Practice at Compassion InternationalSenior Manager - Enterprise Agile Practice at Compassion International
Rick DuncanRick Duncan
Product Owner at Compassion InternationalProduct Owner at Compassion International
Janet AlimbaJanet Alimba
Child Development Specialist at Compassion InternationalChild Development Specialist at Compassion International