Jennifer Vernon
Danville,CA
Summary
Creative and results-driven professional with extensive experience in hospitality and facilities management. Proven leader skilled in building collaborative teams, managing operations, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Adept at coordinating facilities functions, improving operational efficiency, and adapting to evolving business needs. Recognized for strong communication, attention to detail, and a team-focused leadership style. Experienced in recruitment, staff development, mentoring, and driving operational excellence through superior service delivery.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr Area General Manager
SodexoMAGIC
San Ramon, CA
09.2013 - Current
- Provide enterprise-level leadership for five corporate conference centers across the Bay Area, overseeing a $17M operating budget and 100+ employees across hospitality, food service, sales, marketing, administration, and facilities operations, ensuring consistent service excellence and operational performance across all sites.
- Direct integrated hospitality and facilities management operations, balancing guest experience, building functionality, vendor performance, and safety/compliance standards to deliver seamless, high-performing corporate environments.
- Drive strategic alignment between operational execution and client culture, translating enterprise priorities into site-level action plans while consistently exceeding revenue, service, and experience KPIs.
- Lead end-to-end event and conference center strategy and execution for high-profile corporate programs, coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver high-touch hospitality experiences aligned with client brand standards and business objectives.
- Oversee full-cycle talent strategy for multi-site operations, including recruitment, onboarding, training, workforce planning, and performance management, building and scaling high-performing, service-driven teams across diverse hospitality and facilities functions.
- Design and implement operational, hospitality, and facilities management improvements that increase efficiency, reduce operating costs, enhance sustainability practices, and elevate both client and employee experience across all locations.
Director of Sales & Marketing
San Ramon Valley Conference Center
01.2005 - 01.2013
- Managed $9M annual revenue budget across internal and external sales channels, driving consistent performance and profitability.
- Optimized conference center space utilization and revenue generation through strategic booking and capacity management.
- Negotiated and executed high-value special event contracts, ensuring favorable terms and strong client alignment.
- Developed and implemented integrated sales and marketing strategies, including digital and social media initiatives, to expand market reach and drive demand.
- Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external clients to support long-term business growth and retention.
- Led and developed high-performing teams across Sales (4), Conference Services (6), and Audio Visual (3), ensuring cross-functional alignment and service excellence.
- Analyzed market trends and competitive activity to inform pricing strategy, sales positioning, and business development initiatives.
Conference Services Manager
San Ramon Valley Conference Center
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Oversee day to day operations of Conference Planning team to ensure success of each event.
- Implement meeting planning strategies and continually evaluate standard operating procedures.
- Communicated requirements in advance to appropriate departments or outside vendors and follows up to ensure that corporate standards of quality and service are met.
- Responsible for execution of Special Events ranging from 1 to 400 guests.
- Train and develop conference planning and Audio Visual staff in consistent standards and event excellence.
Senior Conference Planner
San Ramon Valley Conference Center
01.2002 - 01.2002
- Successfully plan and execute up to 10 meetings a day.
- Communicate needs of client to all departments on site to ensure success.
- Identify and implement ways to enhance the guests meeting experience.
- Built relationships with other departments to improve communication and efficiency.
Director of Membership and Events
San Ramon Chamber of Commerce
San Ramon, CA
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Established and maintained professional relationships with business community leaders and industry professionals.
- Successful sales and marketing of executive level meetings, seminars and other events.
- Successfully planned and managed all aspects of events and seminars including budget development, site selections, contract negotiations, speaker and vendor coordination and event logistics.
- Direct all advertising and PR for Events at the Chamber.
- Served as interim CEO during Executive Search.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Dominican University
San Rafael, CA01-1999
Bachelor of Arts - History
Dominican University
San Rafael, CA01-1999
Skills
- Corporate Training and Workplace Operations
- Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Training, Coaching and Team Development
- Event and Workplace Coordination
- Customer Service and Employee Experience
- Vendor Relations and Space Management
- Problem Solving and Facilities Management
- Strategic Planning and Process Improvement
- Operational Excellence and Innovative Solutions
Affiliations
- International Association of Conference Centers | 2002-Present
- Women In Network Group | 2005-Present
Timeline
Sr Area General Manager
SodexoMAGIC
09.2013 - Current
Director of Sales & Marketing
San Ramon Valley Conference Center
01.2005 - 01.2013
Conference Services Manager
San Ramon Valley Conference Center
01.2002 - 01.2005
Senior Conference Planner
San Ramon Valley Conference Center
01.2002 - 01.2002
Director of Membership and Events
San Ramon Chamber of Commerce
01.2000 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Arts - History
Dominican University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Dominican University