Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kari Hedges

Foley,AL

Summary

Strategic hospitality and business leader with 10+ years of experience at The Walt Disney Company and partner organizations, specializing in cross-functional integration, project communication, and team leadership. Proven record of managing complex initiatives, aligning operational priorities across business units, and delivering high-impact guest and client experiences. Skilled at fostering collaboration, translating vision into actionable plans, and coaching teams to achieve exceptional performance. Adept at navigating fast-paced, dynamic environments while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and strategic focus.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Brand Manager

Davis, South, Barnette & Patrick
04.2023 - Current
  • Company Overview: Advertising/PR
  • Develop strategic content across digital, social, and print platforms to align client messaging with campaign goals.
  • Track campaign milestones, product promotions, and customer data to inform brand strategy.
  • Track performance data, provide client reports, and recommend improvements based on results.
  • Review and manage deliverables including design approvals, estimates, and production timelines.
  • Develop and execute multi-platform marketing campaigns to support client goals, using insights to guide messaging and channel mix.
  • Draft and edit creative briefs, campaign materials, and promotional copy ensuring consistency, clarity, and brand alignment.
  • Partner with leadership to build client presentations and sales storytelling tools for growth planning and forecasting.
  • Analyze campaign performance, generate business intelligence reports, and inform strategic adjustments across markets.
  • Proofread and edit final deliverables to maintain accuracy and brand compliance.
  • Manage budgets, vendor contracts, and production timelines, ensuring all project deliverables meet client expectations.
  • Advertising/PR

National Events Coordinator

Gary Sinise Foundation
06.2022 - 04.2023
  • Managed end-to-end event strategy and logistics for national awareness campaigns and fundraising events.
  • Aligned creative messaging with campaign strategy and audience segments in partnership with design and marketing teams.
  • Monitored and reported key performance indicators, making data-driven recommendations to refine marketing strategies.
  • Served as on-site event lead, maintaining event flow and guest service excellence while handling last-minute changes with calm professionalism.
  • Oversaw budgets, vendor agreements, and inventory while ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
  • Maintained inventory of branded collateral, organized product placement at events, and supported social media-ready content creation.
  • Partnered with internal teams (marketing, design, and ops) to develop messaging and cohesive experiences.
  • Maintained detailed documentation and event communications to ensure alignment and delivery accuracy.
  • Tracked budgets, timelines, and vendor agreements, ensuring high-quality execution and guest satisfaction.
  • Produced after-action reviews summarizing key performance data, insights, and improvement opportunities.
  • Assisted with budget tracking and invoice approvals for vendor and partner contracts.

Assistant Front Office Manager

Omni Nashville Hotel
10.2021 - 06.2022
  • Led front office operations, collaborating with departments to ensure seamless guest experiences across 800+ rooms.
  • Handled escalated guest concerns with empathy and resolution, preserving brand loyalty and reputation.
  • Completed weekly supply inventories to ensure adequate pars of such.
  • Conducted rate audits, ensured adherence to front office controls, and supported hotel occupancy strategy.
  • Managed staffing levels, performed interviews, created checklists, and tracked inventory needs.
  • Adhered to all Systems & Controls of the Front Desk and appropriate areas of responsibilities.
  • Adequately conducted interviews for the Front Office departments.
  • Trained and mentored cast members, ensuring seamless guest service and knowledge transfer.
  • Integrated training strategies into operational procedures to enhance guest satisfaction and efficiency.

Premium Services Specialist

The Walt Disney World Resort
03.2020 - 09.2021
  • Managed complex booking logistics, including dining, transportation, and personalized service elements.
  • Acted as point of contact for all member concierge requests and inquiries.
  • Utilized multiple technology systems (Salesforce, Slack, Microsoft Office, etc) to assist Club service standards, location guidelines, and plans for Members.
  • Cultivated and delivered personalized and intuitive service to Walt Disney World’s most affluent Guest market while being cognizant of business needs.
  • Maintained meticulous documentation, upheld brand standards, and protected guest confidentiality in all communications.
  • Demonstrated integrity while upholding Members rights to privacy and confidentiality.
  • Prioritized tasks on importance to make sure that each goal was succeeded in the appropriate time frame.
  • Contacted Guests to discuss policies and procedures at the Walt Disney World clearly and precisely.
  • Demonstrated high emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills with discretion and poise.
  • Trained and mentored cast members, ensuring seamless guest service and knowledge transfer.

Disney’s Special Activities VIP Tour Guide

The Walt Disney World Resort
04.2017 - 03.2020
  • Precisely and safely guided tours for executives, stakeholders, private families, high profile Guests, and company representatives.
  • Attentively balanced Guest expectations and needs to execute a seamless, lasting memory for every Guest.
  • Planned, prioritized, and facilitated tours independently while collaborating with other Lines of Business.
  • Coordinated tour logistics in collaboration with Park Operations, Security, Attractions, and Dining.
  • Frequently toured high-profile Guests while keeping them safe, protecting their proprietary information.
  • Anticipated, adapted, and addressed logistical changes due to operational delays or special requests, protecting the guest experience at all times.
  • Authored detailed post-tour reports for operational teams to track guest preferences and feedback.

Guest Relations Hostess at Magic Kingdom Park

The Walt Disney World Resort
06.2014 - 03.2020
  • Collaborated with other areas to provide a seamless experience through various roles such as Coordinator Proficient Designee, Grand Marshal Coordinator, Help Desk, Administration Desk, and Trainer for 5 years.
  • Provided outstanding, respectable, and concise Guest service and guidance to others while utilizing multiple technology systems efficiently.
  • Expressed empathy towards Guests with their conflicts and sensitive towards Guest differences in opinions.
  • Acted as a core frontline team member for complex guest issues, policy resolution, and executive-level assistance.
  • Asked probing questions to Guests and Cast Members to fully collect the correct information to answer appropriately.
  • Proactively maintained an efficient staffing graph for all locations.
  • Mentored and provided inspiration and feedback to Cast Members to achieve positive performances.
  • Proactively acted in Administration Desk with the anticipation of tasks and goals that needed to be accomplished.
  • Identified problems and opportunities within the department while accepting increased responsibility.
  • Accepted changes and feedback proved by leadership and trainers to develop self and skills in the department.
  • Trained and mentored cast members, ensuring seamless guest service and knowledge transfer.

Event Competition Coordinator

The Walt Disney World Resort
02.2018 - 05.2018
  • Managed logistics and event operations for large-scale sporting events.
  • Built and collaborated strong relationships across all levels of the organization.
  • Analyzed statistical information and oversaw schedule changes.
  • Interpreted and compiled information from Sports Partners regarding events.
  • Prioritized and arranged all logistical planning of events from BEO preparation to onsite execution.
  • Followed through with operational partners at the Sports Complex to ensure all tasks/needs had been met.
  • Coordinated with vendors and internal teams to ensure smooth execution of competitions.
  • Oversaw vendor partnerships for sporting events, ensuring timely contract execution and service quality.
  • Operated as the main point of contact for the clients at the Sports Complex.
  • Resolved and managed conflicts between Sports Partners and operational partners.
  • Prepared clear and concise reports documenting successes, challenges, and potential improvements.

Marketing Intern

Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism
05.2013 - 08.2013
  • Collaborated with local business to plan the opening/closing ceremonies of USSSA World Series with 1000 plus attendees.
  • Assisted in supplier vetting and procurement processes for marketing and promotional materials.
  • Communicated strongly and respectively with individuals to organize and produce quality products.
  • Published the USSSA World Series Program Book in a clear and precise manner.
  • Managed changes provided by coaches and parents for the Program Book while being proactive with coaches and parents and following through with their payments for inserts in Program Book.
  • Collected and analyzed data to be distributed throughout multiple levels of the organization with the use of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign.
  • Constructed detailed, comprehensive press releases for highly anticipated events.
  • Developed digital marketing content and promotional strategies for key events.
  • Conducted research on audience engagement trends to optimize social media strategies.

Education

MBA - Homeland Security

Wilmington University
Wilmington
10.2020

Bachelor of Science - Marketing

Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD
06.2014

Skills

  • Strategic content development
  • Campaign analysis
  • Budget management
  • Customer relationship management
  • Event logistics coordination
  • Performance tracking
  • Stakeholder communication
  • Team collaboration
  • Problem solving
  • Adaptability
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Conflict resolution
  • CRM management
  • Analytics reporting
  • Communications strategy
  • Partnership building
  • Market analysis
  • Budget development
  • Brand strategy
  • Campaign planning
  • Event coordination
  • Marketing communications
  • Social media strategy
  • Brand positioning
  • Leadership development
  • Account management
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Time management

Timeline

Brand Manager

Davis, South, Barnette & Patrick
04.2023 - Current

National Events Coordinator

Gary Sinise Foundation
06.2022 - 04.2023

Assistant Front Office Manager

Omni Nashville Hotel
10.2021 - 06.2022

Premium Services Specialist

The Walt Disney World Resort
03.2020 - 09.2021

Event Competition Coordinator

The Walt Disney World Resort
02.2018 - 05.2018

Disney’s Special Activities VIP Tour Guide

The Walt Disney World Resort
04.2017 - 03.2020

Guest Relations Hostess at Magic Kingdom Park

The Walt Disney World Resort
06.2014 - 03.2020

Marketing Intern

Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism
05.2013 - 08.2013

MBA - Homeland Security

Wilmington University

Bachelor of Science - Marketing

Salisbury University

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