Kariena Cook
Summary
Results-driven operations leader specializing in event management and strategic marketing initiatives. Proven track record of executing complex events that elevate brand visibility and customer engagement, while consistently meeting tight deadlines and maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
VP of Operations
Wildlife Vineyards
01.2018 - Current
- Work closely with marketing, leadership, vendors, and external partners to support events, promotions, and brand activities.
- Planned and supported 20+ on-site events annually, including private events, branded promotions, and hosted vineyard experiences, coordinating logistics, timelines, materials, and on-site execution.
- Managed multiple priorities simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards
- Anticipated team and stakeholder needs, preventing potential issues before they arose
- Step in quickly when plans change and help troubleshoot issues as they arise
- Pay close attention to details to make sure events reflect the intended vision and standards
- Communicated updates and details to team members, ensuring alignment before and during events
- Monitored industry trends to identify growth opportunities for the business while managing social media accounts
Business Owner
Chain Breaker Distributions
01.2021 - 05.2025
- Improved website flow and customer experience to support marketing and promotional efforts
- Balanced daily operations and customer communication to ensure smooth business operations
- Tracked sales data to identify top-performing products, guiding inventory decisions for 1,200+ items
Catering Manager (Temporary)
March Air Reserve Base
06.2023 - 11.2023
- Planned and supported banquets, weddings, military balls, and conferences for up to 430 guests
- Coordinated logistics, vendors, and staffing to ensure timely execution of events
- Managed simultaneous events while consistently meeting tight deadlines
- Led and trained an 8-person team to maintain service quality and efficiency
- Adapted to last-minute changes with composure to maintain seamless event flow
Hospitality Specialist
Highland Springs Ranch & Inn
04.2016 - 11.2019
- Played a key role in festival operations for a 7-week seasonal event drawing 30,000–35,000 attendees, supporting crowd flow, guest engagement, and operational efficiency.
- Supported daily operations and event setup in collaboration with 12-person team
- Improved workflow and organization, enhancing overall efficiency by 20%
- Maintained flexibility and attention to detail while adapting to changing priorities and guest needs.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Purdue Global
West Lafayette, IN01-2027
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration Management
Purdue Global
West Lafayette, IN06-2025
Skills
- Operations management
- Strategic planning
- Operational strategy
- Process optimization
- Process improvement
- Budgeting and finance
- Data analysis
- Performance metrics
- Logistics management
- Vendor coordination
- Stakeholder engagement
- Marketing analytics
Key Highlights
- Supported and executed events with up to 430 attendees, managing logistics, vendors, staffing, and timelines
- Helped increase event bookings by 32%, boost revenue by 10%, and reduce guest wait times by 13%
- Experienced working with internal teams, leadership, and external partners to keep events on track
- Strong at managing multiple projects at once while staying organized and detail-focused
Target Role
Events Marketing Coordinator
Websites
Timeline
Catering Manager (Temporary)
March Air Reserve Base
06.2023 - 11.2023
Business Owner
Chain Breaker Distributions
01.2021 - 05.2025
VP of Operations
Wildlife Vineyards
01.2018 - Current
Hospitality Specialist
Highland Springs Ranch & Inn
04.2016 - 11.2019
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Purdue Global
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration Management
Purdue Global