Kerry Cheverton
Cedar Rapids,IA
Summary
Event management and project management professional with 15+ years of experience planning and executing high-profile events, stakeholder engagements, conferences, executive meetings, and client-focused projects. Skilled in managing multiple concurrent programs, coordinating vendors and venues, overseeing budgets, and delivering seamless event experiences from planning through onsite execution. Recognized for building strong relationships, solving problems under pressure, and collaborating across diverse teams to achieve successful outcomes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director of Events
University of Iowa Center for Advancement
Iowa City
06.2025 - Current
- Lead planning and execution of donor, board, leadership, scholarship, and recognition events across multiple colleges and university units.
- Manage event logistics including venue coordination, catering, audiovisual production, transportation, registration, guest communications, and onsite execution.
- Develop and manage event budgets, monitor expenses, and conduct post-event evaluations and reporting.
- Serve as primary liaison among university leadership, donors, vendors, venues, caterers, and internal stakeholders.
- Coordinate multiple event projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
- Troubleshoot operational challenges and implement solutions to ensure successful event outcomes.
Assistant Director of Events
University of Iowa Center for Advancement
Iowa City
10.2023 - 06.2025
- Lead planning and execution of donor, board, leadership, scholarship, and recognition events across multiple colleges and university units.
- Manage event logistics including venue coordination, catering, audiovisual production, transportation, registration, guest communications, and onsite execution.
- Develop and manage event budgets, monitor expenses, and conduct post-event evaluations and reporting.
- Serve as primary liaison among university leadership, donors, vendors, venues, caterers, and internal stakeholders.
- Coordinate multiple event projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
- Troubleshoot operational challenges and implement solutions to ensure successful event outcomes.
Events & Support Services Assistant
University of Iowa Center for Advancement
Iowa City
07.2022 - 10.2023
- Oversaw scheduling and coordination of all public event spaces within the Levitt Center for University Advancement.
- Served as primary point of contact for clients, event organizers, caterers, vendors, and facility partners.
- Coordinated room layouts, audiovisual requirements, catering logistics, and event setup details.
- Implemented and managed Mazevo event management software, including staff training and process development.
- Developed event procedures, operational guidelines, and event support documentation.
Publishing Implementation Project Manager
Pearson Education
Iowa City
07.2013 - 02.2014
- Managed cross-functional teams and client implementation projects in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and deadlines.
- Developed project plans, coordinated resources, identified risks, and implemented mitigation strategies.
- Partnered with clients and internal stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of technology solutions.
Online & Technology Implementation Project Manager
Pearson Education
Iowa City
06.2012 - 02.2013
- Led implementation projects involving internal teams, external vendors, customers, and school district partners across multiple states.
- Coordinated training programs, logistics, scheduling, and communications for large-scale technology initiatives.
Online Production Planner
Pearson Education
Iowa City
10.2009 - 06.2012
- Coordinated production schedules, stakeholder communications, project documentation, issue resolution, and quality assurance processes.
Marketing Traffic Coordinator
Buckle Down Publishing
Iowa City
12.2007 - 05.2009
- Managed project timelines, production schedules, vendor communications, and budgeting support for marketing campaigns.
Marketing Coordinator
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix
06.2007 - 12.2007
- Coordinated promotional campaigns, marketing materials, vendor relationships, and university events.
Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Preferred Medical Claim Solutions
Scottsdale
03.2005 - 06.2007
- Assisted in planning and execution of corporate forums, trade shows, conferences, and client events.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations & Marketing Communications
St. Ambrose University
Davenport, IA05.2000
Skills
- Event Planning & Operations
- Project Management
- Relationship building
- Budget management
Timeline
Associate Director of Events
University of Iowa Center for Advancement
06.2025 - Current
Assistant Director of Events
University of Iowa Center for Advancement
10.2023 - 06.2025
Events & Support Services Assistant
University of Iowa Center for Advancement
07.2022 - 10.2023
Publishing Implementation Project Manager
Pearson Education
07.2013 - 02.2014
Online & Technology Implementation Project Manager
Pearson Education
06.2012 - 02.2013
Online Production Planner
Pearson Education
10.2009 - 06.2012
Marketing Traffic Coordinator
Buckle Down Publishing
12.2007 - 05.2009
Marketing Coordinator
Grand Canyon University
06.2007 - 12.2007
Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Preferred Medical Claim Solutions
03.2005 - 06.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations & Marketing Communications
St. Ambrose University
CAREER BREAK
- February 2014 – July 2022
- Relocated internationally and focused on family responsibilities while maintaining volunteer involvement in community and event-related activities.
- Managed household budgeting, planning, scheduling, and coordination responsibilities.