Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

LIZ LEARY

Colonia

Summary

Dynamic and innovative leader in employee events and experiences with over 12 years of expertise in supporting executive teams and crafting impactful engagement programs. Proficient in designing purpose-driven events, employee recognition initiatives, and scalable experience strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Recognized for fostering meaningful connections among individuals, aligning experiences with organizational culture, and enhancing collaboration across global teams. Committed to creating memorable moments that inspire and motivate employees while driving overall engagement and satisfaction.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Sr. Employee Experience Manager

Apella
10.2023 - Current
  • First People team hire, reporting to CEO; sole planner for all internal events including team offsites, quarterly leadership offsites, full-company retreats, ERGs, and virtual connection events.
  • Built employee experience and engagement function from the ground up, launching the company’s first gathering strategy to define purpose, cadence, and structure of team events.
  • Created and implemented a new onboarding process and trained two team members to independently manage and execute it.
  • Overhauled swag program by sourcing a new vendor, launching a branded swag storefront, and designing a company-wide gifting program with four annual touchpoints: work anniversaries, holidays, retreat swag, and onboarding boxes.
  • Led bi-annual engagement surveys, partnering with executives to analyze results and implement action plans.

Global Project Manager

Atlassian
10.2022 - 06.2023
  • Built a global menu of offsite experiences across 6 international hub cities.
  • Managed event survey dashboards and used data to refine global offerings.
  • Presented Monthly and Quarterly Business Reviews to Workplace Experience leadership.
  • Vetted and onboarded global event vendors to scale employee experiences.

Sr. Executive Assistant / Sr. Employee Experience Lead

Trello @ Atlassian
08.2016 - 10.2022
  • Sole planner for Trello’s annual retreat “Trello Together” for 250+ employees.
  • Launched “Team Times” offsite program bringing 25 global teams to NYC for multi-day connection experiences.
  • Created and managed a $2M+ Travel & Experience budget.
  • Designed employee recognition, gifting, and culture programs.
  • Orchestrated Trello Together 2021: VR Edition – coordinated global delivery of 300+ VR headsets for a virtual retreat.
  • Produced 200+ team-building events, from intimate workshops to global virtual celebrations.
  • Supported 5 Trello execs with calendar, travel, and strategic planning support.

Office Manager / Sr. Executive Assistant

Hadassah-HWZOA
01.2012 - 07.2016
  • Managed executive office operations, board meetings, and cross-country travel for a national nonprofit.
  • Oversaw a staff of 4 assistants and IT operations for the CEO’s office.

Personal & Executive Assistant

Furthur Films, Inc.
10.2008 - 01.2012
  • Provided full-scope support to high-profile celebrity couple and family.
  • You name it...I probably did it. 🤩

Education

B.S. - Clinical Psychology

Kean University
05.2005

Skills

  • Event strategy & execution
  • Culture & connection champion
  • Internal communications specialist
  • Employee gifting program design
  • Survey development & evaluation
  • DEI & ERG program development
  • Budget management
  • Global vendor sourcing

Certification

Certified Digital Events Strategist, PCMA – 2020 (exp. 2024)

Timeline

Sr. Employee Experience Manager

Apella
10.2023 - Current

Global Project Manager

Atlassian
10.2022 - 06.2023

Sr. Executive Assistant / Sr. Employee Experience Lead

Trello @ Atlassian
08.2016 - 10.2022

Office Manager / Sr. Executive Assistant

Hadassah-HWZOA
01.2012 - 07.2016

Personal & Executive Assistant

Furthur Films, Inc.
10.2008 - 01.2012

B.S. - Clinical Psychology

Kean University

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