MARIA L. PALMER
Fishers,IN
Summary
Visionary leader with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, adeptly overseeing project management teams. Demonstrates a collaborative approach, working cross-functionally to ensure the successful achievement of deliverables. Extensive experience in event management across a diverse spectrum, including exhibits, tradeshows, internal meetings, incentives, and clinical meetings, spanning both the Commercial and Pharmaceutical sectors and encompassing various therapeutic areas. Proficient in emotional intelligence, adept at discerning social cues to effectively gauge and tailor communication within various contexts. Highly self-aware and analytical thinker, adept at considering multiple perspectives to cultivate effective collaboration. History developing and empowering high-performing teams, process development, and change management implementation to drive operational excellence.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Ashfield Event Experiences
Indianapolis, IN
01.2013 - 01.2023
- Managed projects and developed existing accounts ensuring profitability across all meeting types domestic and global
- Served on the US Sr Leadership Team collaborating on company objectives and strategic growth internally and externally
- Monthly forecasting and budgeting review of over 130 projects across congress and meetings
- Formulated pricing and fee structures for received RFPs for all project types
- Partner with the global senior leadership team to develop global account strategies
- Execute and consultation with onboarding process for new clients and internal departments
- Oversee project teams to guarantee the highest standards of event planning delivery while achieving event objectives and KPIs.
Manager, Strategic Operations
Drive Medical
Indianapolis, IN
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Consulted with Marketing, Medical & Sales business units within the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare industry
- Consulted with medical, legal, and regulatory departments to track materials for approval
- Developed project timelines and event schedules at onset of project for operational execution driving the internal cross functional team to define project, budget, goals, and staffing requirements
- Maintained timelines internally with all departments to ensure client deliverables met
- Partnered with client contracted vendors to fulfill total project deliverables
- Collaborated with Executive Team to align goals, metrics, and improvement plans for client strategy.
Account Director
Universal World Events (aka Ashfield Event Experiences)
Indianapolis, IN
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Accountable for the operational delivery of all staff and six accounts in the regional office
- Ensured compliance with company objectives and client processes
- Forecasted company revenue of client accounts
- Created account strategies, leading projects from conception to final execution
- Supported new business development through process applications, client needs, and pricing proposals
- Ensured adherence to client service level agreements
- Supervised staff and projects, motivating and mentoring staff to hit goals and produce successful materials for clients, as well as providing feedback.
Education
Bachelor Of Science -
Ball State University
01.1994
Skills
- Monthly/Yearly Forecasting
- Relationship Building
- Cross Functional Leadership Training and Development
- Operational Effectiveness
- Budget Management
- Strategic Planning
- Organizational Skills
- Implementation Execution
- Process Development
- Critical Thinking
- Adaptability
Accomplishments
- Under my leadership, facilitated the promotion of 6 direct reporting managers to the Senior Leadership Team
- Maintained a 94% retention rate for a team of 43 staff over a 4-year period prior to the COVID pandemic
- Exemplified transformational leadership during organizational changes, including navigating challenges posed by COVID, acquisitions, and mergers
- Achieved forecasting accuracy over 4 consecutive years contributing an average of 13% increase in net revenue against a budget exceeding $10 million
- Managed resource planning for a department of over 200 staff and contractors, ensuring optimal staffing levels for the successful execution of more than 450 projects annually
- Designed and implemented 36 standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and root cause analysis forms, providing comprehensive training to operational staff
- Successfully developed communication protocol for internal cross functional collaboration across operations, production, finance, and compliance departments
- Provided mentorship to over 21 former employees, facilitating their sustained professional growth and development
Civic Engagement
- GiGi's Playhouse Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 01/01/16, Present
- Hamilton Southeastern School District, Fishers, IN, 01/01/18, Present
Hobbies and Interests
- Escape Rooms
- Logic Puzzles
- Softball Mom
- Down Syndrome Awareness
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Watched over 700 hours of Survivor on CBS
- Star Trek over Star Wars
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Executive Director
Ashfield Event Experiences
01.2013 - 01.2023
Manager, Strategic Operations
Drive Medical
01.2011 - 01.2013
Account Director
Universal World Events (aka Ashfield Event Experiences)
01.2008 - 01.2011
Bachelor Of Science -
Ball State University