Hi, I’m
Mary Vella Trent
Walnut Creek,CA
Summary
Experienced travel and event management professional with over 20 years of expertise in global travel, meeting, and event operations. Currently serving as Global Travel Category Manager at Chevron Corporation, with a proven track record in orchestrating successful travel and event strategies, managing significant financial responsibilities, leading cross-functional teams, and maintaining strong supplier relations. Qualifications include certifications in commercial and contract management, emergency response, and corporate travel and incentives, complemented by skills in content design, event production, business analysis, and technology related to travel and meetings.
Overview
29
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Chevron Corporation
Global Category Manager, Hotel, Meeting & E
01.2011 - Current
Job overview
- Lead global travel operations, and strategic management of hotel, meeting, and event services globally.
- Manage supplier and stakeholder relationships to provide market insights and to drive maximum value creation.
- Execute high-profile events including Board of Directors meetings, incentives, and partnership programs.
- Manage travel and meeting systems, contract templates, and processes.
- Drive value creation with 35% savings across Hotel and M&E categories.
- Champion diversity and inclusion through global collaboration.
- Maintain compliance with OE/HSE standards and cybersecurity protocols.
- Lead emergency response programs and BCP for global travel and hotel operations.
- Educate stakeholders event logistics and provide one of kind employee experiences
- Lead cross-functional teams to develop and implement category strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
- Analyze market trends and competitor activities to inform sourcing decisions and optimize product offerings.
- Manage Travel's Business Continuity Program for emergency situations.
Danville Media Group
Vice President, Operations
01.2008 - 01.2011
Job overview
- Directed strategic initiatives and operational improvements across media and event services.
- Streamlined workflows, resulting in improved productivity and reduced operational costs.
- Directed operational strategies to enhance efficiency across all departments.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to ensure optimal service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation among staff members.
- Developed training programs that increased team competency and operational excellence.
Robert Half International Inc.
Manager, Global Travel, Meeting & Incentives
01.1997 - 01.2008
Job overview
- Led a team of 26 professionals managing global travel, meetings and employee incentives globally.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives by reducing travel budget by 30%.
- Developed and executed a Travel Business Continuity Plan and ISOS program.
- Delivered large-scale sales incentive and award events globally.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to drive organizational growth and improve client satisfaction.
- Mentored staff, fostering professional development and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Oversaw project management activities, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality services to clients.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
Education
Foothill CollegeLos Altos, CA
Associate of Arts from Hospitality
Wharton School of Business & University of Houston
Certified Corporate Travel Executive
Skills
- Staff supervision and team leadership
- Training, coaching, and mentoring
- Performance evaluation and management
- Recruiting and hiring
- Employee engagement and retention
- Hospitality Excellence
- Workplace Experience Strategy
- Policy and procedure development
- Strategic planning and alignment with business goals
- Budget creation and financial management
- Cost-saving and vendor negotiation
- Business continuity planning
Leadership & People Management Skills
Strategic & Operational Skills
- Process improvement and change management
- Building trusted client relationships
- Negotiating with clients, vendors, and partners
- Managing service delivery metrics
- Conflict resolution
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Google, Apple pro
- Advanced organizational and time management skills
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving for complex operational challenges
- Expert in Travel, Event and Procurement technologies
- System Administrator, Concur, Cvent
- AI Champion
- Emergency Management Logistics
Technical & Organizational Skills
Certification
- Commercial & Contract Management Certification
- Emergency Response Certified – Logistics Chief
- Competent Crew Certification
Timeline
Global Category Manager, Hotel, Meeting & E
Chevron Corporation
01.2011 - Current
Vice President, Operations
Danville Media Group
01.2008 - 01.2011
Manager, Global Travel, Meeting & Incentives
Robert Half International Inc.
01.1997 - 01.2008
Wharton School of Business & University of Houston
Certified Corporate Travel Executive
Foothill College
Associate of Arts from Hospitality