Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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Michelle Gronkowski

Summary

Dynamic events and marketing professional with a proven track record at Amtrak, excelling in event management and supplier engagement. Recognized for cultivating strategic partnerships and enhancing community visibility through innovative marketing strategies. Adept at contract negotiation and relationship building, driving successful outcomes in high-profile initiatives.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Manager, Supplier Engagement & Events

Amtrak
Chicago, IL
10.2022 - 05.2025
  • Drafted and executed temporary tenant leasing agreements, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
  • Coordinated community engagement events featuring diverse suppliers to foster inclusion.
  • Collaborated with legal team to ensure accurate execution of leasing agreements.
  • Managed marketing and social media strategies for tenants and vendors to boost visibility.
  • Established and nurtured strategic partnerships with diverse suppliers, aligning with procurement goals.
  • Partnered with IT to develop a customized CRM tool for supplier tracking and engagement monitoring.
  • Streamlined reporting processes through implementation of the new CRM tool.
  • Enhanced community engagement initiatives by promoting collaboration among suppliers.

Events & Marketing Manager

CBRE
Chicago, IL
08.2019 - 10.2022
  • Directed and managed over 100 annual events, accommodating audiences ranging from 50 to 3,000.
  • Executed integrated marketing strategies to enhance visibility and boost community engagement.
  • Led event strategy and logistics, ensuring adherence to permits and security protocols.
  • Cultivated partnerships with national brands and local officials for seasonal programming initiatives.
  • Negotiated hotel contracts and rates, securing favorable terms for Amtrak and CBRE clients.
  • Created and scheduled digital content across social media platforms to promote tenant offerings and events.

Relationship & Events Manager

Cintas
Chicago, IL
09.2018 - 08.2019
  • Managed IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio, fostering strong relationships and delivering tailored service solutions.
  • Served as primary contact, ensuring alignment between client needs and internal deliverables.
  • Tracked and analyzed client performance metrics to enhance service outcomes and drive growth.
  • Organized trade show presence and managed hospitality events for effective brand representation.

Events & Marketing Manager

Chicago Gateway Green
Chicago, IL
12.2017 - 09.2018
  • Executed strategic planning for high-profile fundraising events, including Green Tie Ball and Winter Green.
  • Negotiated sponsorship agreements, securing presenting sponsor for Green Tie Ball to enhance funding and visibility.
  • Recruited and trained over 500 volunteers and staff to ensure successful event execution.
  • Oversaw social media and marketing strategies to promote events effectively.

Relationship & Events Manager

City of Chicago, Dept. of Special Events
Chicago, Illinois
05.2000 - 01.2017
  • Oversaw corporate partnerships for major public events including Taste of Chicago and Blues Festival.
  • Negotiated vendor and hotel agreements, securing competitive rates for multi-day events.
  • Managed logistics, permitting, and compliance for large-scale festivals and seasonal markets.
  • Coordinated contract negotiations with sponsors and suppliers to mitigate risks.
  • Collaborated with legal and finance teams to facilitate contract approvals and amendments.
  • Identified contract discrepancies and recommended corrective actions to clients.
  • Maintained organized contract files and updated CRM tools for efficient lifecycle management.

Education

Some College (No Degree) -

DePaul University
Chicago, IL

Some College (No Degree) -

National Louis University
Chicago, IL

Skills

  • Event management
  • Event operations & logistics
  • Account management
  • Contract negotiation
  • Supplier engagement
  • Marketing strategy
  • Operations management
  • Vendor management
  • Financial management
  • Relationship building
  • Partnership development
  • Customer relationship management (CRM)

Affiliations

  • Voiceover actress

Accomplishments

  • CBRE RISE-ing Star award recipient 2019

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Manager, Supplier Engagement & Events

Amtrak
10.2022 - 05.2025

Events & Marketing Manager

CBRE
08.2019 - 10.2022

Relationship & Events Manager

Cintas
09.2018 - 08.2019

Events & Marketing Manager

Chicago Gateway Green
12.2017 - 09.2018

Relationship & Events Manager

City of Chicago, Dept. of Special Events
05.2000 - 01.2017

Some College (No Degree) -

DePaul University

Some College (No Degree) -

National Louis University