"The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it."
W.M. Lewis
Summary
Dynamic Event Experience Architect with over 20 years of experience in event planning and sales management. Expertise in developing strategic partnerships, maximizing revenue, and delivering unique client experiences. Successfully established a client base of over 250 businesses, creating over 400 corporate events with an average cost savings of 28%. Recognized with 12 HSMAI Adrian Awards for excellence in event marketing. Eager to leverage extensive skills and innovative ideas to enhance event offerings and client satisfaction.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Reservations Coordinator
The Windsor Court Hotel
New Orleans
09.2024 - 04.2025
Company Overview: (A Virtuoso Property)
Processed all reservation requests, changes, and cancellations.
Identified and anticipated guest reservation needs, determined appropriate room types, and verified availability of room types and rates.
Explained guarantee, special rate, and cancellation policies to callers.
Accommodated and documented special requests to enhance guest experience.
Answered inquiries regarding property facilities/services and room accommodations.
Implemented sales techniques to maximize revenue effectively.
Communicated pertinent information regarding designated VIP reservations.
Oversaw accuracy of room blocks and reservations, ensuring optimal occupancy.
Entered group rooming lists using reservation systems and revised room blocks to maintain the necessary number of available rooms, maintaining organized files of all groups.
Established proper billing accounts according to accounting policies.
(A Virtuoso Property)
Executive Director and CPR, AED, BLS Instructor
Heartbeat NOLA 501c3
01.2018 - Current
Managed all functions of a non-profit, including fundraising, licensing, and certifications.
Raised funds to install 15 AEDs in the New Orleans area, focusing on music clubs, event venues, and other non-profits.
Taught Hands-Only CPR and AED usage to hundreds of individuals.
Facilitated the rescue of three lives because of our training initiatives.
Received the 2023 People Saving People Commendation from the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.
Special Event Sales Manager
Dickie Brennan & Co.
New Orleans
06.2023 - 12.2023
Company Overview: Audubon Aquarium
Pioneered a new position by developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for a future Salesperson specializing in Event Sales at the Audubon Aquarium.
Addressed the unique event needs of three distinct entities: clients, Audubon Institute, and Dickie Brennan & Co.
Cultivated a new client base in just six months, ensuring the next Event Sales Manager will have a robust foundation for success through 2024 and 2025/26.
Transformed a neglected storage closet into a clean, fun, and inviting sales office at the Aquarium.
Audubon Aquarium
Owner & CEO
Destination New Orleans
New Orleans
08.2003 - 09.2021
Clinched 12 HSMAI International Adrian Awards for excellence in creative event marketing, design, and production.
Developed a diverse client base encompassing over 250 businesses and corporations.
Conceptualized, planned, and executed over 400 corporate events.
Designed and implemented more than 500 unique tour programs.
Recruited and trained hundreds of support staff.
Mentored a highly successful DMC business owner, contributing to broader industry growth.
Saved clients between 25-100 hours of research and planning for each program.
Negotiated contracts that maximized client budgets, achieving an average savings of 28% of total costs per program.
Scrutinized bills and invoices for accuracy, identifying over $10,000 in unnecessary charges or billing errors.
Recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in New Orleans Business (2005/06) for pivotal contributions to the hospitality industry's recovery after Hurricane Katrina.
Account Executive
BBC Destination Management Co.
New Orleans
04.1997 - 07.2003
Mentored by the owner, rapidly became the leading salesperson (Account Executive) within just two years.
Developed marketing and trade show presentations to promote services.
Boosted profitability by 30% on programs sold and developed.
Grew the client base by 22% over 3 years.
Nurtured close client relationships that followed me to my own DMC, resulting in repeat business.
Educator – Middle & High School – Secondary Education
New Orleans
12.1986 - 06.1997
Teacher: English, Composition, Literature, Speech & Debate, Theatre, and Journalism.
Distinguished Educator Award 1998.
Successfully planned, sold, and executed 23 National & International student travel experiences with educational and logistical expertise.
Coached 100s of students in Speech & Debate, 3 National Champion Speech Students and ~50 students at the national level of competition.
Recruited by competing schools to start and build one middle school and two additional High School Speech and Debate programs and developed curriculum.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Secondary English Education
University of New Orleans
Post Graduate Work - History of the Presidents
Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship
Summer Debate Research Forum - undefined
Baylor University
Post Graduate Courses - Marketing
University of New Orleans
Skills
Complicated Logistics
Teaching
Curriculum Development
Creative Collaborator
Delegating Responsibility
Destination Management
Event Planning
Fundraising
Business Development
Adaptability
Non-profit Management
Public Speaking
Microsoft Suite
Communication
Organizational Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Teamwork
Good Judgment
Attention to Detail
CRM Usage
Mentoring
Professional Development
Timeline
Group Reservations Coordinator - The Windsor Court Hotel
09.2024 - 04.2025
Special Event Sales Manager - Dickie Brennan & Co.
06.2023 - 12.2023
Executive Director and CPR, AED, BLS Instructor - Heartbeat NOLA 501c3
01.2018 - Current
Owner & CEO - Destination New Orleans
08.2003 - 09.2021
Account Executive - BBC Destination Management Co.
04.1997 - 07.2003
Educator – Middle & High School – Secondary Education -
12.1986 - 06.1997
University of New Orleans - Bachelor of Science, Secondary English Education
Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship - Post Graduate Work, History of the Presidents
Baylor University - Summer Debate Research Forum,
University of New Orleans - Post Graduate Courses, Marketing
Certification
Certified CPR/AED/BLS Instructor, American Heart Association - 2024-2026
DMCP - Destination Management Certified Professional - ADMEI
Accomplishments
Awarded 12 HSMAI Adrian Awards for Creative Event Planning & Event Marketing.
Heart Hero - American Heart Association - for saving a life with CPR