ROSS DRUMMOND
Remote |,Relocating To Lexington, KY (June 2026)
Summary
Strategic events and marketing professional with 10+ years of experience producing executive, client engagement, and thought-leadership programs for global organizations. Expertise in event strategy, marketing alignment, stakeholder management, and operational execution. Proven ability to deliver high-impact experiences that strengthen brand visibility, support business development, and engage senior decision-makers.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Corporate Events Manager, KKR Global Events
FIRST AGENCY
San Francisco, CA
09.2025 - Current
- Lead planning and execution of executive and investor engagement programs for a global investment firm.
- Develop event strategies, production timelines, and budget forecasts for multi-day conferences and client experiences.
- Partner with communications, marketing, and leadership teams to design programs that support brand positioning and stakeholder engagement.
- Direct onsite operations for senior-level audiences including investors, executives, and strategic partners.
Corporate Events Manager, Bank of America Events
FIRST AGENCY
Chicago, IL
05.2023 - 09.2025
- Planned and executed 30–40 annual executive and client engagement events, including multi-day conferences and strategic relationship programs supporting national banking teams.
- Managed six-figure budgets with disciplined forecasting, reconciliation, and cost-savings strategies while maintaining strict adherence to client financial controls.
- Led end-to-end event design aligned with brand standards and business goals
- Partnered with executive stakeholders and commercial banking leaders to design internal focused and client engagement events aligned with strategic business objectives.
- Oversaw venue sourcing, contract negotiation, vendor management, and onsite production for national programs.
Manager, Events
JLL
Chicago, IL
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Managed nationwide multi-day internal and client-facing events
- Oversaw budgeting, communications strategy, vendor coordination, and travel logistics
- Led venue sourcing, contract negotiations, and speaker and entertainment management
- Mentored junior coordinators and improved cross-team collaboration
Event Coordinator
Federal Reserve Bank System
Chicago, IL
03.2020 - 09.2021
- Executed district and public engagement programs aligned with strategic objectives
- Coordinated travel, venue sourcing, and onsite logistics with compliance standards
- Developed standardized planning templates and post-event reporting frameworks
Assistant Director of Events
University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy
Chicago, IL
09.2018 - 03.2020
- Produced 25+ high-level conferences and special events for audiences of 10 to 650 attendees
- Directed logistics, registration, food and beverage, marketing, and onsite operations
Manager of Special Events
University of South Carolina School of Law
Columbia, WI
07.2017 - 09.2018
- Directed logistics, registration, food and beverage, speaker coordination, and marketing
- Launched external venue rental program generating new revenue and repeat partnerships
- Oversaw continuing legal education accreditation compliance
Education
M.S. - Event Management and Event Operations
New York University
08.2023 - 03.2026
B.S. - Sociology
College of Charleston
08.2011 - 05.2015
Skills
- End-to-End Event Production
- Strategic Event Marketing
- Executive Programs & Client Engagement
- Thought Leadership Conferences
- Budget Management & Financial Reporting
- Run of Show & Onsite Event Leadership
- Vendor Sourcing & Contract Negotiation
- Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Asana Cvent Smartsheet
Selected Program Highlights
- Executive Leadership Conferences – Planned and executed multi-day leadership and client engagement programs for financial services organizations, managing six-figure budgets and audiences of 300+ senior stakeholders.
- National Client Engagement Events – Delivered 30–40 annual executive and client-facing events supporting commercial banking and corporate leadership teams across the United States.
- Investor & Executive Programs – Produced high-touch investor engagement and executive programs for a global investment management firm, coordinating cross-functional teams and external production partners.
- Thought Leadership & Academic Conferences – Directed high-profile conferences and policy events for the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, hosting national leaders, academics, and policymakers.
Timeline
Corporate Events Manager, KKR Global Events
FIRST AGENCY
09.2025 - Current
M.S. - Event Management and Event Operations
New York University
08.2023 - 03.2026
Corporate Events Manager, Bank of America Events
FIRST AGENCY
05.2023 - 09.2025
Manager, Events
JLL
09.2021 - 05.2023
Event Coordinator
Federal Reserve Bank System
03.2020 - 09.2021
Assistant Director of Events
University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy
09.2018 - 03.2020
Manager of Special Events
University of South Carolina School of Law
07.2017 - 09.2018
B.S. - Sociology
College of Charleston
08.2011 - 05.2015