Sarah Fury
Metairie,LA
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in leading capital and operational projects in the maritime industry. Known for decisive leadership, problem-solving abilities, and fostering cross-functional teamwork to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President Guest Operations
Victory Cruise Lines
New Albany, IN
06.2024 - 12.2025
- Led end-to-end delivery of multiple capital and operational projects, including the interior refurbishment of two Great Lakes cruise vessels, managing scope, schedule, budget, and vendor coordination.
- Served as project lead for the implementation of three enterprise software systems, overseeing vendor evaluation, budgeting, decision-making, and cross-functional rollout to improve operational efficiency.
- Developed and managed project budgets, negotiated with vendors, and ensured on-time, on-budget completion while maintaining quality and safety standards.
- Acted as the primary point of contact between internal teams and external contractors, maintaining daily communication and resolving issues in real time.
- Established and enforced project governance, policies, and procedures, ensuring compliance with maritime, port, and shipyard safety regulations.
- Led cross-functional teams of up to six direct contributors, driving accountability, milestones, and successful project outcomes.
- Demonstrated decisive leadership by quickly assessing risks and implementing solutions when projects encountered unexpected constraints or roadblocks.
Senior Director Vessel Operations
American Queen Voyages
Fort Lauderdale, FL
04.2015 - 02.2024
- Served as onsite project manager and owner’s representative for annual vessel refurbishment programs, including a new-build cruise vessel launched in 2019.
- Managed simultaneous execution of 30+ projects, coordinating over 10 contractor teams to deliver complex refurbishments within compressed timelines—often six weeks or less between operating seasons.
- Oversaw capital project planning, assisting with budget development, scope definition, and timeline readiness to support operational launch dates.
- Directed daily shipyard operations, ensuring projects aligned with approved designs, safety standards, and contractual requirements.
- Led onboard hotel operations during construction phases, maintaining cleanliness, asset protection, and operational readiness throughout active projects.
- Collaborated with vendors, shipyards, and leadership teams to track progress, mitigate risks, and ensure project milestones were achieved.
- Attended industry conferences and trade events to stay current on emerging technologies, materials, and regulatory standards, introducing improvements into future project planning.
- Progressed through three years of onboard leadership roles (2015-2017), culminating as Hotel Director, overseeing food & beverage, housekeeping, galley, and front office operations—providing deep operational insight that strengthened project decision-making.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA05-2011
Skills
- Project Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Operational Efficiency
- Team Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making
Accomplishments
Seatrade Cruise News' 20 under 40 (2024)
Timeline
Vice President Guest Operations
Victory Cruise Lines
06.2024 - 12.2025
Senior Director Vessel Operations
American Queen Voyages
04.2015 - 02.2024
Bachelor of Science - Business
Louisiana State University