Michelle "Shelly" O'Connnell-DiBello
Boynton Beach
Summary
Experienced Catering Director and Marketing Coordinator with a strong track record in managing high-profile events and optimizing catering operations. Expert in cultivating relationships with clients and vendors, leading to a 20% increase in catering sales. Skilled in developing tailored marketing strategies to attract diverse clientele.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Front of House Supervisor/ Event Coordinator
Modern Restaurant Group
Delray Beach
06.2025 - Current
- Oversaw large group and private event bookings across multiple locations, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.
- Acted as primary contact for VIP clients, fostering strong relationships and tailored service.
- Led and supervised daily reservations and large party bookings, enhancing guest experience for fine dining brand.
- Trained staff on hospitality best practices
- Increased sales 5-15% Year over
General Manager
Lakeshore Yacht & Country Club
Cicero
03.2023 - 08.2024
- Oversaw daily operations, managing staff, enhancing customer service, and driving financial performance
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to drive business growth and increase profitability
- Led a team of 90 employees, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure high levels of productivity and performance
- Established relationships with key stakeholders, such as suppliers, vendors, and customers, to strengthen business partnerships
- Streamlined workflow processes resulting in improved productivity
- Drove continuous improvement efforts across departments resulting in increased efficiency
- Expanded catering and event management skills to oversee entire club operations, emphasizing commitment to excellent service and hospitality
- Booking 500K+ in event revenue in 3 months making the event revenue 35% over the year prior.
Catering Director and Marketing Coordinator
Feast Coast Hospitality and Design
Syracuse
08.2022 - 02.2023
- Coordinated catering events from menu selection to logistics planning and on-site execution, ensuring seamless experiences for clients
- Collaborated with culinary team to create customized menus tailored to client preferences and dietary restrictions
- Provided exceptional customer service by promptly responding to inquiries, addressing concerns, and resolving issues
- Developed marketing materials including brochures, flyers, and online promotions that effectively attracted new clients
- Participated in industry trade shows and networking events to generate leads and expand professional network
- Oversaw catering operations for multiple brands (XO Taco, Fly Bird, Original Grain) and customized menus, enhancing brand visibility
- Launched the XO Taco Food truck, managed permits and licensing for operation.
- Played a primary role in launching Feast Coast Hospitality and Design to be the umbrella company for all brands as they continue to grow as well as new concepts.
Catering Supervisor
Syracuse University
Syracuse
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Supervised successful events at Chancellor's Home, developed SOPs for gathering and event setups, and created a reference book with photo examples to support rebuilding of Campus Catering Department
- Supervised 10-50 event staff and students
- Prepared and presented food for catering events, ensuring high quality and timely delivery that met client expectations
- Provided exceptional customer service during catering events by promptly addressing client requests and concerns
- Collaborated with team members to set up event spaces, including tables, chairs, linens, and decorations
- Managed inventory of catering supplies and ingredients to ensure availability for upcoming events
- Assisted in the coordination of logistics for off-site catering events including transportation of food items and equipment
Complex Catering and Conference Service Manager
Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites
Syracuse
05.2019 - 03.2020
- Coordinated booking of conference space and all required services for Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites, including room configurations, food and beverage, audio visual needs, and overnight accommodations with director of sales.
- Oversaw staffing and execution of events, ensuring customer satisfaction and compliance with brand standards.
- Increased monthly banquet revenue between 5-8% within the first 6 months.
- Utilized Salesforce catering software to manage event bookings and client interactions.
- Created new menus to best serve our clients' needs, resulting in consistent up-sells in food and beverage.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies and materials targeting local social businesses, corporate clients, and weddings to enhance engagement and visibility.
- Completed Signature worldwide Client-centered sales training.
Catering Director
The Sherwood Inn
Skaneateles
05.2016 - 05.2019
- Planned and executed corporate events, including conferences, seminars, and product launches
- Coordinated with vendors and suppliers to negotiate contracts and secure resources, ensuring successful event execution.
- Developed and implemented innovative marketing strategies to promote events through social media, email campaigns, and targeted advertisements.
- Provided on-site supervision during events ensuring seamless coordination between different stakeholders (caterers, decorators, technicians) leading up-to timely completion of set-up activities
- Maintained a consistent 10% or more increase in overall sales each month along with 20% increase in room and service fees each month from the previous year.
- Increased catering sales by 20% for the year through updating and upselling existing menus, services as well as increasing venue fees to stay current with competitors.
- Implemented Caterease software to streamline booking process, enhancing productivity and efficiency from guest interaction to revenue forecasting.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Hospitality Management
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL12-2012
Skills
- Event management
- Event logistics management
- Event execution coordination
- Budget management
- Client relationship management
- Guest experience enhancement
- Customer support
- Salesforce proficiency
- Hospitality management
- Team leadership
- Shift supervision
- Interviewing and recruiting
- Strategy forecasting
- Communication effectiveness
- Restaurant management
Certification
Driver's License
Timeline
Front of House Supervisor/ Event Coordinator
Modern Restaurant Group
06.2025 - Current
General Manager
Lakeshore Yacht & Country Club
03.2023 - 08.2024
Catering Director and Marketing Coordinator
Feast Coast Hospitality and Design
08.2022 - 02.2023
Catering Supervisor
Syracuse University
08.2021 - 08.2022
Complex Catering and Conference Service Manager
Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites
05.2019 - 03.2020
Catering Director
The Sherwood Inn
05.2016 - 05.2019
Bachelor's Degree - Hospitality Management
Lynn University