Stephanie J. O’Brien
Princeton,TX
Summary
Accomplished Special Events & Fundraising Specialist with a proven track record at Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce, adept in event planning & coordination and team leadership. Spearheaded the establishment of Princeton's Special Events Department, boosting community engagement through innovative fundraising strategies and securing key sponsors, demonstrating exceptional strategic planning and public relations acumen.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Events & Fundraising Specialist
Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce
06.2024 - Current
- Plan, organize, and implement activities and fundraising events, including Music Friendly Events, Mug Run, HH Food, Wine & Brew Fest
- Develop budgets with the Chamber President, create marketing strategies, and manage within approved plans
- Research, identify, and secure major donors and sponsors, increasing annual fundraising proceeds
- Negotiate vendor agreements and maintain event websites with accurate, engaging content
- Collaborate with marketing staff for promotions and publications
Special Events Manager/Director of Community Events
City of Princeton, Texas
Princeton, USA
10.2013 - 04.2024
- Established and led the City’s Special Events Department, creating over 10 years of successful events
- Designed and managed large-scale events, such as the Annual Fourth of July Spectacular
- Developed and maintained the City’s social media presence and contributed to website redesign efforts
- Managed all aspects of event planning, from logistics to risk management, with minimal supervision
- Recruited and trained volunteers to support event operations and foster community involvement
Municipal Court Clerk
City of Princeton, Texas
Princeton, USA
02.2011 - 09.2013
- Managed databases and paperwork for city municipal court complaints
- Provided customer service to schedule court dates and resolve inquiries
- Initiated and developed the City’s Events Department during tenure
Education
B.S. - Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management
Johnson & Wales University
05-2026
Graduate -
Event Management School
01.2020
Skills
- Event Planning & Coordination
- Fundraising & Sponsorship Acquisition
- Budget Management
- Team Leadership & Volunteer Coordination
- Marketing & Social Media Management
- Public Relations
- Vendor Negotiation
- Event Risk Management
- Strategic Planning
- Community Engagement
- Nonprofit marketing
- Corporate sponsorships
- Social media promotion
Certification
- Certified Festival and Event Associate (International Festivals and Events Association
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Events & Fundraising Specialist
Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce
06.2024 - Current
Special Events Manager/Director of Community Events
City of Princeton, Texas
10.2013 - 04.2024
Municipal Court Clerk
City of Princeton, Texas
02.2011 - 09.2013
- Certified Festival and Event Associate (International Festivals and Events Association
B.S. - Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management
Johnson & Wales University
Graduate -
Event Management School
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