Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Certification
Quote
Interests
Generic
Susan Harker

Susan Harker

Byron,Georgia

Summary

Passionate and professional with 27 years of experience in event coordination, training, facilities management, and travel advisory. Expert in building strong customer relationships and excelling in administration, scheduling, and organization. Unique blend of creativity with a deep-rooted spirit of hospitality. Meticulously crafts every detail, from lighting to agenda, to create unforgettable experiences.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

CERTIFIED INDEPENDENT TRAVEL ADVISOR

FORA TRAVEL
01.2024 - Current
  • Extensive experience in travel agency sales and customer service
  • Expertise in selling international destinations, group travel and leisure FIT travel planning
  • Proficient with Windows-based computer applications
  • Conducted thorough research on destinations and accommodations to provide accurate information to travelers.
  • Responded promptly to client calls and emails requesting new travel arrangements or changes to existing itineraries to provide optimal customer service.
  • Conducted post-travel follow-ups with clients to gather feedback on their experiences and identify areas of improvement.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients, leading to repeat business and referrals.
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, resulting in improved customer satisfaction ratings.

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING

THE METHODIST HOME FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
03.2018 - 04.2019

Direct the design, planning and implementation of agency training programs aligned with the objectives and strategies of the organizations mission, across six regional locations, serving 265 employees.

  • Collaborate with CALM – Scotland, CEO, Leadership, Sanctuary Core Team, and functional management teams to assess ongoing, future training and development needs, as well as the effectiveness of established programs
  • Oversee and develop relationships with vendors
  • Develop budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure
  • Certifications: American Red Cross First Aid/CPR Trainer, CALM Associate Trainer, ServSafe Certified

ASSISTANT TO THE VICE PRESIDENT OF FACILITIES

THE METHODIST HOME FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
03.2016 - 03.2018
  • Played both support and leadership roles within the Facilities Department, overseeing Administration, Housekeeping, Hospitality, Maintenance, and the Retail Thrift Shop at the Macon, Georgia campus.
  • Coordinated full and limited-service banquet functions across eight venues, serving up to 800 guests daily.
  • Acted as a liaison to clients and a hostess to guests, ensuring seamless communication, personalized attention, and exceptional event experiences.
  • Motivate, supervise, and instruct event teams and review execution of events
  • Perform all accounts payable duties and support functions associated with inventory, licensing, fleet management and budget controls for the Facilities Department
  • Assist Vice President of Facilities with grants and new construction projects
  • Guided residents aged 14-19 in developing independent living skills and gaining knowledge for entry-level positions in housekeeping, hospitality, maintenance, and retail sectors.
  • Certifications: ServSafe, CPR & First Aid

DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENT, BEVERAGE/VENUE MANAGEMENT

SCHOHARIE COUNTY SUNSHINE FAIR
01.2012 - 01.2017
  • Beverage Manager for two large scale seasonal entertainment venues with the capacity to serve 4,000 guests and achieving record sales in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016
  • Ensured compliance of New York State Alcoholic Beverage licensing regulations and policies
  • Hired, trained, and monitored all staff in following appropriate policies and procedures
  • Maintained appropriate records of all beverage outlets to include inventory, sales history/analysis, accounts payable, and payroll
  • Consulted with Fair President in selecting local and national entertainment acts and creating venue show schedule
  • Direct point of contact for sound and stage management, booking agents, entertainment acts and security.

Education

Social Psychology Training - Clinical Psychology

CALM Associate Program
The University Of Edinburgh
04.2019

Associates Degree, Culinary Arts -

Schenectady County Community College
Schenectady, New York
12.2015

Certificate Degree - Travel And Hospitality

Spencer Business & Technical College
Schenectady, New York
05.1997

Skills

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): Designed marketing materials, event flyers, and social media graphics
  • Final Cut Pro: Edited promotional videos and event highlights
  • Eventbrite: Managed event registrations and ticketing for large-scale events
  • Constant Contact & MailChimp: Created and distributed email marketing campaigns and newsletters

Accomplishments

  • Schoharie Barn Quilt Trail Designer: Created sixteen unique barn quilt designs, each representing a different township in Schoharie County. My artwork aimed to capture the essence of the community’s resilience and cultural heritage, serving as a symbol of recovery and revitalization after tropical storm Irene. These designs are featured in the book Barn Quilts: Folk Art to Modern Obsession.
  • Community Engagement and Tourism Promotion: Played a key role in the Schoharie Barn Quilt Trail, which has become a significant source of pride and tourism for the local community. The trail now features 141 unique blocks, each telling a story of the county’s identity and heritage.

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

CERTIFIED INDEPENDENT TRAVEL ADVISOR

FORA TRAVEL
01.2024 - Current

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING

THE METHODIST HOME FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
03.2018 - 04.2019

ASSISTANT TO THE VICE PRESIDENT OF FACILITIES

THE METHODIST HOME FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
03.2016 - 03.2018

DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENT, BEVERAGE/VENUE MANAGEMENT

SCHOHARIE COUNTY SUNSHINE FAIR
01.2012 - 01.2017

Social Psychology Training - Clinical Psychology

CALM Associate Program

Associates Degree, Culinary Arts -

Schenectady County Community College

Certificate Degree - Travel And Hospitality

Spencer Business & Technical College

Certification

FORA Certified Travel Advisor

American Red Cross First Aid/CPR Instructor

ServSafe Certified

Quote

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.
Theodore Roosevelt

Interests

Art, Antiques, Food and Wine, Equine Sports, Dog Agility, Hobby Farming, Traveling and Exploring the World

Susan Harker