SUZANNAH L. WEEKS
Mobile
Summary
Successful development and business professional, with more than 20 years of experience in sales, development, event planning, fundraising, community relations and hospitality management. Proven track record of exceeding goals, while establishing long term objectives and increased retention with increased revenue. Will consistently streamline and implement processes to increase revenues through innovative development and marketing plans. Successful team leader experienced working with staff and volunteers, in various industries and organizations. Strong organizational written and verbal communication skills and an ability to anticipate needs.
Impact made through fostering collaborative work culture, streamlining operations and enhancing productivity.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Mobile
04.2021 - Current
- Successfully building comprehensive fundraising and development programs in the South Alabama market for multiple large scale signature ACS community wide events - Award winning ACS Chili Cook-off and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, both with approximately 10,000+ participants, and year over year growth through well-organized strategic planning with attention to detail; implementation and execution of marketing and logistic plans, including social media, local TV and radio media, blackbaud email campaigns and online fundraising.
- Planned and executed annual Grand Patrons dinner, stewarding major donors in the area for sustained support while identifying new potential Grand Patrons.
- Detailed event planning and management process; multi-tasking throughout, site selection, work with local vendors and government agencies; Identified and cultivated new partnerships with local businesses, donors and corporate sponsors; increased revenue through increased sponsorships and community engagement; recruit and lead volunteer committees of 30+; with a 97% retention rate.
- Increased market revenue with comprehensive identification and stewardship of key major donor accounts to participate and support across the South Alabama market multiple events.
SENIOR CAMPAIGN MANAGER
LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY
Mobile
04.2019 - 08.2020
- Managed 2 local fundraising campaigns, the Man and Woman of the Year and the Leukemia Cup Regatta, through detailed event plans, managing site selection, menu development, décor, invite lists, staff and participants.
- Develop and execute successful fundraising campaigns and subsequent Finale events; recruit and manage over 100 volunteers.
- Implement Action Plan for the campaign which includes a specific budget, timeline, logistics, volunteer activities and recruitment, and communication, marketing and sponsorship plans.
- Recruitment, coordination, management, and training of high-level volunteers.
- Coach and motivate high level community members/sponsors in raising funds and awareness.
- Assures that media, in-kind and cash sponsorships are secured through a coordinated plan that includes proposal development, prospect identification, cultivation and recognition.
- Facilitates and fosters relationships with honoree families, sponsors, donors and volunteers of all levels.
- Assures the development of all campaign materials including; recruitment/promotional brochures, fundraising templates invitations, signage, event programs, auction; set-up and maintain communication plan.
ON-PREMISE SALES REPRESENTATIVE
UNITED-JOHSON BROTHERS
Mobile
04.2015 - 03.2019
- Managed and developed a sales route with over 120 accounts called on weekly in the Mobile market and Dauphin Island.
- Develop wine, craft beer, and liquor business through new accounts by cold calling, new products, address market trends, create new wine lists to grow revenue, server trainings to increase wine sales and knowledge for the guests, and special wine tasting events and supplier dinners highlighting specific wines and/or product.
- Met and exceeded both company and supplier goals to grow business by cases volume and dollars monthly.
- Built relationships and grew existing business with assigned customers by over 300% in the first 2 years.
- Planned and executed events featuring wine, craft beer or liquor in the UJB portfolio to increase awareness of brands across market.
GENERAL MANAGER
MOBILE YACHT CLUB
Mobile
03.2014 - 05.2015
- Served as the General Manager for a private member only club with a membership of 380 total.
- Managed all aspects of the Clubhouse; was responsible for hiring and training staff of 20; created and managed food and beverage budget; oversee ordering and purchasing of F/B including create menus and wine list; plan, coordinate and execute special events for the Club; increase overall sales in Clubhouse; recruit new members and increase involvement from existing membership.
- Implemented new software program for inventory management.
- Wrote and executed new employee handbook and implemented new training procedures and policy for all staff; lead monthly growth and team training program for staff.
- Presented monthly presentations and budget to the Board of Directors.
HOUSE DIRECTOR, KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
Tuscaloosa
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Manage 24/7 house activities (required to live on property) with oversight of staff of 5 and 51 college age residents.
- Hired and managed staff of 12.
- Manage budget, accounts payable, monthly health inspections, and all house maintenance.
- Wrote and implemented an employee handbook with Guidelines for policy and procedure.
- Coordinate all game day events for 300-700 attendees (alumni, parents, guests), including planning menu, ordering food, entertainment, etc.
- Organize annual Rush events for 1,900 participants, including planning menu, decorations, and other related activities.
- Consistently execute large scale events on time and according to budget.
Executive Assistant / Scheduler
CONGRESSMAN JO BONNER (R-AL)
Washington
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Served as liaison between Congressman, other members of congress and constituents.
- Scheduled Congressman's activities and appointments including constituent meetings, hearings, official meetings, and receptions, special events.
- Handled all travel arrangements; local, national and international travel.
- Monitored current legislation pertaining to state of Alabama and District One.
- Supervised 25 interns during their tenure and coordinated their duties in D.C. including tours of the White House, Pentagon, and National Archives.
- Worked with the strictest of guidelines and protocol handling sensitive information.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
University of Maryland University College
Adelphi, MarylandBachelor of Science - Psychology, Economics
Birmingham Southern College
Birmingham, AlabamaSkills
- Development & Fundraising
- Team Leadership
- Marketing & Prospecting
- Public Relations
- Time Management & Scheduling
- Problem Solving/Multi-tasker
- Food and Beverage
- Program Design & Implementation
- Budget Management
- Communications
- Event Planning
- Community Outreach
- Fundraising strategy
- Donor cultivation
- Marketing outreach
- Volunteer coordination
- Relationship building
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Strategic planning
Early Career Roles
- UNITED STATES SENATE, Washington, DC, Staff Assistant / Constituent Services Representative, Senator Jeff Sessions
- UNITED STATES SENATE, Washington, DC, Staff Assistant / Tour Coordinator, Senator Fred Thompson
Timeline
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
04.2021 - Current
SENIOR CAMPAIGN MANAGER
LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY
04.2019 - 08.2020
ON-PREMISE SALES REPRESENTATIVE
UNITED-JOHSON BROTHERS
04.2015 - 03.2019
GENERAL MANAGER
MOBILE YACHT CLUB
03.2014 - 05.2015
HOUSE DIRECTOR, KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
01.2011 - 01.2013
Executive Assistant / Scheduler
CONGRESSMAN JO BONNER (R-AL)
01.2005 - 01.2010
Master of Business Administration -
University of Maryland University College
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Economics
Birmingham Southern College