Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Tara Talley-Austin

Anniston

Summary

Experienced hospitality and event professional with a strong background in customer service management, event coordination, and guest relations within high-profile, community-centered environments. Proven ability to lead teams, elevate patron experiences, and manage front-of-house operations with poise and professionalism. Skilled in coordinating logistics for large and small events, training staff and volunteers, and creating a welcoming, accessible atmosphere for diverse audiences. Passionate about the arts, and committed to delivering exceptional service that reflects the mission and values of cultural institutions.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Event Planner

Hubbard's Off Main
Oxford
02.2022 - Current
  • Planned and executed diverse events, including weddings and corporate gatherings, for 10 to 250+ guests.
  • Served as primary client liaison, managing event details from consultation to execution.
  • Collaborated with kitchen and service teams to create tailored menus and timelines.
  • Coordinated logistics encompassing vendor management, staffing, décor, rentals, and invoicing.
  • Conducted venue tours and pre-event meetings to secure bookings and foster relationships.
  • Oversaw event execution to ensure service excellence and troubleshoot real-time issues.
  • Contributed to restaurant’s event business growth through referrals and client satisfaction.

Owner/Artist

Precious Prints Pottery
Anniston
10.2006 - Current
  • Managed art-centered retail business for 19 years as self-employed entrepreneur.
  • Supervised and trained staff in technical and customer service operations.
  • Fostered environment of teamwork, cooperation, and performance recognition.
  • Planned, staffed, and executed small- and large-scale events on and off-site.
  • Developed operational plans to maintain relationships with multiple distributors.
  • Reviewed production and employee performance to ensure quality control standards.
  • Utilized software tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and scheduling applications.
  • Kept up-to-date with technology trends, including credit card processing and social media.

Contracted High School English Instuctor

self-employed
Anniston
09.2015 - 05.2021
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive English curriculum for homeschool students, covering literature, composition, grammar, and critical analysis.
  • Guided students through classic and contemporary texts to deepen understanding of literary themes and historical context.
  • Provided tailored instruction and support based on individual learning styles, skill levels, and post-secondary objectives.
  • Designed and evaluated writing assignments including analytical essays, research papers, and creative writing tasks.
  • Prepared students for standardized tests such as SAT/ACT English & Writing sections while enhancing college readiness skills.
  • Maintained ongoing communication with parents regarding student progress and curriculum planning.
  • Fostered independent thinking and confidence in a supportive virtual or in-person learning environment through engaging discussions.

Preschool Director

First Baptist Church of Oxford
Oxford
01.2003 - 01.2008
  • Provided leadership and oversight for the preschool department (ages 0–5) as part of the church’s overall children's ministry, serving an average of [number] children weekly.
  • Recruited, trained, and scheduled a team of volunteers and staff to ensure safe, engaging, and spiritually enriching environments during Sunday services, midweek programs, and church-wide events.
  • Collaborated with the Pastor and ministry leaders to plan events such as Vacation Bible School, family worship nights, holiday programs, and outreach initiatives.
  • Maintained a high standard of safety, cleanliness, and security, including volunteer background checks, child check-in/out procedures, and classroom readiness.
  • Monitored department budgets, curriculum materials, and supply inventories to support weekly programming and special events.

General Manager

Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon
Norcross
10.1997 - 01.2003
  • Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
  • Trained new employees on customer service standards and operational procedures.
  • Enforced health and safety regulations to maintain a safe dining environment.
  • Conducted meetings with staff to communicate goals and address concerns.
  • Implemented promotional strategies to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.
  • Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And English

Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL
05-2002

Skills

  • Event coordination and logistics
  • Vendor management
  • Budgeting and invoicing
  • Client relationship management
  • Customer service and support
  • Team collaboration
  • Problem solving
  • Leadership
  • Public Speaking

References

  • Charlotte Hubbard: 256-225-5360
  • Cristy Humphries: 256-310-8145

Timeline

Event Planner

Hubbard's Off Main
02.2022 - Current

Contracted High School English Instuctor

self-employed
09.2015 - 05.2021

Owner/Artist

Precious Prints Pottery
10.2006 - Current

Preschool Director

First Baptist Church of Oxford
01.2003 - 01.2008

General Manager

Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon
10.1997 - 01.2003

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And English

Jacksonville State University

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