TARA R. PALMER
Overland Park,KS
Summary
Dedicated self starter, independently motivated, but also enjoy a team environment in a fast paced organization. Complete knowledge of MS Office Suite, including MS Teams, SharePoint, Office 365. Outstanding oral and written communication skills for all levels of the organization, both internal and external while maintaining a strong ability to handle sensitive information in full trust. Proven leader with creative problem solving skills. Strategic decision maker with exceptional organization & efficiency. Outgoing personality and strong attention to detail.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Assistant
J.E. Dunn Construction
09.2017 - Current
- Advise and Assist multiple C-level executives to include: Chief People Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and National Design Director for $7 billion dollar organization
- Organize and coordinate conferences and meetings to include travel, logistics, catering, and presentations
- Support with onboarding and training of new hires
- Govern payroll and expense management submission and approvals, oversee vendor invoicing and tracking
- Expert scheduling of calendar management for executives, Board affiliates and external partner organizations
- Respond to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes with full trust managing sensitive information
Executive Assistant
American Family Insurance
01.2013 - 09.2017
- Managed $3 million dollar budget: expenses, deviations, campaign & marketing money for the sales state of KS
- Designed, budgeted & coordinated Agent Spring Awards for 200 agents & guests: site selection, contract negotiations, food & beverage, entertainment, detailed management of entire logistical spectrum with a team of 20
- Supported KS Sales Director: administered daily, monthly sales reports, travel & calendar management, onboarding of new hires, professional liaison between corporate partners and KS sales field agents, created newsletters and press releases
- Led & approved payroll and expense management for 8 district teams and all vacant agencies in the state
- Created & maintained 3rd party vendor relationships with local property management company, event/meeting space locations and chambers
Licensed Insurance Producer
American Family Insurance
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Provided highest level of customer satisfaction during sales process, while providing quotes and educating potential clients on insurance options
- Client Management of 3,000 + accounts
- Representative of the Agency, active partner in the local Chambers & American Business Women's Association board member
Sales & Event Coordinator
White Lily Weddings & Events
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Wedding and Event Sales, contract negotiations, venue tours, vendor selections
- Event Design and full logistical structure to include event team management
- Maintained the highest level of service to our internal team, bridal parties and all guests or vendors attending our events
Director of Corporate Relations
Crow Segal Management
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Association Management of Non-Profit organizations, to include annual conference and trade show planning
- Administered all written communications: event prospectus, newsletters and social media
- Maintained multiple vendor databases for trade shows ranging from 1 to 7 days in length, show size ranging from 35-145 booths, with over 1,000 attendees each
- Key contributor in US site selection, design, speaker symposia, event staff, entertainment, food & beverage
- Exceeded all previous 18 years of company sales goals through fundraising, sponsorships and booth sales
- Created strategic communication plans, supported public relations goals of business unit and collaborated with internal and external colleagues and stakeholders
- Supported strategy development and drove execution on global public relations programs aligned to business priorities
Director of Operations
Block And Company
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Worked collaboratively with functional leaders to implement new procedures and corrective actions to improve quality of the Overland Park Trade Center
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives
- Defined, implemented and revised operational policies and guidelines
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources
- Analyzed technology, resource needs and market demand to plan and assess feasibility of company projects
Director of Sales and Marketing
The Clubhouse On Baltimore
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Performed competitive analyses and adjusted sales and marketing strategies accordingly to create new event venue
- Analyzed sales and marketing data for improved strategies
- Organized events related to corporate conferences and weddings
- Cultivated and maintained strategic alliances with key partners and vendors
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships
Medical Paralegal
Baron & Budd Law Firm
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation and information for discovery request
- Prepared legal briefs, motions and pleadings
Cast Member
Walt Disney World
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Interned through the Disney University College program to open The Animal Kingdom
- Tested all equipment, technology, food and beverage, to ensure top line operations for the perfect guest experience
- Guided celebrity tours of the "underground" Disney experience for protection and privacy of the guest
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminology, Psychology
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS12.1997
Associate of Arts Degree -
Coffeyville Community College
Coffeyville, KS05.1995
Skills
- Advanced MS Office Suite Proficiency
- Project Planning
- Report Analysis
- Project Management
- Contract Development and Management
- Brand Management
- Budgeting and Cost Control
- Business Administration
Timeline
Executive Assistant
J.E. Dunn Construction
09.2017 - Current
Executive Assistant
American Family Insurance
01.2013 - 09.2017
Licensed Insurance Producer
American Family Insurance
01.2011 - 01.2013
Sales & Event Coordinator
White Lily Weddings & Events
01.2009 - 01.2011
Director of Corporate Relations
Crow Segal Management
01.2007 - 01.2009
Director of Operations
Block And Company
01.2005 - 01.2007
Director of Sales and Marketing
The Clubhouse On Baltimore
01.2003 - 01.2005
Medical Paralegal
Baron & Budd Law Firm
01.2001 - 01.2003
Cast Member
Walt Disney World
01.1998 - 01.2001
Bachelor of Science - Criminology, Psychology
Kansas State University
Associate of Arts Degree -
Coffeyville Community College
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