Dynamic and results-driven tourism professional with over a decade of experience in leisure business development, international travel trade, and strategic partnerships. Expertise in managing large-scale projects, securing grants, and driving revenue growth. Skilled at fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders, managing budgets, and leading high-performing teams. Passionate about destination marketing through innovative and involving strategies, tactics and campaigns.
Hi, I’m
Zachary Holifield
Biloxi,MS
Summary
Overview
13
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Coastal Mississippi Tourism
Senior Director of Sales & Business Development
12.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Spearhead sales and business development strategies, driving growth and fostering strategic partnerships
- Manage a cross-functional team, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives
- Develop and implement market expansion initiatives to maximize ROI on promotional efforts
- Collaborate with executive leadership and Board of Commissioners on long-term revenue-generating campaigns
Coastal Mississippi Tourism
Director of Leisure Business Development
11.2018 - 12.2023
Job overview
- Founded and led the Leisure Business Development department, cultivating partnerships with tour operators and OTAs
- Directed digital campaigns, generating $20M+ in gross booking revenue
- Secured and managed a $2M Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for tourism recovery
- Supervised group travel programs, including familiarization tours and motorcoach markets
- Directed the Coast Champions Hospitality Training Program, enhancing industry excellence
Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Division
International Travel Trade & Media Manager
07.2014 - 11.2018
Job overview
- Oversaw international travel trade and media initiatives to boost inbound tourism
- Coordinated sales missions in five countries, building relationships with global tour operators and travel media
- Developed media campaigns to generate earned coverage and increase consumer awareness
- Managed contracted budget of $500,00+ $70,000 annual budgets, optimizing resource allocation for international initiatives
MS Public Service Commissioner Lynn Posey
Director of Communications
04.2012 - 06.2014
Job overview
- Directed public relations efforts, drafting press releases and coordinating media events
- Liaised with stakeholders to resolve inquiries and consumer complaint negotiation
- Managed a $60,000 advertising budget to create impactful campaigns supporting the commissioner's consumer initiatives
Education
University of Southern Mississippi
Master of Science from Public Relations
01-2010
University Overview
University of Southern Mississippi
Bachelor of Science from Communication & Journalism
01-2009
University Overview
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Collaborative Leadership with Executives & Staff
- Budget Management
- Grant Writing
- Digital & Traditional Marketing Campaigns
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Relationship Building
- Company Loyalty & Mission Oriented
- Familiarization Tours
- Event Management
- Data Analysis
- Market Intelligence
- Effective Communication
- Public Speaking
- Culture Transformation
- Team Management
- Exceeding Key Performance Indicators
- Team Building & Motivation
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
- Secured and managed $2M EDA grant proposal, demonstrating expertise in project management.
- Secured $1.2M Gulf Coast Restoration Funding Grant for partnerships and events.
- Enhanced collaboration with OTAs and hotels to address off-peak visitation periods.
- Directed multiple digital campaigns with high ROI.
- Developed and coordinated Xplorit360 tours to showcase Coastal Mississippi’s attractions during pandemic.
Certification
Professional in Destination Management, Jan 2023, DESTINATIONS INTERNATIONAL
Timeline
Senior Director of Sales & Business Development
Coastal Mississippi Tourism
12.2023 - Current
Director of Leisure Business Development
Coastal Mississippi Tourism
11.2018 - 12.2023
International Travel Trade & Media Manager
Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Division
07.2014 - 11.2018
Director of Communications
MS Public Service Commissioner Lynn Posey
04.2012 - 06.2014
University of Southern Mississippi
Master of Science from Public Relations
University of Southern Mississippi
Bachelor of Science from Communication & Journalism
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