 Develops merchandising strategy - including product selection, marketing plan, vendor negotiations, and exclusive product development - in order to maximize sales, margin, and profitability targets for business both in store and online Participates in Merchant Mentor Program with VP/DMM of Contemporary Sportswear; 1 of 3 Assistant Buyers selected company wide Conducts MMR and OTB analysis on monthly basis including updating sales projections, markdown planning, gross margin analysis, and receipt and inventory tracking Leads trend presentations, competitive offering discussions, and sales analysis recaps to set the tone for accessories company wide Collaborates with cross-functional teams on strategy and execution of selling initiatives; optimize initiatives through social media, in-store communication, and associate product seminars resulting in increased sales opportunity Manages and fosters development of Merchant Assistant on all day-to-day responsibilities

 Acted as sole buyer while position was vacant and continued to buy for three vendors exhibiting necessary business acumen to meet sales growth; includes selecting merchandise, negotiating RTVs, maximizing trunk show opportunities, facilitating marketing initiatives, updating monthly projections, and developing seasonal plans Developed extensive knowledge of jewelry industry and competitive landscape; assisted with development of new merchandising strategy for enhanced visual representation Created and enhanced weekly reporting tools resulting in additional strategic analysis and implementation of key business drivers Assisted sales staff on product inquiries and troubleshooting, allowing for successful inventory execution and accurate business analysis Orchestrated vendor clinics to support sales staff with additional product knowledge; developed standard guide to streamline training techniques increasing efficiency

•Spearheaded Capital One Cup activation at Fall NCAA championships resulting in 62% increase in total attendee interactions; partnered with PR agency in developing 360◦ communications plans for the program •Led external and internal teams in conceptualizing and executing activation recommendations for clients that deliver on brand and business objectives and provide high ROI •Managed and trained team of 25+ brand ambassadors and volunteers for the duration of the Capital One Cup program, leading to consistent brand presence on-site and superior experience for attendees

•Collaborated with cross-functional team on the strategy and execution of L’Oreal Paris product launch for approximately 80 beauty magazine editors; responsible for venue selection, hair and makeup coordination, gift procurement, event design, ROS development and all other client service duties; yielding significant product advocacy and buzz•Developed strategy and executed American Express OPEN’s presence at partnership/sponsored events for approximately 15-20 events per year including: The New York Times Small Business Summit, Lucky Shops (hosted by Lucky Magazine), and South by Southwest, building a community of American Express OPEN brand advocates and loyalists •Executed key client and hospitality events for Business Centurion Card Members at the 2012 US Open; responsible for talent procurement and coordination, décor, food and beverage, ticketing and other event logistics, resulting in increased brand advocacy among high value Card Members

•Managed cross-functional team (digital, strategy, creative and live events) in the execution of $400K sponsorship activation resulting in brand engagement with event attendees and 100M+ media impressions •Spearheaded development of activation measurement plan that demonstrated program ROI and allowed for measurement against OPEN brand and business objectives •Led all stages of project development including kick-off meetings with clients, creative briefings and final client review, providing necessary briefing materials, agendas, recaps and client feedback to inter-agency team; resulted in efficient and effective project management and clear roles & responsibilities among teams•Developed project plans and managed key dates to ensure timely execution of activation plan; responsible for creating reporting system for team saving client over $10K in billable time annually •Conducted written and oral communication with clients including concept, creative and debrief presentations, conference reports, and new business proposals resulting in high performing client/agency relationship