Heather Twichell Email & Phone Number

New Orleans, La, Us

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Lafayette, Louisiana Metropolitan Area

Core member of leadership and opening team for the first private-public 100-acre park conservancy in the Acadiana region. Responsible for the event ideation and development, implementation, budgeting, strategic programming, and organizational team growth. Launched six signature events in the first year of operations.● Coordinated with Department Leaders and Teams to earn over $168,000 in-kind good and services and $1.36 million plus in earned revenue during the first two years of park event operations● Created,implemented, and evaluated strategic, internal event business plans and budgets● Created roles and trained event staff of thirty-five to operate and execute annual signature events● Developed brand concept, sponsorships, and revenue opportunities for six signature events● Launched Events Sales Program generating $100,000 plus in revenue within the first two years● Created additional revenue via Food Truck programming earning over $24,000 within the first two years

Greater New Orleans Area

• Develop food and beverage revenue goals and strategy to meet income requirements (accounting for 45% of total FQFI income)• Create, develop, and implement vision for festival Culinary Lineups and beverage offerings• Responsible for festival beverage business unit including but not limited to: menu development, pricing, customer experience, vendor operations, compliance, and identification of new revenue opportunities• Coordinate with Operations, Marketing, Finance, Development, Entertainment and Volunteer Management departments to execute food and beverage operations and messaging• Solicit bids, negotiate contracts, and oversee performance of food and beverage contracted suppliers• Submit appropriate documentation and applications to City and State entities as required for permitting and compliance (Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, New Orleans Fire Department, Louisiana State Department of Revenue: Business Tax Enforcement Division, City of New Orleans: Department of Finance’s Bureau of Revenue)• Ensure independent food vendors and beverage operations maintain festival health and safety standards• Obtain required documentation, certifications, permits, payments, invoices, and insurance certificates from food and beverage vendors and suppliers• Hire, train and develop seasonal staff

Aveda Institute New Orleans

• Manage Inventory of professional and retail products for store, institute, salon, and spa • Ensure students, educators, and partners are educated on current products, promotions, and new launch materials to maximize guest retail spending• Maintain Aveda points of difference and service cycle execution via partner and student coaching, training, goals, benchmark tracking, and merchandising• Develop event experiences designed to educate guests and provide incremental sales increase opportunities

Saks Fifth Avenue - 301 Canal Place

• Exceeded sales goals by 103% during first year in the luxury retail industry• Established client base and maintained relationships via personalized outreach and assistance• Educated Saks Fifth Avenue associates about the Gucci brand, it’s history and current initiatives

• Procured new and increased existing cash sponsorships, local and national grant funding,media and in-kind sponsorships by 60%• Acquired first-ever presenting sponsorship of primary festival• Secured funding to revive the festival shuttle and Saturday evening fireworks• Coached sponsor representatives on effective use of festivals for their engagement programs• Trained and mentored two new Operations Managers• Supervised event staff consisting of paid personnel, Board Members, volunteers, and interns

• Led Operations teams through all stages of vendor and event production based on evolvingneeds and resources• Controlled expenses within budget guidelines• Managed RFP process for tent, staging, sanitation, lighting, electrical, and sound suppliers• Communicated and worked effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures on varying scales and objectives• Implemented, supervised, and grew internship program by coordination with City government and local Universities

• Performed post-Katrina and FEMA analysis in order to determine the National Register eligibility of over 1500 structures• Conducted historic structure style and type assessment for Airline Highway Development Project, Parkview Historic District, Faubourg Marigny Historic District, Mid-City Historic District, and FEMA demolition list

Progressive experience in the premier live music venue in both New Orleans and Atlantic City which included training 75 plus team members, special event production, and customer relationship management• Assisted management in the daily operation of a premier membership venue offering full service dining, beverage service, special events, and concerts• Supported Income Auditor and Business Manager in day-to-day operations. Included using Excel to produce financial reports and verify deposits for seven revenue centers, audited management and staff banks, distributed petty cash and band payments, as well as special projects• Recognized for service among a staff of 300+ and trained in-coming servers and host personal as well as opening venue