Jana Ray Email & Phone Number

Canada

CanAge is Canada's national seniors' advocacy organization and advocates for the rights and wellbeing of all Canadians as we age. In the role of COO, my responsibilities are both wide and varied, including the following:Achieving Results: Proven track record of exceeding goals and a bottom-line orientation; high level of business acumen including successful P&L management; the ability to balance the delivery of programs against realistic budgets; problem solving, project… Show more CanAge is Canada's national seniors' advocacy organization and advocates for the rights and wellbeing of all Canadians as we age. In the role of COO, my responsibilities are both wide and varied, including the following:Achieving Results: Proven track record of exceeding goals and a bottom-line orientation; high level of business acumen including successful P&L management; the ability to balance the delivery of programs against realistic budgets; problem solving, project oversight, and creative resourcefulness Strategic Vision and Agility: Demonstrated ability to think strategically, and anticipate future consequences and trends, and incorporate them into the organizational planCapacity Building: Effectively and continually builds the organization and staff capacity, developing a workforce and the processes that ensure the organization runs smoothlyLeadership and Organization: Strong capacity for managing and leading people; a team builder and servant-leader who has experience in scaling up organizations; ability to connect staff both on an individual level and in large groups; capacity to enforce accountability, develop and empower top-notch leaders from the bottom up, lead from the top down, cultivate entrepreneurship, and learn the strengths and weaknesses of the team so as to put people in a position to succeedAction Oriented: Thoroughly enjoy working hard and looks for challenges; able to act and react as necessary, even if limited information is available; not afraid to take charge of a situation; can overcome resistance to leadership and take unpopular stands when necessaryGeneral Management: Possess a thorough understanding of finance, systems, and HR; broad experience with the full range of business functions and systems, including strategic development and planning, budgeting, business analysis, finance, information systems, human resources, and marketing Show less

Canada's first-ever, national, not-for- profit association to support the advancement of the Food Truck industry, and other members of NAICS Code 7223 (Special Food Services & Mobile Food Services).

Canada

Responsible for strategic business development and the publication's strategy from an external perspective. Includes (but as a partner with ownership interest, certainly not limited to) the following functions:- Strategic partnerships - Business and audience development- Corporate positioning - Industry relations (strategy conversations, industry perspectives- Revenue development and diversification including participation in fund-raising in collaboration with internal… Show more Responsible for strategic business development and the publication's strategy from an external perspective. Includes (but as a partner with ownership interest, certainly not limited to) the following functions:- Strategic partnerships - Business and audience development- Corporate positioning - Industry relations (strategy conversations, industry perspectives- Revenue development and diversification including participation in fund-raising in collaboration with internal publishing and design partners - Ongoing evaluation of the strategic direction of the company Show less

Canada

CARP is a nonprofit, non-partisan association representing more than 300,000 older Canadians. The organization is a part of ZoomerMedia Limited, a multi-channel media company led by Moses Znaimer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. As the Chief Membership and Benefits Officer, my work spanned CARP's three key areas: Advocacy, Benefits, and Community. I was deeply involved in all three of these aspects and work to support the growth of CARP's membership in these areas. In addition, I worked… Show more CARP is a nonprofit, non-partisan association representing more than 300,000 older Canadians. The organization is a part of ZoomerMedia Limited, a multi-channel media company led by Moses Znaimer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. As the Chief Membership and Benefits Officer, my work spanned CARP's three key areas: Advocacy, Benefits, and Community. I was deeply involved in all three of these aspects and work to support the growth of CARP's membership in these areas. In addition, I worked very closely with various partnerships, from concept to execution, including sector, research, sponsor, and benefit partners to ensure the greatest return for all parties. Skills acquired: Advocacy strategy development, communicating and working with various levels of government from local MPPs to Federal Minister levels, moving the masses successfully within grassroots campaigns, developing engagement strategies for advocacy and member value, high profile media, and governments to uphold the rights and improve the lives of Canadians as we age. Live events, film and television production (programming), public service announcements, working with the research and academia and working with vulnerable populations. Show less

Toronto, Canada Area

Canada

Canada

Restaurants Canada (formerly the CRFA) has a 70+ year history of effectively representing the interests of the restaurant and food service industry. Today's restaurant or food service owner/operator is different from those of years past, and the issues that they face are many. Restaurants Canada seeks to arm them with a suite of tools and training that can help them every day, create alliances with industry partners who can provide savings or provide services unique to the needs of our… Show more Restaurants Canada (formerly the CRFA) has a 70+ year history of effectively representing the interests of the restaurant and food service industry. Today's restaurant or food service owner/operator is different from those of years past, and the issues that they face are many. Restaurants Canada seeks to arm them with a suite of tools and training that can help them every day, create alliances with industry partners who can provide savings or provide services unique to the needs of our industry, and inform the industry about issues that can have a direct impact on their business and advocate on their behalf for change and progress. Skills acquired: Work in an industry-focused, membership-based, not-for-profit organization that has provincial and national reach. Working with government affairs professionals across Canada to effect change and mobilize members on issues. Strong IT focus in role with digital marketing. Management of team of 8-12. Development of balanced communications for the member base that serve to inform, inspire, engage, and educate. Creation of a members-only online resource with a suite of tools to help members to improve and grow their business. Performed large-scale data cleansing and standardization process for implementation in a new CRM suite. Oversight of procurement of programs to deliver value to members and direct management of partner programs. Provided creative direction and cooperation with other internal members, on the relaunch of a new member bi-monthly magazine (www.menumag.ca). Secured Google Grant for the organization. Supported the growth of the RC Show in 2015-2017 through comprehensive lead generation to expose new audiences to Restaurants Canada and its industry trade show. Supported the growth of membership in various market segments. Ultimate escalation point for member service issues, questions and concerns. Show less

Various

Based on an extensive career in hospitality and tourism, my energies are focused on providing consulting services to attractions, entertainment venues, festivals, exhibitions, independent boutique hotels, as well as many other small businesses. Services range from contract marketing, branding and design, sales, public relations/social media engagement and business development. In addition we also facilitate special projects such as staff training in areas such as sales and customer service… Show more Based on an extensive career in hospitality and tourism, my energies are focused on providing consulting services to attractions, entertainment venues, festivals, exhibitions, independent boutique hotels, as well as many other small businesses. Services range from contract marketing, branding and design, sales, public relations/social media engagement and business development. In addition we also facilitate special projects such as staff training in areas such as sales and customer service, professional/executive coaching, sourcing/development of customized reservations/ticketing systems, website design, and market analysis and media plans for Canadian markets prepared for CVB's and DMO's in the US and abroad. TeamWork is just that - a team. I've had the pleasure of working with several individuals whom I've met over the course of my career that I work with in concert to provide an interdisciplinary approach to various projects and provide immense value in our services. For it has been said, "No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it." ~ H.E. Luccock Show less

Toronto, On

HIGH FIVE® is Canada’s only comprehensive quality standard for children’s sport and recreation, providing practitioners with an evidence-based approach to healthy child development. Working with provincial recreation associations across the country, as well as various municipalities, recreation and sport organizations, my role is to provide ongoing marketing, communications and brand awareness supports to those who embrace the HIGH FIVE standard of quality, and to educate parents and other key… Show more HIGH FIVE® is Canada’s only comprehensive quality standard for children’s sport and recreation, providing practitioners with an evidence-based approach to healthy child development. Working with provincial recreation associations across the country, as well as various municipalities, recreation and sport organizations, my role is to provide ongoing marketing, communications and brand awareness supports to those who embrace the HIGH FIVE standard of quality, and to educate parents and other key stakeholders on the importance of quality in recreation programming for kids.Skills acquired: Continued work in a membership-based, not-for-profit organization that has both provincial and national reach. Grant-writing, procurement of sponsorships and strategic partnerships. Working with a national system of delivery partners, knowledge mobilization, providing business development leadership and training to internal and external partners. Creative direction and cooperation with other internal members. Extensive multimedia and social media outreach to expand beyond established audiences. Extensive use of analytics and business intelligence suites. Review of current materials, tools and technologies for opportunities to improve and enhance client (end-user) experience. Show less

Toronto, Canada Area

Working for this established organization with over 30 years in Toronto's waterfront was both challenging and rewarding. Producing corporate events, weddings and leisure programs for dining and sightseeing, City Cruises Toronto (formerly Mariposa Cruises) boasts a fleet of unique vessels to host a range of private events from 15 to 575 passengers. The direction provided to bring the company forward resulted in a new website, the development of a leisure program ticketing systems, a revamp of… Show more Working for this established organization with over 30 years in Toronto's waterfront was both challenging and rewarding. Producing corporate events, weddings and leisure programs for dining and sightseeing, City Cruises Toronto (formerly Mariposa Cruises) boasts a fleet of unique vessels to host a range of private events from 15 to 575 passengers. The direction provided to bring the company forward resulted in a new website, the development of a leisure program ticketing systems, a revamp of their branding, marketing strategies and media buys. Other notable achievements were providing the internal and logistical supports to a sales manager to close the largest event (revenues) on record for the organization, opening a retail storefront to assist with sales, first-time participation in one of the City of Toronto's marquee events, and securing Mariposa's involvement in a CBC-Television program with national reach during prime time, in which I was the primary spokesperson for the company.Skills acquired: Revitalization of existing branding and creative that effectively drew attention to the brand without compromising its integrity, establishing solid partnerships with various media partners in Toronto, working with production companies on a variety of film and television appearances for the company, AGCO regulations with regard to the oversight of gambling activities and alcoholic beverage service as it relates to a moving conveyance, exposure to regulatory bodies such as Transport Canada, participating in working committees for citywide projects as a business stakeholder (City of Toronto, Waterfront Toronto) as well as working with various associations for the growth of traffic to Toronto and to the Waterfront specifically (Tourism Toronto, Toronto Attractions Council, Waterfront BIA Events Committee). Show less

Niagara On The Lake, On

Outside sales/business development services on contract. Designed/developed a comprehensive sales kit that involved all properties including four upscale boutique hotels, two 4-diamond restaurants, and a spa. Corporate, wedding, travel trade, SMERF, Canadian government and association markets. Created all marketing supports for these initiatives as required. The directive was to build awareness of the properties and target buyers and interested parties for group retreats and comprehensive… Show more Outside sales/business development services on contract. Designed/developed a comprehensive sales kit that involved all properties including four upscale boutique hotels, two 4-diamond restaurants, and a spa. Corporate, wedding, travel trade, SMERF, Canadian government and association markets. Created all marketing supports for these initiatives as required. The directive was to build awareness of the properties and target buyers and interested parties for group retreats and comprehensive packages. Strong efforts in 2010 paid off largely in 2011, with sales increases reported at 40% above the years prior. Show less

Buffalo/Niagara, New York Area

Provided training in stewardship, marketing initiatives and strategic alliance marketing to newly promoted Membership Manager at the Museum. Her key mandate was to increase Museum membership by 50%. The candidate more than doubled Museum membership in less than one year.

Buffalo, Ny

Provided group sales services on contract to this traveling exhibition during its premiere exhibition in New York state. Far exceeded group sales expectations for exhibit run.

Niagara Falls, On

Much like the performers featured in this show, Cirque Niagara's Avaia pulled off the impossible - gaining notoriety, brand awareness and market share for a brand new performance attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. In partnership with the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC), Cirque Niagara wowed thousands of guests during two seasons in Niagara (May-Oct) and one short season in Toronto, at Woodbine Racetrack. The performance, in a traditional cirque-style big top tent accommodating 1500… Show more Much like the performers featured in this show, Cirque Niagara's Avaia pulled off the impossible - gaining notoriety, brand awareness and market share for a brand new performance attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. In partnership with the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC), Cirque Niagara wowed thousands of guests during two seasons in Niagara (May-Oct) and one short season in Toronto, at Woodbine Racetrack. The performance, in a traditional cirque-style big top tent accommodating 1500 guests per show, the combination of 65 Russian and Ukranian acrobats and 19 rare-breed performing horses, Cirque Niagara's Avaia was an amazing addition to the Niagara Falls entertainment landscape. Assuming the role of a part time Box Office Manager when initially hired, within months I was granted several promotions with added reports and responsibilities before assuming my final role of Director of Sales and Marketing - managing all marketing and PR activities for the show and managing all sales, box office and call centre sales staff, as well as an onsite accountant and the IT manager.Skills acquired: Mobile venue logistics, site readiness and preparation for systems, payment gateways, 3rd party processors and API's for ticketing systems, media buying on a large scale for television, print, radio, internet and outdoor, lead sales direction on leisure and corporate group sales efforts, reporting to board members and shareholders, working with Canadian government officials and partners (NPC), call centre staffing, training, and operation, drafting company policies and procedures, guerrilla marketing through the use of street promotional teams at various festivals and events, maintaining large sponsor relationships for media and product, communicating with other department heads and key stakeholders. Show less

Niagara Region, On

The Niagara Health System (NHS) has several sites throughout the region, each with its own foundation/fundraising arm. This foundation actively raised funds for the existing site, and laid the groundwork to support fundraising for the new regional health centre. As a part of a staff of four including the Executive Director, this role involved the full planning and execution of all donor engagement events, including 4 signature annual events. Skills acquired: Non-profit hospital… Show more The Niagara Health System (NHS) has several sites throughout the region, each with its own foundation/fundraising arm. This foundation actively raised funds for the existing site, and laid the groundwork to support fundraising for the new regional health centre. As a part of a staff of four including the Executive Director, this role involved the full planning and execution of all donor engagement events, including 4 signature annual events. Skills acquired: Non-profit hospital foundation experience, working directly with board members, volunteer management, stewardship, sponsorship and donation proposals, working with donors at various levels and esteemed members of the community and hospital staff, press releases and PSA's, on-air spokesperson, media plans, writing for various marketing materials, presentations and information packages, in-depth graphic design (Quark) and printing of materials, working with in-house donor management systems (Raiser's Edge/Blackbaud). Show less

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida Area

After working in a large scale, corporate event sales and planning environment, my role with the Aquarium (a not-for-profit) was the Sales Manager for leisure tickets and tours, group sales and managing the tourism aspect of the business for this optimally located facility. Working alongside the Senior Sales Manager who sold and contracted events at the Aquarium, we teamed our efforts to significantly grown revenues for the Aquarium - and with great success. Starting with a deficit of $80K… Show more After working in a large scale, corporate event sales and planning environment, my role with the Aquarium (a not-for-profit) was the Sales Manager for leisure tickets and tours, group sales and managing the tourism aspect of the business for this optimally located facility. Working alongside the Senior Sales Manager who sold and contracted events at the Aquarium, we teamed our efforts to significantly grown revenues for the Aquarium - and with great success. Starting with a deficit of $80K (based on a $6 per ticket average at the time), the deficit was quickly reversed and in two very strong years of performance sales targets were exceeded by over 40%! Played a pivotal role in the development of several new visitor experiences including the earliest iteration of the Wild Dolphin Tour. Skills acquired: Non-profit work environments, consignment and secondary seller agreements, group sales of tickets and tours, hotel packaging and partnerships, working with large scale resellers like AAA Auto Club South and various cruise lines, managing travel trade relationships with local and state CVB and tourism bureaus, design of marketing materials, working with ticketing systems (OMNI) and fundraising management systems (Raiser's Edge/Blackbaud), identifying synergies/opportunities to cultivate new donors. Show less

Orlando, Fl

In short, what started as a 2-week seasonal position at the JAWS ride at Universal Studios, became a 9-year long career with the resort now known as Universal Orlando. Having worked through varying roles of increasing responsibility in junior and senior management in the Operations division including Ride and Show, Park Services and Guest Services, I was selected to be a part of the Grand Opening management team at Islands of Adventure! It was only upon my manager's urging in the latter part… Show more In short, what started as a 2-week seasonal position at the JAWS ride at Universal Studios, became a 9-year long career with the resort now known as Universal Orlando. Having worked through varying roles of increasing responsibility in junior and senior management in the Operations division including Ride and Show, Park Services and Guest Services, I was selected to be a part of the Grand Opening management team at Islands of Adventure! It was only upon my manager's urging in the latter part of my career, that I made my first foray into sales in the Park and Event Sales team. Universal Orlando provided me with unparalleled training, mentoring, and quality work experience foundations that I've continued to utilize over the course of my career, poising me for personal development and growth in my future endeavors.Skills acquired: Revenue management, labor management, scheduling for staffs of 10 to over 150, payroll processing, budget oversight, proposals and contracts, customer service, celebrity and VIP visit oversight and management, leadership, liaising with other departments including technical services/ride engineering, working with various ticketing (OMNI/VGS and AS/400 based) systems, mass hiring efforts/conducting job fairs, and the vital importance of training, development and staff appreciation in a service-based business. Show less

Orlando, Florida Area

As a part of an 8-person team, we were hired to pioneer what was then known as the "White Glove Treatment Program" - a program that was formed as a recognition program exclusively for American Express Cardholders. Working in the Central Reservations Office (CRO), we were transferred all calls from guests who had booked their vacation using AMEX to offer them optional enhancements to their stay including truly unique ways to experience Walt Disney World. Some of these included Backstage Magic… Show more As a part of an 8-person team, we were hired to pioneer what was then known as the "White Glove Treatment Program" - a program that was formed as a recognition program exclusively for American Express Cardholders. Working in the Central Reservations Office (CRO), we were transferred all calls from guests who had booked their vacation using AMEX to offer them optional enhancements to their stay including truly unique ways to experience Walt Disney World. Some of these included Backstage Magic tours of the Magic Kingdom, a day with an animator at Disney Studios, a scuba dive experience at the Living Seas pavilion at EPCOT and several others. Due to the overwhelming success of these programs (many of which are still in existence today) the programs and product offerings were expanded for all guests of WDW and the team was merged into the Disney Dining department. Skill sets acquired: Large scale, high-volume call center experience, selling over the phone in a way that Disney does, brand awareness and marketing, management training through both Disney's onsite DisneyU and through American Express, working with booking engines (SABRE), liaising with various departments that spanned across the resort, and creating programs and seizing every possible opportunity to impress guests of the resort. Show less

Sdg Academyx

COURSES COMPLETED THROUGH edX: How to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals Transforming Our World: Achieving the Sustainable.

Women'S Entrepreneurship & Incubator Program

Certificate, Communication And Media Studies

Dale Carnegie Course Successful Public Speaking

Ba, French, Minor Spanish

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Ossd)

Education record