Managed sales and catering for 14 Einstein Bros in Atlanta. Prospected for new business through cold calling, presentations, existing customer data base and personal lead generation. Consistently grew business each quarter by 10-12% growth.* Established relationships with CVBs and local Chamber of Commerce’s to help increase referrals. * Continued networking with professional organizations * Worked directly with 14 GM’s, 2 Area Business Managers and staff to help execute all catering orders* Tracked sales performance and actively used sales reports to prepare for high rollover weeks* Establish lead search program with drivers to help identify new clients.

Manage sales, promotions, and events for the two Atlanta McCormick & Schmick's locations. Prospected for new business within two different Atlanta markets. Exceed Budget goals by 15% at both locations. Top 5 Sales in concept for December.Strengthen relationships with CVBs and local Chamber of Commerce’s to help increase referrals. Event specific management overseeing 6 managers, 5 chefs, and 15+ banquet captains/serversContinued networking with professional organizations such as MPI Georgia, ILEA, ACVB networking events and Central Atlanta Progress to identify new opportunities and increase local participation. Established strong relationships with several clients which help increase repeat business at both location within 3 months.

Devise and implement strategies to generate special event revenues for the venue. Drive special event sales, which make up a minimum of 20% of the total venue revenues. Leverage existing client relationships to identify and successfully promote new revenue generating opportunities. Cultivate and maintain client relationships to address contingencies including rescheduling events.Established new business relationships and promoted special events by successfully prospecting, sourcing, and cold calling. Joined local community and professional organizations to network, foster new relationships, and generate business across the marketplace.Planned, produced, and hosted upward of five networking events per year to increase awareness, identify new opportunities, attract potential clients, and create sales momentum.Collaborated with Community Affairs to manage donation requests and identify event opportunities for the Street Team to participate in hosting.

Manage all facets of retail food operations and catering/special events at Zoo Atlanta, responsible for generating over $3.5 million of revenue. Directly supervise 4 managers, 4 supervisors and staff of over 70 employeesCarry out diverse tasks, such as menu planning, quality control, waste reduction, monthly inventory, budgeting, staff training, as well as hiring and conflict resolution.Oversee cash management, HACCP logs, and compliance with NSF/OSHA audits and local health inspections.Oversee all private events and catering at Zoo Atlanta, including meeting, weddings, banquets and galas. Represent Zoo Atlanta and Sodexo at professional events and business development meetings.

Manage and execute all private events at Zoo Atlanta, generating over $800,000 of revenue. Duties included production, menu and budget development.Review and establish Marketing plan to help increase revenue. Directly supervise all event staff.Oversee all operational tasks associated with events including security, grounds, maintenance, volunteers, and administrative support.Represent Zoo Atlanta and Sodexo at professional events and business development meetings.

Planned and implemented all fundraising, donor cultivation events and member events.Managed deliverables for event sponsorship agreements.Created and maintained template for sponsorship/development proposals for event sponsorships.Coordinated budgets and benefits for sponsors related to overall development benefits packages, keeping sponsorship deliverables fair and equitable.Managed the fundraising events committees for each fundraising event including all communication needs and scheduling.Managed the coordination of volunteers for fundraising and stewardship events.Worked with development team identifying avenues of economic support for programs and projects and examine ways of packaging these programs to philanthropic supporters.Served as liaison with events staff, department managers and directors to coordinate all activities and meetings necessary to implement proper planning and execution of all fundraising events.

Prepared and executed the Events program. Duties included full production, marketing, and budget development for promotional, private, conservation, member, and fundraising events. Established standard operating procedures for all events. Results included increased productivity, reduced expenses, and creation of a team atmosphere inclusive of all departments necessary for successful events. Developed over 20 new promotional events including budgets, timelines, and sponsorship opportunities. Overall attendance increased by 65% on these event dates.Exceeded budget goals by 30% in the last three fiscal years in Venue sales program.Created and implemented the first in-house fundraising event, Feast with the Beast. The first year was a huge success, securing $110,000 in sponsorships and over $ 65,000 in ticket sales.Managed all operational aspects of Zoo Friends of Houston’s annual fundraisers, the Zooball and the Family Picnic, which generated $800,000 and $500,000 respectively, which benefit the Houston Zoo. Coordinated all aspects of all the conferences hosted by the Houston Zoo, including AZA School, ABMA, Regional Aquatic workshop and ZACC (Zoos and Aquariums Committed to Conservation). Including budget creation, securing hotel space, transportation and venues for all social events, volunteer recruitment and scheduling. Responsible for all VIP/Donor events hosted by the development department and the President/CEO’ and Director’s office.

Supervised janitorial/groundskeeper contract accounts. Identified cost effective measures to streamline operation. Managed the Rides and Attractions department. Duties included hiring and training staff consisting of up to 15 individuals and 2 supervisors. Developed departmental revenue/expense budgets and monthly reports. Created and managed an Operations & Guest Services incentive program to improved productivity and enhance the overall guest experience.Coordinated the operational aspects of the Zoo’s annual fundraiser, Beastly Feast, which generated $1 million of unrestricted funds. Implementing an operational timeline helped reduce costs and increase the efficiency of overall event production. Assisted Marketing in development of new events by preparing budgets and operational/logistic plans for all new sponsorships and promotions.Participated in the development of a traffic flow plan for the new Giant Panda exhibit. This plan included off-site parking, timed- ticketing, and queuing of visitors outside and inside the zoo to enhance their experience. Monitored overall customer service and responded to patron concerns. Partnered with the Sr. Vice-President of Operations and Guest Services on various continuous improvement projects aimed to enhance operations