• Oversaw operational elements of largest annual fundraising event for the organization, which raises funds for programs for more than 7,500 of Chicago’s Special Olympics Athletes. Event generated more than $1.8 million in revenue and more than 4,000 registered plungers.• Worked with Special Olympics Chicago Staff to assess event’s strengths and weaknesses, reviewing and revising prior years’ plans and budgets. Cut expenses by 17% over prior year. • Coordinated, managed and negotiated pricing for services provided by outside vendors, including event infrastructure, marketing, and equipment needs.• Coordinated city services with Chicago Park District, Chicago Police and Fire Departments and Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

• Connected with approximately 600 organizations in Chicago and Illinois to secure supporters and spectators for the Unified Cup Finals at Toyota Park and Global Day of Inclusion Festival at Soldier Field.• Provided necessary collateral to organizations so that they could easily promote the event via social media, emails or distribution of materials.• Tracked commitments of participant numbers on a weekly basis.

• Effectively utilized events to maximize philanthropic support for the institution.• Developed event specific, comprehensive strategies to engage, cultivate, and solicit major and principal gifts in partnership with corporate foundation and relations, regional gift officers and school based officers.• Worked collaboratively with University schools and departments to effectively produce university-wide events.• Leads strategy sessions for the development of event programming for all advancement division supported events.• Negotiates contracts with vendors; creates budgets and monitors expenses.• Manages Special Events team.• Oversees and manages event project timelines and processes. Monitors and prepares ongoing event progress reports. • Evaluates event results and prepares recommendations for future events as needed.

• Managed the largest free-admission food and music festival in the nation which generates $7 million in annual revenue, attracts an estimated 1.4 million patrons, and has a direct economic impact of $106 million.• Oversaw all aspects of event including more than 50 food vendors that generate more than $2 million in sales, a $900,000 beverage operation, seven onsite ticket selling outlets and four entertainment areas.• Led City of Chicago staff and private contractors including restaurant and beverage management, site construction and operations, stage production, sponsorship and marketing teams.• In 2012, redesigned the iconic event to attract new audience and reduce costs. Five year event accomplishments include:o Cut expenses by 37%.o Increased revenue by 20%.o Improved event’s financial situation from a $1million loss in 2012 to a break-even position. o Recruited more than 50 new food vendors. o Developed and implemented new revenue streams, including the addition of paid seating for the main stage concerts and celebrity chef dinners which generate $400,000 annually.

History of working on diverse portfolio of high profile projects, including:• Coordinated City’s annual Christmas Tree contest and Santa House. (2012-Present)• Coordinated hospitality needs for Chicago Jazz Festival.(2014-Present)• Liaison for Chinese New Year Celebration. (2013-Present)• Coordinated culinary-themed panel discussions for LakeFX Summit & Expo, a DCASE produced conference for people in creative industries. (2015-2016)• Coordinated Food Truck Rallies on Daley Plaza and initiated program to include them in City events. (2014-2015)• Coordinated Mayoral receptions promoting Taste of Chicago in Washington, DC and Springfield, IL (1998-2010)• Coordinated operations for Chicago’s Millennium Dinner at McCormick Place Lakeside Center which consisted of a dinner for 1000 with two people coming to Chicago from every country in the world as well as an elaborate art installation by international glass artist Dale Chihuly throughout the venue. (1999)• Coordinated mini Taste of Chicago receptions for hundreds of guests including at the media lounge of the 1996 Democratic National Convention at the United Center, at the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Reception, and at a reception for the US Travel Association’s POW WOW International Marketplace. (both at Navy Pier in 1998)• Assisted with the preparation of Chicago’s Bid to host the 1994 World Cup Soccer Games Final Draw and Opening Ceremony at Soldier Field. (1990-1993)• Assisted with Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, White Sox and Cubs Victory Celebrations.• Assisted with Mayoral events and receptions including those honoring special guests and heads of state, such as President Bill Clinton, President of Poland Lech Walesa and President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao.

• Oversaw administrative functions of Mayor’s Office of Special Events (prior to merge with Department of Cultural Affairs); worked with Executive Director to develop and implement policies and initiatives for 60 person department.• Supervised human resources functions including supervision of timekeeping and payroll, and consultation with City’s Departments of Human Resources, Law and Compliance; interviewed applicants for employment; suggested and facilitated salary increases, new hires and terminations. • Created department’s monthly performance measurement reports for Mayor’s Office providing an overview of the department’s monthly accomplishments; compiled information for and edited department’s annual report.• Created budgets and expense reports for major events including Chicago Blues, Gospel and Jazz Festivals as well as Taste of Chicago and the Chicago Air and Water Show.• Oversaw grant writing and administration for department which resulted in the generation of more than $1.32 million in grants from 2005-2010.• Served as Ethics Department and Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison; made any necessary changes to department’s annual ordinance and drafted new ordinance requests; worked with Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to shepherd requests through the Special Events Committee and City Council.

• Managed the Air and Water Show, the largest event of its kind in the nation, which attracted an estimated 1.9 million people to Chicago’s lakefront.• Transitioned event’s first year from being produced by the Chicago Park District to the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.• Coordinated event programming, site plan, production and personnel; completed paperwork for U.S. military flight teams.• Developed new budget and operational plans; decreased event expenses by 50% over previous year.

• Supervised staff of 12 full and part time employees. • Oversaw fiscal management of $1.2 million grant-allocated budget; prepared financial grant-required reports and requests; met with auditors and grant administrators to ensure compliance. • Updated accounting and reporting system from hand written ledgers to computerized process. • Oversaw the implementation of new telephone hotline and brochure fulfillment systems; oversaw training of staff and messaging

• Managed event operations for staging, security, maintenance and city services for major lakefront events including the Chicago Blues Festival, Jazz Festival and Taste of Chicago.• Created and maintained budgets for each event.• Oversaw full-time and seasonal production staffs; was responsible for hiring production coordinators, stage managers and production crews• Negotiated rates and successfully maintained relationship with local Stagehands union.• Coordinated fireworks displays for City’s 3rd of July and Venetian Night events.

• Coordinated performer contracts and payments.• Coordinated event services with city agencies and private contractors.• Worked with US Department of Immigration to obtain temporary work visas for foreign performers.