Serena L. Wright Email & Phone Number

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

As director of special events and programs, I collaboratively worked with the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of the President on strategic development and implementation of signature events and programs. I bring over 25 years of experience to this role, previously serving as events director for General College and as senior alumni relations director for the U’s College of Education and Human Development.My high energy, enthusiasm, love of the University, and for reminding community members always to “Represent!” With this rich conceptual and organizational prowess, I work to strengthen the cohesion, commitment, and inclusiveness of the University's amazing web of human potential. My husband, Professor Emeritus John Wright, who recruited me to the University, remains entranced by what he calls the gift of her “ceremonial imagination.” Serena holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Minnesota.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

-Planned and executed college events -Created and nurtured networks within diverse communities -Researched, analyzed, and assessed opportunities and best practices in college event planning -Oversaw program development -Monitored smooth flow and operations at each event -Forecast, authorized expenditures, and managed the operation budget for events

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

-Coordinated events for alumni and donors-Defined the types of events and set goals and objectives for each-Researched and set budgets for events-Designed promotional materials -Maintained Donor Management System files on alumni and donors, which involved updating, reporting, and tracking database information and preparing and mailing gift acknowledgement letters

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

University of Minnesota Library Archie Givens Sr. Collection, Rare Books Division-Defined goals in planning events -Set events budget-Scheduled and delegated responsibilities to the events committee-Designed invitations-Carried out public relations responsibilities, including contacting and inviting the media, writing press releases, and preparing schedules for distribution -Scheduled arrangements for events, including food and drink, entertainment, and logistics

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

-Carried out public relations responsibilities, including contacting communication directors, marketing directors, and the media -Negotiated contracts-Scheduled bookings and negotiated rates -Arranged for equipment needs -Developed itineraries -Arranged flight schedules and other transportation

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

-Designed and implemented marketing strategies, market research, sales advertising promotion, pricing, product development, and public relation activities -Developed pricing strategies with an eye towards maximizing the firm's market share and profits -Monitored trends that indicated the need for new products-Supervised product development -Worked with sales manager to direct the company's sales program -Managed everyday operations of the company

Greater New York City Area

-Recruited office staff and designed subsequent training and management of team -Coordinated human resource activities -Prepared creative advertisements for President and Vice President -Set up travel, guest services, and entertainment arrangements for international clients -Maintained external customer contacts, acquired new fabrications, and identified fashion trends in complex and dynamic apparel market -Provided design layouts for new fabrics-Acquired equipment and office supplies