Sales Service

Cynthia A. Grissom

***** ****** ****** . ***********, ********* 55437 . 952-***-**** .

abhr9c@r.postjobfree.com

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Dynamic and versatile professional with a solid reputation as a

highly respected leader in the meetings and events and hospitality

industries and a track record of successful and progressively

responsible performance, with exceptional credentials in areas

including:

Account Management Event/Travel Marketing Product

Development P&L Management

Client Services Partnerships Program Management Strategic

Sourcing

CAREER EXPERIENCE

The LUSSO Collection, Minneapolis, MN, 2008 - 2009

The LUSSO Collection is a leading boutique luxury destination club

offering its members unlimited access to a collection of stunning

homes in the world's most desirable destinations with an

unparalleled range of services and amenities

Director of Concierge Services

. Directed concierge activities in global and domestic markets

providing discerning club members a consistent and unparalleled

vacation experience.

. Led a multi-cultural and virtual staff engaged in concierge and

property management services for a portfolio of luxury homes in

the world's most desirable destinations.

. Created a high performance culture through an effective and

versatile leadership style resulting in highly engaged and

empowered brand champions and the highest ever employee

satisfaction ratings.

. Established and implemented a vision for best-in-class service

model in the destination club industry by developing service

delivery training programs and curriculum resulting in

member loyalty and retention.

. Sourced and negotiated contracts with global service providers.

. Managed global partnerships/sponsorships in the high-end luxury

category and lifestyle sectors providing members a range of

value-add amenities and benefits.

. Collaborated with Marketing to create compelling destination

communications for the LUSSO website and collateral materials

for the members.

. Planned and executed the annual Concierge Summit engaging all

company staff and an agenda encompassing training, team

building activities, renowned subject matter speaker and gala

events.

Chief Executives Organization, Bethesda, MD, 2006 - 2007

Chief Executives Organization (CEO) represents and connects 2,000

global leaders who value deep caring friendships through forum-

quality, intimate, powerful experiences and relevant enriching

programs

Director of Events

. Developed a portfolio of world class, life-enriching

experiences to premier destinations connecting global leaders.

. Liaised with Executive Committee setting strategic direction

for events incorporating member feedback and current world

affairs.

. Managed a multi-cultural staff responsible for the execution of

relevant enriching global programs.

. Directed all event aspects from product development through

marketing and trip delivery to post-trip analysis and P&L

management.

. Collaborated with Education Committee in securing some of the

foremost thought leaders, including world dignitaries, a broad

array of academics, journalists and executives.

. Cultivated alliances with vendor partners worldwide resulting

in standardized contracts and multi-year savings.

. Created engaging event communications for CEO's website,

publications and collateral materials resulting in increased

event participation.

CAREER EXPERIENCE - continued

Carlson Marketing, Minneapolis, MN, 1988 - 2004

Carlson Marketing, the world's leading relationship building company

provides Fortune 1000 clients with cool new marketing concepts,

coupled with rock solid delivery across two global service offerings

- brand loyalty and engagement & events

Director of Industry Relations (2001-04)

. Liaised with travel suppliers worldwide to maximize business

efficiencies through the development of strategic alliances and

standardized contracts.

. Implemented and executed a Supplier Relationship Management

program and formal due diligence process resulting in

successful collaboration with global vendor partners.

. Directed a Supplier Diversity Program within the events

division, in support of the corporate initiative undertaken to

identify, contact and qualify minority/woman-owned businesses

as prospective partners.

. Traveled extensively conducting R&D to develop unique and

creative program content and negotiate vendor pricing

optimizing event savings.

. Negotiated and resolved escalated vendor challenges as final

point of contact.

. Consulted on procurement and consolidation strategies for

Fortune 100 clients resulting in year over year savings and

compliance.

. Collaborated with strategic leaders on industry best practices

at vendor advisory boards and councils.

. Acted as ambassador for Carlson at major national and

international conferences serving as a subject matter expert on

industry-related topics.

. Initiated and targeted familiarization trip opportunities to

increase knowledge of product and service offering.

. Served on Editorial Board for quarterly client newsletter.

Director of Sales & Operations (1989-01)

. Accomplished leader of global incentives, meetings, trade shows

and special events for Fortune 100 corporations, representing

$100 MM in annual revenue.

. Hired, inspired and mentored a staff of 30 responsible for

business development and management of over 500 events

annually.

. Executed service level agreements to ensure realization of

client business goals and organizational profitability.

Delivered client scorecard metrics reporting to senior

stakeholders.

. Managed contractual terms for clients and vendors to meet

division goals and deliver cost savings in support of client

meeting policy guidelines.

. Recommended pricing/sourcing strategies and service models for

division.

. Developed and measured best practice sales to delivery

processes resulting in cost savings and increased quality

through consistency and efficiency in operation.

. Created marketing materials incorporating brand standards,

graphic design and messaging.

. Held P&L responsibility, including forecasting sales and

managing annual cost center budget.

Manager of Sales & Operations (1988-89)

CAREER EXPERIENCE - continued

Selected achievements & special projects:

. Engaged in challenging negotiations with service suppliers

during LUSSO's Chapter 11 bankruptcy and managed each of them

to successful conclusion and retained all virtual and multi-

cultural staff until liquidation of the company.

. Developed a portfolio of experiential travel programs to

extraordinary destinations such as the Amazon, Antarctica,

Arctic Circle, Egypt, Israel, Moscow, Paris, Petra, Tanzania

and Zanzibar.

. Frequently interviewed by the media "as subject matter expert"

on travel and meeting industry topics and issues, including

quotes in a New York Times article by Joe Sharkey (September

10, 2003), "Hotels are Tilting toward Luxury to Lure Convention

Business."

. Owned the development and execution of Carlson Companies' 60th

Anniversary, the largest meeting in the company's history,

assembling 5,000 representatives/guests of Carlson brands

worldwide, and a list of dignitary speakers that included

former President George H. W. Bush and presidents and CEOs of

major corporations.

. Provided counsel on viability and development of on-boarding

strategies for two major

acquisitions and successfully integrated employees and

processes ensuring exemplary service to clients.

. Liaison for Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman and CEO of Carlson

Companies.

. Escort to Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden during her 2002

visit to Minneapolis. Liaised with Secret Service, The State

Department, Swedish Palace and local law enforcement. Managed

complex coordination and advised on protocol issues.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Montana State University @ Billings

Bachelors of Arts Degree

Major in German and Minors in Spanish and Business Administration

with an emphasis in International Business

University of Salamanca/Salamanca, Spain

Spanish Studies

Alpenquai Kantonsschule/Lucerne, Switzerland

Study Abroad

Professional Affiliations

MENTTIUM 100 (Executive Women's Mentor Program)

SITE

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