Vista, CA
DIANE “DJ” WEED *****.****@*****.***
www.linkedin.com/in/djweed
I’m an experienced leader, professional communications expert and event manager with the attention-to-detail
and hard-work ethic of a military officer and the business acumen of an MBA and consultant.
Highly skilled at public speaking, managing teams, multi-tasking, problem-solving and strategic thinking.
My personal values are: Integrity, Service, Excellence and Fun
Professional Experience Event Management Competencies
Consulting Research & Contracts
Technology
2 Years
Budgeting
4 Years
Food & Beverage
Registration & Technology
Onsite Execution
Non-Profit Measurement & Metrics
PR/Marketing 6 Years
11 Years
JOB HISTORY
1. Corporate RX 02/2012 – Present
Consulting/Technology
Independent Consultant Vista, CA
Consults with non-profit and for-profit organizations on business process improvement, business
strategy, corporate image development, event and fundraiser execution, brand enhancement, customer
service improvement, and strategic vision development to enhance efficiency, increase revenue,
improve market position while reducing expenses.
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2. 4 Combat Camera Squadron, USAF Reserve 02/2011 – 12/2011
PR/Marketing
Public Affairs Officer March ARB, CA
Led transition of combat camera career field into the Air Force public affairs career field. Built training
materials, communication plans, recruitment materials and unit Webpage.
3. Society for Modeling & Simulation Int’l 02/2008 – 06/2011
Non-Profit/Technology
Executive Director/COO Vista, CA
Turned around failing non-profit: redefined business strategy, oversaw budgeting, overhauled
membership programs, enhanced customer service, managed recruit ing, led marketing/PR, orchestrated
4-6 conferences/year, implemented process improvements in all core functions, and repositioned
society for success in less than 3 years while doubling total assets, increasing reserves, eliminating debt.
4. Spangdahlem AB – USAF 06/2006 – 09-2007
PR/Marketing
Chief of Public Affairs Spangdahlem, Germany
Directed creative and innovative public relations, marketing and communications. Managed 8 direct
reports, 30+ cross-functional team, $50K budget/equipment, Website, media relations, strategic
planning, community outreach and crisis communication.
5. AAFES HQ – USAF 07/2003 – 06/2006
PR/Marketing
Deputy Director of Corporate Communications Dallas, TX
Managed customer service, internal communications, media and customer outreach, government
relations and PR/marketing activities for an $8-10 billion retailer. Developed more than 30 TV/radio
commercials, the organization’s first-ever strategic communications plan and event marketing plan.
6. McGuire AFB – USAF 07/2000 – 07/2003
PR/Marketing
Chief of Public Affairs McGuire AFB, NJ
Most-junior director of public affairs in base history. Led all internal and external communication
activities, projects and strategy. Managed events, budget and teams. Spokesperson for $11 million
plutonium clean-up project, post 9/11 terrorist attack activities, media outlets like CNN & MSNBC.
EVENT PLANNING EXPERIENCE
Research & Contracts
Researched domestic and international venues for up to week-long conferences for between 200-600 people
Worked with hotels, corporate facilities, and convention centers and their vendors throughout proposal processes
Oversaw contract negotiations for full-service events: room blocks, F&B, audio-visual, business and social services
Budgeting
Managed organizational budgets of up to $750,000 and multiple conference budgets of up to $250,000/event
Saved more than $80,000 on a single international event through successful, complex and contentious negotiation
Built conference expense and revenue calculators to easily project, track and measure event budgets and expenses
Food & Beverage
Managed food & beverage orders, BEO reviews, number confirmations and changes, and onsite food delivery
Worked closely with venue staff/vendors to ensure minimums were met and changes were properly accounted for
Managed F&B requirements for all major meals (plated & buffet-style), coffee breaks and for evening receptions
Registration & Technology
Contracted for and configured a sophisticated online CRM registration system (SAAS) with Website single sign-on
Integrated registration, e-commerce, member database and Website services for exceptional customer experience
Managed event registration, fee payment, refunds, name badges, conference materials, give-aways and exhibitors
Onsite Execution
Managed military balls, air shows, promotion ceremonies, awards banquets, base tours, board of directors’
meetings, media events, holiday parties, open houses, town hall meetings, seminars, fundraisers and conferences
Led on-site conference registration for up to 600 attendees: ensured customer service and problem resolution
Oversaw room set-up, audio-visual support, exhibit halls & exhibitors, decorations and special activity requests
Measurement & Metrics
Created event calculators, budget vs actuals, goals vs ROIs, and polls/surveys to track and measure event success
Generated regular progress and after-action reports for senior leadership on progress and success of each event
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
EDUCATION: PERFORMANCE:
- Top of class – Master’s Program - Air Force Officer of the Quarter four times
- Beta Gamma Sigma (top 20%) – Master’s Program - Air Force Officer of the Year once
- Distinguished Graduate/Top Third – AF Squadron Officer - 4 Military Commendation Medals for excellence and
School service
- Peer Award “Outstanding Contributor” – AF SOS - Air Force Achievement Medal for excellence and service
- 1 of 20 selected from >600+ for AF LEADS Program - Best Unit Website – California State PTA
EDUCATION
M.S. in Global Leadership (MSGL) & Project Management Certificate, May 2015 (projected)
University of San Diego School of Business Administration, San Diego, CA
M.S. in Executive Leadership (MSEL), May 2013 Graduated with Honors: Beta Gamma Sigma (top 20%)
University of San Diego School of Business Administration, San Diego, CA
B.S. Communication Concentration in Public Relations, Minor in Psychology, May 2000
Boston University College of Communication, Boston, MA
Defense Information School’s Public Affairs Officer Course, November 2000
A six-week, in-depth PR, communication, journalism, photography, media relations, interviewing, and writing program
Leadership Education and Development Seminar, March 2001
A two-week leadership and communication seminar – one of only 20 junior officers selected from >600 applicants
Squadron Officers School, March 2005 Graduated with Honors: “Distinguished Grad uate” & “Outstanding Contributor”
A six-week, leadership, team building, communication and professional skills development course at Maxwell AF Base, GA.
Diane “DJ” Weed – Pg. 2
Vista, CA
DIANE “DJ” WEED *****.****@*****.***
www.linkedin.com/in/djweed
Here is a list of some of my specific skills and abilities. Additional detail is available upon request.
ABILITY LEVEL
SKILL DETAILS
(1=Beginner, 5=Expert)
Financial Management Budgeting, P&L, AP/AR, Audit, Investing, IRAs, Bank Liaison, Reporting, 4
Tax Review, Projections, Budget vs. Actuals
Business Strategy Long- and Short-Term Planning, Business Plans, Marketing Plans, 4
Strategic Communication Plans, Leadership Retreats, Contracts &
Negotiation, Goal Setting, Lean/Six Sigma, Proposals
Customer Service Helpdesk, Call Center, Customer Relations, Returns, Complaint 4
Resolution, Problem-Solving, Customer Experience Design
Event Management Contract Negotiation, Venue Selection, Budgeting, Food & Beverage, 5
Room Blocks, BEOs, Audio-Visual Equipment, Floor Plan Development,
Room Blocks, Speakers, Entertainment, Unions, Tours, Staging,
Parking, Risk Management, Volunteers & Staffing
Communication Internal Information, Community Relations, Media Relations, 5
Government Relations, Membership Management, Board
Management, Cross-Functional Communication, B2C, B2B,
Spokesperson, Speech-Writing, Crisis Communication
Governance Non-Profit Governance Models, Board Structure, Board 4
Requirements, Compensation Packages, Documentation, Fiduciary
Responsibility, Leadership, Succession Planning, Performance Review
Marketing Brand Development, Social Media, Promotional Materials, Sales 4
Funnel, Market Segmentation, Statistical Analysis, Research, Focus
Groups, Surveys & Polls, Metrics, ROI, Marketing Plans, KPIs
Policy Development HR Documents, Corporate Policies, Board Policies, Job Descriptions, 5
Committee Charters, Templates, Forms, Calculators/Spreadsheets
Project Management Gantt Charts, Task Lists, Prioritization, Task Dependencies, Reporting, 4
Notifications/Alerts, Metrics & Measurement, Efficiencies, KPIs
Human Resources Payroll (ADP), Hiring, Resume Review, Job Description Development, 3
Performance Evaluations, Staff Meetings, P&P, Employee Handbook
Development & Maintenance, Benefits, Conflict Management
Interpersonal Relations Teambuilding, Negotiation, Persuasion, Situational Leadership, 5
Personality Profiling (MBTI, DISC, EQ), Training, Coaching, Leading,
Following, Customer Service, Conflict Management
Computer Software & Adobe: Acrobat Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver 4
Programs Microsoft: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio, Project, Publisher
Other: Quickbooks, iOS, Android, Basic HTML, WordPress, Drupal,
CRM, CMS, PayPal, ADP Payroll System, Citrix, Go To Meeting, Webex,
Active Directory
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Diane “DJ” Weed
Diane “DJ” Weed – Pg. 3