Mary E. Gratzer, PMP

Louisville, Kentucky

502-***-**** / adiisv@r.postjobfree.com

CAREER PROFILE

• Strong and effective leader with proven ability to work successfully with business representatives at all levels

• Effective at quickly adapting to and learning various industries with very little supervision and guidance

• Detail-oriented professional with solid background in building relationships Expertise in: program/project management; peer-to-peer coaching and career development; relationship building; business operations; budgeting; vendor negotiations and oversight; board governance and client relations

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Kentucky Distillers’ Association, Frankfort, KY June 2017 – May 2020 Trade association dedicated to protecting, promoting and elevating Kentucky Bourbon and the distilled spirits industry. Director, Kentucky Bourbon AffairTM / Director of Events

• Worked with multiple parties to successfully execute KDA external and internal events

• Developed an engaged committee of KDA distillery members and affiliated organizations to support successful event execution

• Served as Kentucky Bourbon Affair spokesperson to local and national media

• Established and monitored schedule for event development, promotions, execution and closure

• Provided detailed post-event survey results and analysis to partners

• Planned and managed transportation logistics for 45 events over five days

• Negotiated and monitored vendor contracts for KDA and KBA events

• Researched and resolved attendee and partner issues

• Executed KDA and KBA communications including surveys, polls, promotional materials for meetings, events and association announcements

American Advertising Federation-Louisville, Louisville, KY August 2009 – June 2017 Trade association serving advertising and communication professionals in the Louisville area. Executive Director

• Managed day-to-day operations including employee benefits, paid and volunteer personnel, and financial reporting

• Identified and developed strategic partnerships to benefit the organization, including sponsorships, donated media and trade relationships

• Guided 44-person Board of Directors and 10 committees to support organization initiatives

• Developed and managed $250K annual budget

• Oversaw public service projects providing community outreach to local charitable organizations, high schools, and college and universities

• Worked with legal counsel to revise organization’s bylaws, establish a healthcare trust and maintain compliance with state and federal regulations

FSA Group, LLC, Louisville, KY 1999 – 2009

For-profit professional management firm specializing in national trade associations. Executive Vice President-Client Services

• Developed corporate strategic plan and guided marketing and rebranding efforts

• Researched and selected client evaluation tool and directed implementation schedule

• Supervised team of 5 Executive Directors and advised work-flow plans for client teams

• Served on business development team responsible for RFP responses and team presentations Executive Director, Senior Director of Programs

Distinguished Restaurants of North America / Society for Foodservice Management (FSA Clients)

• Designed start-up programs and managed complex annual budgets

• Planned and promoted educational and networking events

• Initiated creation of monthly electronic newsletter that became significant revenue stream from banner ad sales

• Managed board initiatives to establish networking groups for membership recruitment/retention

• Oversaw member advisory groups to develop programming for annual conferences Director of Administration

Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) / Papa John’s International (FSA Clients)

• Managed all advertising for quarterly publication

• Served as Executive Director for FCSI Educational Foundation

• Assisted fundraising efforts and managed scholarship, internship and essay programs

• Coordinated sponsorships for annual membership directory

• Assisted in educational programming development and logistics

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Project Management Professional – Project Management Institute Bachelor of Science in Advertising / Marketing Minor – Graduated Magna cum Laude Murray State University – Murray, KY

SOFTWARE / TECHNICAL COMPETENCY

Proficient in MS Office Suite, G Suite, ConstantContact, StarChapter, Citrix, SquadUP event ticketing, social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn

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