Program Manager Senior

DEB ARBO

Olathe, ***** KS 913-***-**** ***.*.****@*****.***

Summary

Results-driven Senior Program Manager with 15+ years of experience overseeing large-scale programs, budgets, and cross-functional teams for Fortune 100/500 clients. Skilled in program development, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and process improvement, with a proven ability to align strategies with organizational goals and deliver measurable outcomes. Recognized for strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving in driving operational excellence. Skills

• Problem-Solving

• Strategic Leadership

• Communication & Presentation

• Team Collaboration & Mentorship

• Adaptability & Change Management

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation

• Program Development & Execution

• Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Data Analysis & Performance Reporting

• Budget Management & Cost Optimization

Experience

PUA 06/2025 to Current

University Health Kansas City MO

• Assisted with direct patient care by conducting vital signs testing, including manual blood pressure, blood draws, blood glucose checks, and CPR support.

• Supported the admission and discharge process, preparing patient rooms and ensuring a smooth transition for incoming and outgoing patients.

• Responded to and addressed immediate patient needs, providing comfort, communication, and assistance to improve the hospital stay experience.

• Collaborated with nursing staff and healthcare teams to deliver safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.

• Maintained accurate documentation of vital signs, patient status, and care activities in accordance with hospital protocols.

• Educated and supported patients' families on care routines and hospital procedures, fostering trust and clarity during treatment.

• Contributed to a safe healthcare environment by adhering to infection control, hygiene, and safety standards.

Independent Meeting & Event Strategist 06/1999 to Current Olathe KS

• Planned and executed high-impact corporate meetings, incentive programs, and customer engagement events for Fortune 100/500 clients, including Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and Salesforce.

• Developed and managed multi-million-dollar budgets, applying cost-control measures that optimized spend while maintaining event quality.

• Negotiated vendor contracts and sponsorships, achieving favorable terms and maximizing ROI for clients.

• Directed end-to-end event logistics including venue sourcing, registration, transportation, and on-site management for both domestic and international events.

• Designed and implemented trade show strategies and executive meeting programs, enhancing brand visibility and lead generation.

• Provided strategic consultation on corporate branding initiatives, hospitality programs, and sponsorship activations, aligning events with business growth objectives.

• Leveraged event technologies (Cvent, Jiffle, Eventbrite, Salesforce) to streamline planning, improve reporting, and enhance attendee engagement.

Senior Event Strategist 04/2007 to 08/2010

The Wellington Group Overland Park KS

• Spearheaded the planning and execution of executive retreats, incentive programs, and customer engagement events for clients including Lexus, Ford, Toyota, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

• Directed cross-functional teams in delivering large-scale events with budgets ranging from $300K to

$3M, ensuring flawless execution and measurable results.

• Negotiated vendor contracts and managed supplier relationships, securing cost-effective solutions while maintaining premium event quality.

• Developed process workflows, training manuals, and operational policies, standardizing event management practices and improving efficiency.

• Led VIP international events including golf tournaments at premier destinations such as Pebble Beach and Whistling Straits, enhancing client engagement and brand prestige.

• Mentored and trained project managers, interns, and coordinators, fostering a high-performance team culture within the organization.

• Provided clients with strategic event insights, aligning program design with corporate objectives to increase ROI and strengthen client relationships.

Senior Event Strategist 01/2004 to 04/2007

Bishop McCann Kansas City MO

• Directed end-to-end planning for executive retreats, incentive programs, and large-scale corporate events for clients including Aventis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech, Hallmark, and Dr. Pepper.

• Managed event budgets between $300K and $3M, implementing cost-control strategies that optimized financial outcomes without sacrificing quality.

• Oversaw cross-functional event teams, ensuring seamless coordination of logistics, communications, and stakeholder engagement.

• Developed and enforced standardized processes and training programs, improving efficiency and consistency in event execution.

• Delivered international VIP experiences, including golf tournaments and high-profile client activations at premier destinations.

• Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable pricing and service agreements, increasing ROI for clients.

• Partnered with executives to align event objectives with corporate branding and customer engagement strategies, driving measurable business impact.

Event & Travel Manager 02/1997 to 08/1999

Viron Energy Services Kansas City MO

• Managed corporate travel and meeting logistics, ensuring cost efficiency and compliance with executive approval processes.

• Designed and executed trade show strategies, optimizing booth presence, branding, and lead generation to strengthen market visibility.

• Coordinated executive-level meetings and training programs, aligning logistics with corporate priorities and business objectives.

• Developed and enforced policies for travel, reporting, and program management, improving accountability and operational efficiency.

• Oversaw vendor selection and negotiations, achieving cost savings and high-quality service delivery.

• Streamlined communication between executives, staff, and external partners, enhancing alignment across travel and event initiatives.

• Delivered consistent, high-quality support for domestic and international travel programs, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.

Education

B.S.: Marketing & Business Management, Accounting

Park University Parkville, MO

Certifications

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), MPI, Certified & Renewed Since 2000 Key Achievements

• Led Sprint's motorsports sponsorship with Richard Petty Driving Experience, driving a 63% revenue increase for existing customers and generating $1.4M in additional revenue.

• Managed global events for Fortune 100/500 companies, ensuring flawless execution and measurable business impact.

• Orchestrated customer engagement experiences at major sporting events, including the Super Bowl,

#HRJ#47bbfc09-6512-48a2-a21a-2751cb834a27# PGA, NASCAR, NFL, U.S. Open, and the Olympics.

Contact this candidate