results oriented, STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONALLY FOCUSED
Sales, Marketing, Revenue
A strategic leader with deep experience in securing key partnerships with sponsors, suppliers, broadcast partners and contract negotiations. Demonstrated success in driving revenue growth through innovative program development and a collaborative approach to partnership building.
Served in various marketing and communications roles in college athletics. Joined the Festival as the Vice President of Communications and Marketing before assuming oversight of all operations.
Worked alongside a military support organization to create life skills training for athletes, while securing new sponsorship support to bolster both the organization’s mission and overall event funding.
Developed and launched multiple innovative programs aimed at generating new revenue streams and enhancing community engagement, resulting in stronger brand loyalty and increased financial backing.
Event Management
A proven executive leadership record in large-scale event management, successfully overseen marquee experiences including:
- The 500 Festival Mini‑Marathon and Parade, Indianapolis’s iconic Civic celebration historically drawing over 30,000 participants and hundreds of thousands of spectators and ranking among the most celebrated half‑marathons and parades in the U.S.
- United States Olympic Team qualifying events, youth national championship tournaments, and a high‑profile NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, each involving complex logistics, significant media exposure, and coordination with national sports governing bodies.
In these roles, directed multi‑stakeholder operations, aligned sponsorship activations, and coordinated volunteer teams, multiple host venue logistics, local organizing committees, hotel partners, public safety agencies, and local government entities to ensure seamless and successful execution.
In addition, served as an instructor for the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) Event Management School—part of IFEA’s professional education offerings—delivering instruction in event operations to industry professionals and emerging leaders within the Certified Festival and Event Executive (CFEE) framework
Risk Mitigation, Crisis Preparedness
A proactive and strategic leader in event risk management. Led staff in the development, restructuring, and implementation of emergency activation plans for all organizational event operations. These comprehensive plans were updated annually, incorporating guidance from local public safety officials, ensuring a strong alignment with best practices in crisis preparedness and resulting in safer, more resilient large-scale events.
In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013, while serving as the Interim CEO at the 500 Festival, led a critical partnership with state and local public safety departments to revise security and safety plans for all upcoming Festival events. This initiative included a thorough reassessment of event protocols and a clear communication strategy to update internal and external stakeholders on the new measures.
Technology Implementation & Systems Integration
A results-driven executive with a strong track record of leveraging technology to enhance operational performance. Successfully researched, selected, and implemented enterprise software solutions that improved data accuracy, reduced operational costs, and optimized resource allocation. Led systems integration initiatives that streamlined workflows and improved collaboration across departments.
Key accomplishments include integrating enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to provide real-time visibility into inventory and manufacturing metrics, enabling more accurate forecasting and fulfillment of sales requirements. These strategic implementations strengthened organizational agility and supported scalable, data-informed decision-making.
Accounting and Financial Planning
A seasoned executive skilled in managing complex financial operations across multiple organizations. Led the budgeting process from planning to reconciliation, ensuring proactive oversight and alignment with financial goals. By closely monitoring revenue against expenses, consistently kept operations within budgetary limits while optimizing resource allocation.
Directed accounting staff operations using QuickBooks, including issuing purchase orders, tracking accounts payable, and maintaining financial accuracy. Held the authority of check signer across several organizations, demonstrating trust and accountability in financial stewardship.
Business Adaptability
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, played a leadership role in building a business, successfully navigating the complexities of supply chain dynamics. Led the import business from Europe which represented over $12 million in new business with major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Aldi, and Kroger. Despite the global logistical challenges, business continuity was maintained, expenses were reduced and disruptions were minimized, ensuring smooth operations throughout a period of significant uncertainty.
CAREER TIMELINE AND DETAILED KEY CAPABILITES
DELICIOSA FOOD GROUP, INC.; 2020 - PRESENT
Joined this consumer goods company as Senior Vice President and quickly rose to Chief Operating Officer, overseeing US operations and imports from Europe. Primary roles included sales to national retail chains, managing relationships and operations with suppliers, steamship lines, freight forwarders, cold storage facilities, transportation and logistics companies and the needs of customers.
BAMWX; 2018 - 2020
An Indianapolis-based weather services company specializing in forecasting and risk mitigation. As Managing Director of Sports and Events, led efforts to expand revenue by growing the sports and special events division and developing Emergency Action Plans for contracted clients. Secured new business with state fairs, large-scale festivals, professional sports organizations, universities, and metropolitan school districts nationwide.
USA DIVING; 2015 - 2018
As the Vice President of this USA Olympic organization, primary roles included all business operations. Key areas were sponsorships, marketing and communications, event production, stakeholder relations and community engagement.
SPORT GRAPHICS; 2014-2015
As Vice President of Client Services, primary role was to manage the staff responsible for all business, whether that was day-to-day business or special events and projects. Also assumed role overseeing IT and systems implementation initiatives.
500 FESTIVAL; 2003 - 2014
Joined the organization as Vice President of Communications and Marketing, leading the execution of advertising and communication strategies, developing promotional initiatives with sponsors and partners, and managing the overall brand of the Festival.
Transitioned into the role of Vice President of Operations, expanding responsibilities to executive leadership and staff management. Directed a team producing more than 50 annual events, coordinated with local government agencies including IMPD, the Indiana National Guard, and the Mayor’s Office, and managed a multi-million-dollar budget through detailed forecasting across departments and committees.
Appointed Interim CEO, where responsibilities included overseeing operations while guiding the organization through a leadership transition. Collaborated with the Board of Directors to implement the strategic plan and advanced initiatives of the 500 Festival Foundation.
HORIZON LEAGUE; 1997 - 2003
As Associate Commissioner, led the marketing and communications initiatives and managed television rights contracts. Oversaw sponsorships, marketing, media relations, and served as Tournament Manager for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four and the NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Round tournaments in Indianapolis.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-GREEN BAY; 1988 - 1997
Served multiple roles supporting the university and its NCAA Division I student athletes including men's Assistant Soccer Coach, women's Head Soccer Coach, Sports Information Director and Director of Sports Marketing and Communications. This time built the foundation of servant leadership and the ability to prioritize the needs and success of a team, while creating a supportive and productive environment. Inducted into the University's Hall of Fame.
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ROLES
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Emergency Plan Activation exercise; selected participant
BOARD MEMBER
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
International Festival & Events Association Foundation Board Member;
- Vice Chairman
- Board Secretary
INSTRUCTION
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
EVENT SUPPORT
Event Management School, Event Operations Class Instructor;
International Festival & Events Association (IFEA)
EVENT SUPPORT
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
EVENT SUPPORT
NCAA; National Invitation Tournament site manager; 2008-2025