For 12 years, leading Conferences and Events for Edwards Lifesciences' Transcatheter Heart Valve division, I drove strategic initiatives and cultivated high-performing teams, solidifying Edwards' category leadership in lifesaving heart valve therapies. My proven ability to anticipate business needs facilitated successful new product and program launches. I shaped Edwards' industry presence through impactful tradeshows, dynamic sales meetings, and exceptional customer experiences, including headquarters plant tours, influencing thousands of customers and employees. My collaborative approach, fostering strong partnerships with marketing, medical, clinical, and communications teams, consistently delivered significant results and achieved key business objectives.
 

Positions Held:

Director, Conferences, Events and Customer Programs | March 2022 - Present (3 yrs. 1 mo.)

I led a growing team of six direct reports, overseeing a high-volume portfolio of 300+ regional exhibits, Clinical Affairs meetings, and Customer Engagement initiatives. Simultaneously, I directed the strategic planning and execution of Edwards' presence at three major industry tradeshows, engaging over 30,000 attendees. I also led core teams for National and mid-year Sales Meetings and managed budgets exceeding $4 million. My contributions were recognized with two 'Patients First' Marketing Team Awards in 2022.

Sr. Manager, Conferences, Events and Customer Programs | Jul 2018 - Mar 2022 (3 yrs. 9 mos.)

I proactively anticipated the demands of a rapidly growing business and sales force as they successfully launched the 3rd and 4th generation SAPIEN 3 Ultra and SAPIEN 3 Ultra with RESILIA valves. I also effectively supported the expansion of the Mitral and Tricuspid business unit at major conferences, contributing to the successful launch of the PASCAL Precision system. Further, I developed a foundational national program for access and health equity heart screening in underserved populations as a core team member for The Huddle Study and the RAMS Legends partnership. I led a team of five direct reports.

Manger, Convention Management | Mar 2017 - Jul 2018 (1 yr. 4 mos.)

Responding to the increasing demands of the rapidly growing Transcatheter Aortic Valve replacement therapy, I established a dedicated customer engagement position and scaled support for all national and regional conferences and sales training meetings, effectively empowering the expanding sales force.

Sr. Project Manager, Convention Management | Sept 2015 - Mar 2017 (1 yr. 7 mos.)

As the department expanded to support over 300 annual conferences, events, and 45 customer meetings, I played a key role in mentoring and training new team members. I was also a core member of the National Sales Meeting planning team and significantly contributed to the sales launch planning for the next-generation, SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter Aortic Heart Valve.

Project Manager, Convention Managment | Apr 2013 - Sept 2015 (2 yrs. 6 mos.)

I initiated my tenure at Edwards Lifesciences as a sole contributor, building and managing all conference logistics, regional exhibits, customer meetings, sales events, and product launch programs. Over time, I successfully executed over 100 US medical conferences and regional exhibits, two National Sales Meetings, two Sales Training Meetings, and up to 30 customer engagement programs during the SAPIEN XT launch. I also conceptualized and delivered a uniquely branded and highly successful annual employee event for my division.

Crystal Cove Alliance | Director of Special Events & Associate Director of Development | Jul 2010 - Apr 2013 (2 yrs 10 mos.)

I directed all fundraising events and activities for Crystal Cove Alliance, consistently delivering significant results. Notably, I produced the Annual Fundraising Gala, a high-profile event featuring live entertainment, five-star cuisine, and successful live and silent auctions, generating $250,000 in net profits. I also managed the Ambassador Program and cultivated relationships with corporate and private donors, effectively communicating CCA's mission of restoration, education, and conservation at Crystal Cove State Park. My previous independent contract managing the Annual Gala (2005-2009) further demonstrates my long-term commitment and expertise.

Emulex | Marketing Communications Manager | Jul 2007 - Mar 2009 (1 yr. 10 mos.)

Oversaw the full spectrum of corporate events, encompassing industry tradeshows, global partner conferences, and customer and employee appreciation initiatives. I also provided critical sales support through product marketing launches and developed targeted marketing promotions, including collateral materials, advertising campaigns, sweepstakes, and giveaways.

Event Production Network | Owner/Event Producer | Aug 2001 - Dec 2009 (7 yrs 5 mos.)

As an independent event producer, I've collaborated with a diverse portfolio of clients, including:

• Aspen Skiing Company World Cup Alpine Ski Races | 2001 - 2006
• Ocean Institute Fundraising Events | 2003 - 2006
• Crystal Cove Alliance Fundraising Events | 2005, 2006, 2008 & 2009
• Managed budgets ranging from $50,000 - $1 million. 
• Average revenues of $750,000 annually through fundraising. 
• Served audiences from 300 - 5,000.

Early Career | Entertainment, Film & Television Production 

Experience Music Project, Seattle, WA - Sr. Event Services Manager for Live Concerts, Corporate Parties, Radio Promotions, Microsoft Product Launch at innovative Rock & Roll Museum during inaugural year of operations.  

Exit In Red (Feature Film) Los Angeles, CA - Production Coordinator 

Mark Burnett Productions, Santa Monica, CA - Logistics Manager for Eco Challenge Adventure Race:  Eco-Challenge Morocco, ESPN X Games, & Eco-Challenge Utah

Education and Certificates

 B.A. Communications, Pepperdine University

Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM).

Member of Producers Guild of America p.g.a