KAREN D. CAVER
*** *********** **. #*** ***********, OH. 43085
614-***-**** ***********@*****.***
Senior Executive, proven producer of profitability with knowledge to pinpoint business opportunities. Experience in hospitality sales and marketing, business development and personnel management in highly competitive segments of the hospitality industry. Ability to develop, and execute effective business strategies under challenging market conditions. A high-energy leader with distinctive people skills; leads by example demonstrating self-confidence, energy and enthusiasm. Managing Sales Activities
Evaluated Hotel Performance Statistics, Property Reports, STAR Reports, Hotelligence Reports and other resources to maintain an awareness of the hotel's market position; ensured sales team understood and utilized reports
Researched competitors sales team strategies to identify ways to grow RevPAR and increase market share.
Reviewed competitive hotel revenue reports, including flash reports, pace reports to evaluate progress and change strategy and tactics as needed
Served as the property sales liaison with Brand Sales and Catering contacts, Revenue Management, Marketing, and all Community Organizations that would benefit from our hospitality services to increase market share.
Monitored the effective resolution of guest issues that arise as a result of the sales process. Worked in partnership with General Manager as necessary to deliver an excellent experience for all guests.
Maintained successful performance by increasing revenues, controlling expenses and providing a return on investment for the Ownership Group and Stakeholders. Leadership
Functioned as Senior Sales Executive to create synergy between the hotels which fostered increased revenue and maximized the advantages of selling multiple products
Coached leaders of revenue generating departments in developing effective revenue strategies and setting aggressive goals that will drive the property's financial performance
Set goals and expectations for direct reports, aligned performance and rewards, addressed performance issues and held staff accountable for successful results
Championed leadership development and workforce planning priorities by assessing, selecting, retaining and developing diverse, high-caliber talent that can lead the organization today and strengthen the leadership for the future
Focused on daily leadership objectives to achieve property sales goals to achieve booking goals and property revenues
Worked with Marketing and Revenue Management, evaluated the property's participation and production in the various sales channels and developed strong working relationships to proactively position and market the hotel
Performed various other MOD duties, as assigned by GM to meet business needs
Diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer (09/2015-12/20) Ikea/Columbus
Assistant Manager Bedding Department (01/28/20-Current)
Managed the department sales team to ensure customers are being assisted in a timely manner
Assisted in employee recruiting, training and development
Facilitated troubleshooting customer service issues when necessary
Collaborated in employee recruiting, training and development American Express Global Business Travel/Meetings & Events Global Account Executive (10/2014-09/2015)
Served as primary sourcing and support client s with sales & catering management programs
Coordinated efforts to consult with Client and Program Manager during research of venues ensuring client requirements are met in meeting/event specifications
Consulted with decision makers and makes appropriate suggestions to ensure meeting success.
Proactively added value through consultation to the client regarding best practices and additional ways to make event successful by Consulting with decision makers to make appropriate suggestions to ensure meeting success
Marriott International, Northern Mid-America
Senior Sales Executive (02/2010~09/2014)
Responsible for leadership of new business development for Southern Ohio, Indiana and Northern Kentucky
Worked with a diverse sales team of General Managers, Directors of Sales and Catering Staff reinforcing sales cultures that embraced a proactive approach to uncovering new business; added 217 Group Accounts 2011-2012 Mentored sales teams to create effective marketing packages and seasonal demand generator offerings
Managed sales efforts and sales training for 14 hotels; 1 resort, 1 Conference Center, 3 Full service and 9 Focus Service hotels; implemented 30-60-90 day strategic sales plan for hotels
Created Marketing Plans relative to Revenue Management Statistics. Monitored action plan objectives relative to hotel defined strategy in order to meet financial objectives. Ensured sales strategies were aligned with the needs of the hotel and demand trends in the market Courtyard by Marriott
Director of Sales and Marketing, Silverspring, MD. (09/2006~01/2010)
Supervisory responsibilities included recruiting, training, and developing staff; assigning and monitoring work performance; provided guidance and direction; ensuring sales and catering staff maintained healthy and safe work environment
Proactively identified strategic government partnerships with Walter Reed Army Medical Center, DOD, FDA, Veterans Administration
Bridged the communication gap between the United States Army and “Families of the Wounded Warriors Program” by developing innovative IT service and support solutions which increased quarterly sales 103%
Played a key role in the executive leadership of the company exceeding the budget of $13.6 million and growing revenues by 112% over prior yr. while maintaining 2.0% turnover in sales/marketing department Residence Inn by Marriott
Director of Sales Gaithersburg, Maryland (08/2005~09/2006)
Determined annual goals and gross profit plans by implementing marketing strategies and analyzing trends
Established sales objectives by forecasting and developing annual sales quotas for Sales Managers; projecting expected sales volume and profit for existing and new accounts
Drove year over year sales growth in each sales segment; ADR up 127% over LY
Developed and maintained sound employee relations at all levels for training, counseling and monitoring Residence Inn by Marriott/Columbus Easton & Columbus Southeast Director of Sales Columbus, Ohio (01/2001~08/2005)
Directed the efforts of sales and catering staff
Provided leadership and strategic direction to ensure growth to meet monthly budgeted targets
Responsible for hiring and training of direct reports and front desk staff
Maintained sales volume, product mix, and selling price by keeping current with supply and demand, changing trends, economic indicators, and competitors Education
Ohio Dominican College~2012-2018
Graduation BS Communications/Cross-Disciplinary Studies Corporate Affiliations
Member of Various Chambers Of Commerce in Ohio & Northern KY. Member James Ambassadors Society/The James The Oho State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Affiliate Member of American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA)