Sheila R. Smithsheilasm@umflint.edu

PROFESSIONAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Extensive vocational experience in Development, Community Relations, Management, Marketing and Sales. Achieved degree of MBA, Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM), Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP). Highly motivated with strong speaking and written communication skills, seeking opportunity with a forward thinking organization where my talents for relationships and representation in the community/beyond, business development/management, event and marketing management can best be utilized. Striving to achieve goals and acquire professional success and personal growth.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Convention Sales Manager. Flint & Genesee Convention & Visitors Bureau. Flint MI (2012-2015). Marketed Genesee County including facilities and activities as an overnight destination for statewide to international meetings/conferences with up to 800 attendees per event. Initiated use of CVB iPads for presentation, developed original CVB PowerPoint copy for presentation. Secured for the first time in Genesee County bids for MI Society of Government Meeting Professionals 2014 Road Rally and MI Society of Association Executives 2015 Golf Outing.

Senior Multimedia Consultant. Booth Mid-Michigan/MLive/The Flint Journal. Flint, MI (1988 to 2012) . Specialized in government, health care, non-profits and major organizations and associations. Served as print/online/direct mail/preprint expert representing a multitude of major advertising clients. Developed and successfully sold custom Visibilty Solutions Campaigns, including the first 7 million piece insert and packages of $100,000+ . Coordinated with art and production staffs to develop and manage advertising elements aligned with customer’s goals/specifications.

Assistant General Manager. City of Flint Downtown Development Authority-Riverfests. Flint, MI (1987 to 1988). Planned and implemented promotional and advertising strategies for up to 500,000 attendees. Conducted fundraising programs. Negotiated talent bookings and contracts. Coordinated production details. Developed Friends of Riverfests. Supervised staff for production and support services.

Assistant Marketing Director/Video Manager. Water Street Pavilion. Flint, MI (1985 to 1986). Participated in Grand Opening development. Managed schedules and staff for Video Tower, stage and daily live entertainment, production and support services. Organized press conferences. Coordinated community events and programs. Negotiated electronic and print advertising purchases. Liaison with media. Negotiated contracts for talent bookings. Prepared budgets.

Marketing Director and Group Sales Manager. New Vic Supper Theater. Flint, MI (1984 to 1985). Established contacts with organizations, groups and season ticket holders. Planned and implemented marketing campaigns. Coordinated media relations and publicity.

House Manager. Star Theatre-Whiting Auditorium. Flint, MI (1980 to 1984). Supervised up to 35 service personnel. Handled customer service for up to 1,000 people per show.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Development • CFRM. Helped develop and implement the inaugural and subsequent year Be a Tourist county programs. Participated in development and implementation of the all new 2012 Artomotive program within Back to the Bricks cruise and celebration. Member of Special Initiatives team for multimedia sales group. Consistently special section theme and sales coordinator. Leader of innovative ideas to market CVB. Multi-state presentations.

Management • Direct and supervise the establishment of services related to business/institution/individual advertising/promotions, entertainment and events. Skillfully and professionally guided the process with staff and volunteers.

Sales • Devised overall plan to successfully implement campaigns for new and established accounts, while maintaining customer satisfaction and rapport. Initiated and solidified sponsors, donors and participants for various community events and activities.

Media and Public Relations • Established relationships with individual media outlets and personnel for government, non-profit and private organizations. Liaison with media. Coordinated press conferences. Participated in commercial, cable and public television, radio and print interviews. Purchased electronic and print media advertising coverage. Interviewed appropriate contacts for publicity. Created new methods of marketing products.

Marketing • Developed overall marketing and promotional plans for retail/entertainment complex and community-wide special events. Planned and implemented city special events and activities. Devised sales campaigns and prepared promotional materials. Collected statistics and data for market evaluation. Negotiated entertainment contracts.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE, continued

Writing • Prepared press releases and speeches. Editor and author of retail association newsletter. Compiled marketing and entertainment research reports. Developed grant proposals. Co-authored training manuals.

Speaking • Selected as regional winner of a national speaking competition. Coordinated county-wide speaking contest for 3 years. Organized speaking and presentation engagements. Served on United Way Speakers Bureau. Spoke at college level marketing classes and high school graduation classes. Devised program schedule for speakers.

Fundraising • Conducted fundraising efforts aimed at private foundations, corporate sponsors and individual donors. Developed grant proposals. Developed fundraising programs for city events and non-profit organizations.

Volunteer Coordination • Recruited and coordinated volunteers as well as participated in various projects.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Flint Institute of Arts - Founders Society Board • (2009-present), Co-Vice President (2011-Present), Development Committee Chair (2015), Gala Committee (2013), The Party Committee (2012 - present).

University of Michigan-Flint School of Management • (2005-present) • Advisory Board.

International Affairs Center Board of Directors • (2013 - present).

Michigan Society of Association Executives • (2013-2015), ORGPRO 2014 Sponsorship Committee.

Michigan Society of Government Meeting Professionals • (2013-present).

Meetings Michigan/Destination Michigan • (2013-2015).

Communities First, Inc. • Fund Development Committee (2013 to present).

Flint Cares - Benefit Fundraiser Program/Reception for Hurricane Sandy victims • (2012) Event Coordinator/Consultant.

Woodside Church • Roger Sharpe Great Speaker Series Committee, Vice Chair (2012- 2013), Conflict Resolution Committee (2013-2014 ), Nominating Committee (2012), Restructuring Committee (2010-2011).

Sales and Marketing Executives • (1999 to 2006) • Board of Directors (2000 to 2006), Executive Board (2001-2006), President (2005/2006), Endowment Scholarship Coordinator (2006 to present).

City of Flint Telecommunications Advisory Commission • (1995 to 2006), Vice President (1999 to 2006).

Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce Centennial Steering Committee • (2006).

Genesee Valley Indian Association • (1984 to 2006), Board of Directors (1995 to 2006), Vice Chair (2000 to 2006).

Miss Flint/Genesee County Scholarship Program • (1986 to 1997), Public Relations Chair (1989 to 1997).

Flint Sesquicentennial Committee • Promotions/Volunteer Committee (2005).

Flint Area Advertising Federation • (1992 to 1995).

Public Relations Association • (1985 to 1992), Program Chair (1987 to 1989), Flint Image Committee (1987), Secretary (1988).

Business and Professional Women • (1988 to 1991), Speaking Contest Coordinator (1989 to 1991).

United Way of Genesee and Lapeer Counties • Events Committee (1985 to 1987), Speakers Bureau (1988 to 1989).

ACCOLADES

Master of Business Administration, University of Michigan - Flint.

Bachelor of Arts, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo MI.

Certificate in Fundraising Management, CFRM (2015), Indiana University Center on Philanthropy

Certified Government Meeting Professional, CGMP (2015).

BEST Non- Profit Leadership Institute (2013).

Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People (2012).

Sales and Marketing Executives, President’s Award (2006).

Public Relations Association, PRaise Award (1987 and 1988).

Flint Area Advertising Federation, Addy Award (1986 and 1988).

United Way Community Service Award (1989).

Business and Professional Women, Young Careerist (1988).

Outstanding Young Women of America (1985).