Erica Whatley
Englewood
Summary
Dynamic event management professional with extensive experience at Rocky Vista University, excelling in budget management and vendor relations. Proven track record in orchestrating high-profile ceremonies and conferences, while demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail. Adept at fostering relationships and leading teams to deliver impactful events.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Special Events and External Relations
Rocky Vista University
Denver
01.2015 - Current
- Provides leadership with professional expertise in the planning and implementation of events and functions on behalf of all RVU programs.
- Manages the planning, organization, preparation, and execution of all university-wide events for both the Colorado and Utah campuses.
- Oversees the commencement ceremonies and related activities for the School of Medicine, Physician’s Assistant Program, DNAP, and MSBS programs.
- Oversees orientation and white coat ceremonies for all programs on both campuses.
- Plans and facilitates annual conference activities and alumni receptions.
- Recruit and confirm speakers, and VIP guests for all events.
- Recruit, train, and supervise all event volunteers.
- Manages event logistics, including onsite setup, breakdown, collateral/marketing, timelines, outlines, scripts, slides, and volunteer management.
- Negotiates, reviews, and administers contracts with vendors.
- Creates and maintains budgets and expenses for all events.
- Works directly and effectively with vendors and internal offices, including AV, caterers, suppliers, photographers, security, parking, and custodial services.
Student Affairs Event Coordinator
Rocky Vista University
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Supervised the commencement ceremony, awards dinner, graduation picnic, and other related activities
- Managed and coordinated orientation week, service day, and the White Coat Ceremony
- Maintained the master room calendar for on campus events
- Served as the President of the Event Planning Committee
- Built relationships between student affairs and external constituencies
- Scheduled meetings and events for SGA and organizations
- Provided budgetary support of expenses related to events
- Developed and implemented various programs for students
- Coordinated student clubs and fundraising activities
- Trained and supervised RVU’s Administrative Assistants
- Placed all catering orders for the University
Executive Assistant
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Scheduled meetings for the Dean, directors of counseling services, and educational support.
- Created forms and student affairs-related documents.
- Performed clerical duties and travel arrangements.
- Acted as recording secretary at meetings.
- Properly maintained student files.
Executive Assistant to the VP of External Relations
Kaiser Permanente
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Managed complex calendars for the VP and others in leadership positions.
- Prepared PPT presentations and trained new employees
- Coordinated travel arrangements for the VP, and CEO.
- Maintained expense forms and payroll for employees.
- Scheduled conference rooms, and ordered supplies.
- Acted as recording secretary at meetings.
- Ordered promotional items.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality, Tourism, and Events, Event Management Concentration
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO01.2017
Skills
- MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint
- Survey Monkey
- Adobe
- Canva and InDesign
- Extremely Detail Oriented, Resourceful and Meticulous
- Solution Oriented
- Problem Solving
- Budget Management
- Vendor Relations and Contract Negotiation
- Time Management
- Project Management
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant Director of Special Events and External Relations
Rocky Vista University
01.2015 - Current
Student Affairs Event Coordinator
Rocky Vista University
01.2011 - 01.2015
Executive Assistant
01.2009 - 01.2011
Executive Assistant to the VP of External Relations
Kaiser Permanente
01.2005 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality, Tourism, and Events, Event Management Concentration
Metropolitan State University of Denver
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