Debra Harris 13705 Grove Avenue ♦ Bonner Springs, Kansas 66012

913-706-8486 ♦ directordeb@yahoo.com

SUMMARY: Highly motivated, successful Director of Sales with over eighteen year’s professional experience in hospitality sales and marketing. Proven track record of success in competitive markets. Focus on key account development, revenue maximization and management with emphasis on relationship building and commitment to guest services.

RECENT EXPERIENCE:

2015-Current Candlewood Suites- Village West Kansas City, KsDirector of Sales & Marketing

Lead and define sales strategy and customer acquisition goals including building pipeline, meeting aggressive sales targets, and driving revenue growth.

Strategies include:Propel a consistent upward sales growth trend by closely monitoring account activities to ensure short-and log-term success is consistently achieved.

Build solid partnerships with clients utilizing CRM strategies to maximize the business relationship and opportunities.

Promote and increase overall revenues while increasing outside awareness and fostering strategic and meaningful relationship in a highly competitive marketplace.

2012- 2013 Hyatt Place Overland Park, Ks Director of Sales & Marketing

Responsible for development of all market segments with strong emphasis on corporate transient and association business

Represent hotel at trade shows and expos Budget and action plan preparation Maintain close working relationship with all travel related industry leaders Negotiation of all preferred local and national rates via RFP’s

2009-2011 Country Inn & Suites Kansas City Kansas City, KS Director of Sales & Marketing

● Full food & beverage/catering meeting responsibility ● Control of group, SMERF and corporate transient. ● Budget preparation and training of front desk guest services agents.● Represent hotel at trade shows and expos

2006-2009 Chateau Avalon Kansas City, KSDirector of Sales & Marketing

● Complete sales responsibility for a luxury boutique themed 62 suite hotel. ● All market segments as well as catering/ meeting, group and corporate transient. ● Negotiation of all local preferred corporate rates. ● Establish appropriate rates for individual seasons. ● Full responsibility for all events and meetings. ● Constant interaction with each department to ensure seamless service. ● National and local advertising decisions funneled through Corporate Vice President of Marketing. ● Increased local contacts from 58 to 455 in less than six months.

2004-2006 Comfort Suites Olathe, Kansas Director of Sales & Marketing

● Exclusive responsibility for all sales and catering for an 87 room Choice Brand hotel ● Budget preparation, market analysis, sales forecasting and yield management. ● Development and negotiation of local corporate contract rates to attract and maintain extended

stay clientele. ● Exceeded all sales goals.

2002-2004 HBE Corporation, Adams Mark Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri Account Executive

● Full circle responsibility for all group sales in the social, military, educational, religious and fraternal market of upscale full service hotel.

● Creation of new promotions to attract new business as well as maintain and enhance current client relationships.

● Exceed sales revenue goals with 178% achievement

1999-2001 Hampton Inn Merriam, Kansas Director of Sales

● Full food & beverage/catering meeting responsibility● Control of group, SMERF and corporate transient.● Budget preparation and training of front desk guest service agents.

1998-1999 Doubletree Hotel Kansas City, Missouri Catering Sales Manager

● Responsible for catering sales, services and planning for the social market. ● Creation and implementation of specialized menus ranging in scope from small private functions

to lavish galas.

1997-1998 Hyatt Regency Crown Center Kansas City, Missouri Catering Sales Manager

● Turnkey responsibility for sales, service and follow up to the Kansas City area corporate segment. ● Scheduling, planning and forecasting catering sales cost analysis on a monthly, quarterly and

annual basis. ● Creation and implementation of custom menus for corporate meetings and conventions.

Previous experience The Mansion on Turtle Creek Dallas, Texas Special Functions and Beverage Manager

● Supervised special events and beverage functions for this Five Star-Five Diamond award winning world class hotel.

● Inventory and order control.● Certified in Windows of the World wine course with top honors.

Member:KSCAE Kansas City Society of Association ExecutivesKSAE Kansas Society of Association ExecutivesKCCVA Kansas City Convention and Visitors AssociationKansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador and Business & Services CommitteeKCMPI Kansas City Meeting Professionals International