Ryan Howard
Mechanicsville
Summary
Results-driven hospitality professional with 15+ years of experience in client relations, operations management, and high-level customer service seeking to transition into the financial services industry. Recently passed the Life, Health & Annuities Exam and Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam, bringing a strong foundation in financial products, relationship-building, and consultative service. Known for professionalism, trust-building, and delivering exceptional client experiences in fast-paced environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Catering Manager
St. Christopher's School
Richmond
02.2023 - 04.2025
- Coordinated logistics, vendors, and client requirements for K–12 events, ensuring consistent service delivery across school-wide catering.
- Increased sales by 15% through targeted client engagement, upselling packages, and disciplined budgeting.
- Secured multi-year contract by building client rapport and presenting tailored proposals aligned with institutional needs.
Assistant Director of Dining
Masonic Home Of Virginia
Richmond
01.2019 - 02.2023
- Executed weekly close, invoicing, and month-end billing activities with a focus on billing accuracy and revenue tracking.
- Guided and developed a 30-person team, improving client service standards and operational staffing efficiency during high-volume events.
- Coordinated onboarding process with third-party background check vendor and managed I-9 and new-hire paperwork, ensuring candidate compliance and communication throughout 7–10 business-day timeline.
- Led regional eFinance initiatives, improving processes and financial reviews to align departmental operations with growth targets.
Cafe and Catering Manager
Flik Hospitality at Blue Cross Blue Shield
Quincy
08.2015 - 10.2018
- Oversaw $1.2M annual café and catering operations, managing P&L responsibilities and fostering vendor relationships to enhance service delivery.
- Implemented cost controls to reduce paper costs by 10% while ensuring consistent service quality.
- Supported financial forecasting and invoicing processes, contributing to achievement of operational and revenue targets.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality & Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RISkills
- Customer relationship management
- Client engagement
- Financial forecasting
- Budgeting
- Catering operations
- Event planning
- Team leadership & Training
- Microsoft Office
Certification
- Securities Industry Essentials Exam (SIE)
- Life, Health and Annuities Exam
Timeline
Catering Manager
St. Christopher's School
02.2023 - 04.2025
Assistant Director of Dining
Masonic Home Of Virginia
01.2019 - 02.2023
Cafe and Catering Manager
Flik Hospitality at Blue Cross Blue Shield
08.2015 - 10.2018
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality & Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales University