Susan Claesson
Virginia Beach
Summary
Results-driven development professional with comprehensive experience in project management, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. Proven ability to collaborate with teams, adapt to changing needs, and deliver impactful outcomes. Strong skills in communication, strategic planning, and relationship building. Highly reliable and focused on achieving organizational goals.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Development Coordinator
American Heart Association
04.2024 - Current
- Coordinated project timelines and deliverables to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Led initiatives focused on enhancing community engagement through targeted outreach programs.
- Optimized event planning procedures for various fundraising events, leading to higher attendance numbers and overall revenue generation.
- Assisted with budget preparation for development activities by analyzing past expenses while accounting for projected future costs.
- Coordinated volunteer recruitment efforts, attracting a talented pool of individuals to support organizational initiatives.
Executive Assistant II/Director’s Office
Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau
08.2022 - 04.2024
- Provide team and staff assistance for the executive leadership team that includes seven Unit Directors.
Executive Assistant/Director's Office/Administrative Coordinator
Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau
04.2021 - 04.2024
- Assist the Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau with day-to-day operations, client and stakeholder support, calendar management, City Council requests, presentations, and staff liaison.
- Manage and prioritize the Director’s schedule and requests that come in daily.
- Ensure and maintain confidentiality of all communication and documentation within the department.
- Function as an administrator with the Simpleview CRM program to ensure database integrity.
- Assist in the planning and execution of departmental-wide events and programs to elevate the City of Virginia Beach as a top destination.
- Provide recognition and opportunities to build staff connections and relationships to collaborate and work as a team.
- Serve as a strong relationship-building contact with outside partners, clients, internal departments, and event attendees to provide excellent customer service.
Interim Executive Director
West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry
12.2020 - 02.2021
- Increased membership by 40% in year one and consistently increased membership year over year.
- Created an onboarding program to build engagement and raised retention rate to 88%.
- Managed and led volunteers through Women in Business and Ambassador Committees.
- Mastered the use of ChamberMaster CRM system to maintain accurate member records, reporting, website, and invoicing.
- Successfully managed and worked with the WSCCI Membership, Board of Directors, and committees as the Interim Executive Director remotely to ensure a smooth transition for staff.
- Reimagined Signature Events to increase sponsorship and participation through creative programming and marketing.
- Successfully converted more than thirty events in 2020 to virtual programs, adding relevant COVID-19 learning opportunities in marketing, finance, mental health, and management.
Vice President, Membership and Events
West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry
01.2020 - 12.2020
Director, Membership and Events
West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry
06.2018 - 01.2020
Vice President of Development
Phil’s Friends
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Developed and implemented new fundraising components that increased overall donations from November through April year-over-year by 43%.
- Managed marketing and creative for all events, programs, and services.
- Managed fundraising events to increase funding by 68% while decreasing expenses by 26%.
- Built strong and positive relationships with outside vendors, companies, and foundations.
- Collaborated with President and Board of Directors to establish best practices and benchmarks for the organization.
Development Coordinator (Social Events)
American Heart Association
08.2012 - 08.2017
- Work directly with the Chicago Heart Ball Individual Giving Chair to strategize and reach event goals and recognize donors.
- Responsible for cultivation and retention of individual donors at the $5,000+ level.
- Coordinate and implement materials and logistics for day-of event, including but not limited to, collateral pieces, registration, auction, and program materials.
- Effectively communicate with Executive Leadership Team Members, Auction Committee, and other volunteers within the organization.
- Maintain accurate accounting records for events to ensure the event is within budget guidelines and focus on data management.
Director, Corporate Development for Heart Walk
American Heart Association
12.2013 - 07.2014
Administrative Associate (Social Events)
American Heart Association
08.2012 - 12.2013
Meeting Manager and Volunteer Services Coordinator
International Dairy Queen, Inc.
07.1997 - 03.2000
- Responsible for IDQ Companies Annual Convention including site selection, speaker and entertainment liaison, registration, creation of collateral, and on-site management.
Purchasing Manager
International Dairy Queen, Inc.
02.1995 - 07.1997
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
- Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
Business Field Consultant
International Dairy Queen, Inc.
01.1990 - 02.1995
- Work with upwards of 60+ Franchisees within a territory to assist with marketing, community relations, employee training and retention, financial strength, and corporate compliance.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MichiganSkills
- Creative problem-solving
- Engaging presentation skills
- Team engagement
- Board Relations
- Effective negotiation skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Teams
- Corporate Event Planning
- Effective committee oversight
- Volunteer Management
- Donor Relations
- Database and CMS Management
- Speaker logistics management
- Building professional relationships
- Budget management
- Logistical planning and execution
Timeline
Development Coordinator
American Heart Association
04.2024 - Current
Executive Assistant II/Director’s Office
Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau
08.2022 - 04.2024
Executive Assistant/Director's Office/Administrative Coordinator
Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau
04.2021 - 04.2024
Interim Executive Director
West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry
12.2020 - 02.2021
Vice President, Membership and Events
West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry
01.2020 - 12.2020
Director, Membership and Events
West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry
06.2018 - 01.2020
Vice President of Development
Phil’s Friends
08.2017 - 06.2018
Director, Corporate Development for Heart Walk
American Heart Association
12.2013 - 07.2014
Development Coordinator (Social Events)
American Heart Association
08.2012 - 08.2017
Administrative Associate (Social Events)
American Heart Association
08.2012 - 12.2013
Meeting Manager and Volunteer Services Coordinator
International Dairy Queen, Inc.
07.1997 - 03.2000
Purchasing Manager
International Dairy Queen, Inc.
02.1995 - 07.1997
Business Field Consultant
International Dairy Queen, Inc.
01.1990 - 02.1995
Bachelor of Science -
Western Michigan University
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