Gwen Spargo\'s Resume

1. GWEN L. SPARGO
linkedin.com/in/gwenspargo
QUALIFICATION SUMMARY
Marketing communications professional with progressive success in managing alliance, consumer and
business-to-business initiatives from initial concept through implementation. Key skill areas include:
• Project Management • Relationship Management • Meeting Facilitation
• Sales Literature Management • Product Implementation • Budget Management
• Campaign Execution • Process Improvement
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS - MINNEAPOLIS, MN 2008-2009
Senior Communications Specialist
Developed and implemented communication strategies while providing ongoing counsel to achieve business
objectives; executed early development of new “best in class” customer loyalty program.
• Partnered with bank subsidiary to relocate operations processes and staff from corporate to branched
location, while managing community and employee perceptions. Results included zero business
interruptions, excellent employee satisfaction and a seamless transition for clients.
• Evolved debt management pilot to program launch, surpassing stretch goal by over 100%.
Communications included print, electronic, verbal and motion media.
• Led sub-team to implement new "member only" web page. Developed project, test and launch
communication plans in collaboration with internal research and web teams under stringent deadlines.
AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL, INC. (Formerly American Express) – MINNEAPOLIS, MN 2000 – 2007
Senior Marketing Communications Manager (2005 – 2007)
Influenced, co-developed and implemented annuity marketing strategies to drive market growth and
profitability; streamlined marketing operations; developed staff.
• Co-developed and implemented strategy for major marketing re-engineering effort which reduced costs
and redundancies while continuing to provide successful marketing programs. Project plan to merge
three marketing units into one included redesigning sales literature architecture, unifying operations, and
developing cost and inventory controls. Results included cost saves of $2M+.
• Led business team to streamline sales literature architecture across product lines. Selected and
partnered with ad agency to design a system that supported the sales process, exceeded competitor
sales literature ratings, and reduced production and inventory costs. Received positive sales force
feedback and reduced inventory by 50%.
• Surpassed employee survey goals for department morale and cohesiveness by volunteering to co-
develop employee reward and recognition program including branding of a multi-tiered program,
department events and program metrics.
• Interviewed, trained and mentored staff to develop and maintain a multi-talented team and drive results.
Contributed to high retention of top performers.
Senior Marketing Project Manager (2002 – 2005)
Implemented key programs by representing third party marketing on cross-organizational teams in the
management of annuity product promotion and sales literature development, maintenance and distribution.
Served on leadership and steering committees with proven ability to motivate and influence internal and
external partners.
• Led marketing sub-team and partnered with industry-leading bank in launching four co-branded products
in record time and on budget. Exceeded sales goal by 30% in first four weeks.
• Pioneered expedited sales literature review process to increase speed to market and reduce review
timeline by 70%.

2. Marketing Project Manager – Strategic Alliances (2000 – 2002)
Built, managed and maintained strong relationships with strategic partners to reach common sales goals via
competitive marketing initiatives. Partners included Wells Fargo, Wachovia and Bank of America.
Promoted to lead expanded Wachovia relationship.
• Acted as key contact in annual update of annuity products. Teamed with external and internal
stakeholders, graphics and legal departments through scope definition and sales literature updates,
production and timely distribution.
• Placed for Chairman’s Award (company-wide recognition for excellence) for sales kit redesign effort to
create more user-friendly, competitive and cost-effective sales kits. Reduced kit cost by 50% and saved
$1M.
NATIONAL CAR RENTAL SYSTEMS, INC. – EDINA, MN 1995 – 2000
Senior Marketing Associate (1998 – 2000)
Supported, created and implemented alliance and broad-based marketing programs to drive brand loyalty for
major car rental company. Partners included Disney, American Express and PGA.
• Reinforced brand awareness via Disney partnership by working in concert with marketing director in
development and promotion of marketing programs using proven mediums: Internet, direct mail,
sponsorships, sweepstakes, print ads (newspaper, travel trade, Disney Magazine) and brochures.
• Co-developed new business by recruiting third parties with similar target audiences for joint direct mail
promotions; gained 14% response ($7M of revenue) from car, credit card and hotel offer.
• Influenced finalization of first co-branded web site with GO.com / Disney Travel, including contract
negotiation, page design, testing and implementation.
• Streamlined management of monthly telephone on-hold messaging program. Initiated exclusive vendor
selection to provide and maintain consistent brand marketing messages.
• Assisted with forecasting and annual planning for $15 million budget.
Human Resources Administrator (1995-1998)
Provided employee program administration and recruiting support and for 9,000 employees.
• Served as treasurer on professional relocation committee. Co-planned large annual event and monthly
meetings.
• Interpreted policy and provided consultation on Education Assistance and Relocation programs.
Managed expense reimbursement. Conducted employee seminars.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Traffic Management Consultant - Celarity, Inc. 2008
Completed three-month contracting engagement to advise online university on enhancing traffic
management system within internal marketing communications creative agency, without increasing costs.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication – University of Minnesota, 1994
Summa cum Laude graduate; Member – Phi Beta Kappa Society
Continuing Education, Training and Affiliations
• The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, 2009
• Mini Master of Business Communication – University of St. Thomas, 2007
• New Leadership Series – Ameriprise Financial, 2007
• Fusion – Presenting for Results – American Express, 2005
• Six Sigma Green Belt Training – American Express, 2004
• Project Management – Normandale Community College, 2000
• Mini Master of E-commerce – University of St. Thomas, 2000
• Toastmasters International, 1995 – 1999; Vice President, Public Relations, 1998 – 1999
LICENSE
Series 7 General Securities License, NASD (now FINRA), 2007