1. KIMBERLY A. ZAISS
10310 N. Flanders Court | Mequon, WI 53092
Phone: (414) 339-3981 | Email: kzaiss612@gmail.com
EVENT PLANNING & COORDINATION
ASSESSMENT | STRATEGY | DEVELOPMENT | DELIVERY | MANAGEMENT | SUPPORT
Creative and driven events, meeting and catering management strategist experienced in leading the
sale, planning, pricing/budgeting, sales forecasting, site selection, marketing and execution of diverse
professional events for corporate, public and private industries and venues. Expertise in identifying
client objectives, developing strategies, directing teams, and working within budgets, while providing
event logistical and catering guidance. Well-versed in managing negotiations and proposals to meet
client needs, driving event sales, managing P&L, increasing revenue, and ensuring event service
excellence, while identifying improvements in service, performance, and profitability.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Domer Law Milwaukee, WI 2014 - Present
Derzon & Menard S.C. Milwaukee, WI 2011 - 2014
PARALEGAL
Deliver all aspects of legal administrative assistance to multiple attorneys and support staff, to include
managing clients, preparing for hearings, and performing the drafting, editing and processing of
pleadings, letters, memoranda, contracts, and other documents.
• Initiate the daily maintenance of electronic files and organization of hard copy files; act as the
point of contact for witnesses, lawyers, court officials and other stakeholders.
• Review incoming materials and determine the need for assembly and preparation of a variety of
legal documents; pleadings, subpoenas, discovery requests and response, general
correspondence, and interrogatories/answers.
• Gather and arrange evidence and other legal documents for attorney review and case
preparation.
• Conduct various other administrative functions, to include marketing and social media upkeep.
Milwaukee Marriott West Hotel Waukesha, WI 2010 - 2011
DIRECTOR OF CATERING
Directed and oversaw all aspects of catering/event planning, to include areas such as sales, marketing,
logistics management, personnel administration, pricing and budgets and the execution of each event,
while supervising the daily activities of 3 management staff.
• Partnered in sales, forecasts and budgets; achieved personal sales goals by 110%.
• Coordinated with clients regarding specific requirements and needs, and confirmed event
details; prepared cost projections and price proposals to ensure profitable operations.
• Assisted with arranging banquets, luncheons, meetings, weddings, dances and other events;
provided follow-up to ensure client satisfaction and promote future business.
• Worked with management to maximize use of space and ensure maximum sales.
• Developed and implemented strategic marketing plans to ensure growth of catering revenue.
Hanrahan Hospitality Consulting Milwaukee, WI 2006 - 2012
MEETING & SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER
Managed and oversaw all aspect of meeting and event planning for social, fundraising and corporate
events at a full-service event and destination management company servicing the local Milwaukee areas
and other cities nationwide. Managed site selections, contract negotiations, transportation, and tours;
partnered with clients on event and menu planning, food and beverage coordination, theming and
decoration options, etc.
• Maintained strong client relations and ensured that event and meeting specifications were
communicated and executed for a successful experience.
• Oversaw all on-site services, including pre-planning, set-up, execution and teardown.
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2. • Created and delivered forecasts, plans, and productivity reports for management; participated
in annual operating budget and financial planning strategy preparations.
• Monitored event budgets, while leading the up-selling of products and services to increase
revenue.
• Facilitate the training of staff on compliance with brand standards, service behaviors, and event
logistics.
• Promoted teamwork and quality service through daily communication/coordination efforts with
other departments and outside contacts; ensured appropriate staffing levels based on events.
Lupus Foundation of America Milwaukee, WI 2006 - 2007
SPECIAL EVENTS & AWARENESS COORDINATOR
Led the development, coordination and implementation of fundraising programs and special events to
reach established objectives, budgeted goals and timelines.
• Coordinated and assisted with medical Seminars; provided public speaking on behalf of Lupus.
• Wrote and distributed press releases and chapter newsletter.
• Coordinated with medical facilities on increasing awareness of lupus via direct mail and promo
materials.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Milwaukee, WI/Boston, MA 1994 - 2004
DIRECTOR OF CATERING SALES & MEETING SERVICES
Managed and oversaw all aspects of event, meeting and catering management efforts, to include
planning, coordination, budgeting, pre-event logistics, team building and administration, set-
up/breakdown, and onsite execution. Created annual marketing and sales plans, budgets and forecasts.
• Consistently exceed sales goals; produced 44% of total annual department sales.
• Worked with management to determine selling prices, menus and other details for catered
events; oversaw the development of contracts.
• Ensured the successful operation of catering functions, to include labor cost and food cost
control and preparation, transportation, event set-up, and post-event clean-up processes.
• Provided the reporting of event operations and managed the collection of receivables.
• Developed catering and event sales plans; reviewed financial reports and made corrective
actions as appropriate to ensure that booking goals were achieved.
• Helped guests with logistics such as entertainment, decorations, audio-visual, floral and any
other requirements integral to events.
• Critiqued functions to determine future needs and implemented necessary changes for
increased quality.
• Supervised management staff to drive performance and ensure the delivery of service
excellence.
Manager of the Year (1995 & 2001)
EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS ~ PUBLIC RELATIONS (1991)
University of Connecticut-Storrs
Member ~ NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) 1994-2004, 2011
Member ~ Junior Women’s Club of Mequon/Thiensville
Girl Scout Troop Leader
Computer Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook) and Delphi Systems
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