VICKI LEES
Waterloo,ON
Summary
Dedicated community advocate with a proven track record in fostering neighbourhood engagement and spearheading impactful initiatives. Experienced in leading multifaceted projects, I bring a comprehensive skill set in community development, stakeholder facilitation, and project management. With a background spanning roles in regional business development, retirement living consultancy, and culinary operations, I have honed my ability to navigate diverse sectors and effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels. Passionate about supporting resident-led initiatives, I am eager to leverage my expertise to contribute to the City's Love My Hood program as a Neighbourhood Liaison, providing invaluable support to communities and ensuring the long-term success of neighbourhood initiatives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
REGIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Chartwell Retirement Residences
11.2022 - Current
- Lead community engagement efforts, resulting in a 197% increase in new prospects and doubling move-ins from referrals.
- Guide and collaborated with 11 sales consultants, enhancing team collaboration and event planning.
- Manage events for up to 200 individuals, fostering community partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
- Develop proposals for allocating funds to diverse community organizations, boosting local engagement by 40%.
- Research, identify and cultivate strategic networking partnerships with local businesses.
- Design educational presentations on retirement living, enhancing community knowledge and support.
- Conduct sessions at Community Centres, increasing older adults' awareness and participation by 80%.
- Manage a $65,000 budget, demonstrating effective financial stewardship in community development.
RETIREMENT LIVING CONSULTANT/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING
Chartwell Terrace on the Square/Chartwell Bankside
08.2019 - 11.2022
- Exceeded quarterly sales targets as a top 'Sales Star' in Ontario West.
- Resolved community conflicts, enhancing stakeholder engagement and community harmony.
- Presented compelling business case proposals to secure funding and negotiate suite discounts.
- Led a team to develop and implement a resident-led community garden project.
- Increased event participation by 20% through effective planning and engagement.
- Supported resident-led fundraising efforts, fostering community involvement.
- Built strong relationships across healthcare, real estate, and financial sectors.
- Managed a business development budget, allocating funds for marketing and events.
- Developed and implemented a placemaking initiative, revitalizing the residence neighbourhood.
OWNER OPERATOR
Essen
03.2016 - 08.2019
- Led a successful food service business, enhancing community engagement.
- Promoted the business both online and in-person, achieving a 30% increase in new clients within the first 3 months.
- Developed and led engaging in-person cooking classes.
- Cultivated partnerships with local businesses, showcasing strong stakeholder engagement.
- Managed day-to-day administrative duties, ensuring smooth operation and customer satisfaction.
CULINARY HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Jane Bond & Starlight Club
06.2008 - 09.2017
- Spearheaded operations in a bustling 100-seat venue, enhancing community engagement.
- Implemented strategic budgeting and cost control, boosting profitability.
- Championed cross-departmental collaboration, facilitating staff development.
- Directed inventory, staffing, and policy oversight, ensuring operational excellence.
- Orchestrated special events and festivals, leveraging project management skills.
- Managed the catering wing, emphasizing team leadership and communication.
- Featured on the Food Network television show You Gotta Eat Here.
Education
Monthly Training On Compliance With The RHA
ORCA (Ontario Retirement Communities Association)
Public Speaking & Communication
Toastmaster International
Waterloo, ONTelevision And Radio Broadcasting
Conestoga College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
Kitchener, ONSkills
Community Engagement
Project Management
Stakeholder Facilitation
Strategic Partnerships
Budget Management
Leadership and Team Collaboration
Sales and Marketing
Public Speaking and Presentation
Event Planning
Culinary Operations
Certification
- Certified Professional Consultant on Aging, Age Friendly Business Academy
Community Volunteer Experience
Waterloo Regional Sexual Assault Domestic Violence
Timeline
REGIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Chartwell Retirement Residences
11.2022 - Current
RETIREMENT LIVING CONSULTANT/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING
Chartwell Terrace on the Square/Chartwell Bankside
08.2019 - 11.2022
OWNER OPERATOR
Essen
03.2016 - 08.2019
CULINARY HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Jane Bond & Starlight Club
06.2008 - 09.2017
Monthly Training On Compliance With The RHA
ORCA (Ontario Retirement Communities Association)
Public Speaking & Communication
Toastmaster International
Television And Radio Broadcasting
Conestoga College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
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