SHARON R.

GRAHAM
837 North 2nd Street, # 310, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123
856.498.8502
sharonrgraham@gmail.com

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
Amazingly creative, tenacious and talented senior executive powered with more th
an 11 years of public relations, special events coordination and strategic busin
ess development experience. Show paramount efforts in creating effective marketi
ng strategies and plans to increase sales, capitalize on growth opportunities an
d maintain profitable business operations. Empowering manager adept at utilizing
out-of-the-box approaches in training and developing employees to foster team u
nity toward fulfillment of corporate target goals. Possess stellar reputation in
establishing win-win relationships and addressing diverse customer needs by ens
uring utmost satisfaction. Proven effectiveness to multitask in a globally compe
titive, fast-paced environment. Willing to travel extensively.

CORE COMPETENCIES
- Travel / Tours Coordination and Management
- Marketing and Promotional Campaigns
- Sales Action Plans Development
- Outstanding Customer Service and Public Relations
- Competitive Market Research and Analysis
- Community Outreach Programs Coordination
- Product Positioning and Corporate Branding
- Excellent Presentation and Negotiation Abilities
- Superior Interpersonal and Organization Skills
- Problem Resolution and Decision Making
- Leadership, Training and Team Building
- Articulate Oral and Written Communication

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
GENERAL MANAGER 2001–PRESENT
GIL TOURS TRAVEL, INC. ~ PHILADELPHIA, PA
Direct and coordinate daily operational aspects of three Gil Travel offices loca
ted in New York, Boca Raton, and Tel Aviv, Israel. Determine staffing requiremen
ts: recruit, hire and train other personnel on company procedures, policy and em
ployment law. Spearhead and mentor various department managers and their staff t
o be adept in multicultural and global environments. Facilitate comprehensive tr
aining to employee to achieve maximum level of performance and peak productivity
. Work collaboratively with various tour operators to streamline international t
ravel for multiple organizations. Build and cultivate long-term quality relation
ships with VIP clientele to provide total satisfaction as well as to generate sa
les and new business opportunities. Regularly interact with clients to provide p
rompt responses to inquiries concerning air and land-based travel to Israel and
other destinations worldwide, as well as to address and resolve complaints under
time constraints.
Notable Achievements:
- Optimized the travel management company’s efficiency and served as a signifi
cant contributor in elevating the annual sales to more than $50M
- Appointed to fulfill the VP role to streamline operations of a 1800+ siz
e group from over 40 countries traveling to Israel for a 10-day tour
- Extensively traveled with groups to destinations, such as Israel, FSU an
d Europe and handle all facets of daily logistics
- Escorted large groups to Israel, former FSU and Europe since 2002 with u
p to 1700 participants per tour
- Provided expert oversight to all major accounts from mega missions with
more than 2,000 participants to smaller missions with up to 40 participants
- Served as the direct representative responsible for making sound decisio
ns on behalf of the President and CEO
- Expertly managed internal communications and awareness of corporate dire
ction, mission, aims and activities
- Conceptualized and implemented innovative marketing strategies and promo
tional campaigns to create a favorable public image and increase corporate visib
ility
- Designed and delivered informative presentations for travel trade shows
and events to generate prospective clients
- Initiated the development of innovative corporate policies and procedure
s toward fulfillment of corporate goals and objectives
- Masterfully led all initiatives in streamlining workflow and fostering a
positive team environment to increase productivity
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT / EVENTS COORDINATOR 1999–2001
WHITE OAKS COUNTRY CLUB ~ NEWFIELD, NJ
Maintained smooth golf operations by working closely with upper management. Prim
arily held responsible for designing all marketing and advertising material for
the Pro Shop. Supervised more than 10 employees in the Food and Beverage Departm
ent.
Notable Achievements:
- Rendered high level of assistance to the General Manager in establishing
charter memberships for the opening year and successfully sold more than 300 me
mberships
- Instrumental in organizing all logistics from shotgun start to buffet di
nner for private events and outings with 72 to 144 guests

EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN STUDIO ART
Major in Graphic Design and Illustration (focused on Advertising, Marketing and
Public Relations), Minor in German
- Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ: 1995–1999
Recipient of Ann Rice Scholar Athlete Award: 1999 ~ Dean’s List: 1997–1999 ~ GPA: 3.6 ~
Graduated cum laude

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
U.S. Lacrosse Association First Team All American in Lacrosse: 2000
Academic All-American Squad for Lacrosse: 1998–2000
Academic All-American Squad for Field Hockey: 1997–1999

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY
Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) including Adobe
CS4