Gunna Zimmerman

Creative operations and people leader with 20+ years of experience building teams, developing training programs, managing complex high-profile projects, and turning ideas into polished public-facing experiences.

Former Carnegie

Hall service director with strengths in program execution, communications, relationship management, visual design, mentoring, and creative problem-solving. Photographer, collage artist, and self-published artist/author seeking to bring deep operational leadership and a lifelong connection to the arts to a mission-driven organization in arts, advocacy, community engagement, labor, or social impact.

Director of Service & Staffing - Constellation Culinary Group / Carnegie Hall

(2022-01 - 2024-12)

• Led service and staffing for VIP, corporate, social, and cultural events at one of the world's best-known performing arts institutions.
• Helped design and launch Weill Cafe, Carnegie Hall's first cafe in nearly a century, developing service standards, decor, uniforms, and daytime and pre-concert dining operations.
• Designed and sourced new food-and-beverage stations, equipment, and decor for special events, backstage service, concert bars, lounges, and concessions.

Regional Director of Service & Staffing - Starr Events / Constellation Culinary Group, Elior North America

(2013-01 - 2020-12)

• Built and led a 300-person front- and back-of-house event workforce, growing the New York team from approximately 30 employees while maintaining minimal turnover.
• Managed recruiting, onboarding, training, scheduling, payroll, HR support, and service planning across multiple units and major U.S. markets.
• Co-authored the company-wide service manual and designed the new-hire training program used across major markets including New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Miami.
• Participated in new-business pitches and managed high-profile client programs at cultural institutions nationwide.
• Recognized with HR Partner of the Year, Seeds of Success Award, and appointment to the Elior North America Women's Leadership Council.

Event Manager & Trainer - Olivier Cheng Catering

(2008-01 - 2013-12)

• Managed complex, high-profile productions including a royal wedding in Qatar, fundraisers, product launches, private events, and celebrity/VIP celebrations.
• Trained new staff in company service standards and supported consistent execution across demanding event environments.

Event Manager & Trainer - Amerivents

(2003-01 - 2013-12)

• Managed major assignments including the US Tennis Open, Ryder Cup, Wine & Food Festival, MTV New Year's Eve greenrooms, fundraisers, launches, and VIP events.
• Supported executive dining and culinary programming, including Gourmet Magazine's executive private dining room.