Kevin Ruggiero

Entertainment and Hospitality professional with extensive experience in theme parks, recreation, and event operations. Resourceful, self-driven, and collaborative, with strong leadership skills and a proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction through a solid understanding strategies and service excellence. Experienced in driving results by fostering teamwork, inclusivity, and operational efficiency.

Committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences while continuously expanding skills and growing within the hospitality industry.

Entertainment Director/Cruise Director at Carnival Cruise Line (2011-02 – 2020-12)

• Participates in the employee performance appraisal process, providing feedback as needed
• Represented brand as primary liaison, cross-promoting excursions, spa, retail and dining to boost onboard revenue
• Led Entertainment department and coached managers to meet operational standards and improve show quality
• Utilization of BEO software for company and private events
• Improved Net Promoter Scores for assigned ships and routes by monitoring trends and raising guest satisfaction
• Managed relationships with thousands of guests to increase loyalty and repeat bookings
• Executed promotional events for different department that increased onboard sales and guest engagement across multiple sailings
• "Fun Ashore, Fun Aboard" presentation in direct collaboration with shore excursion team, promoting all the excursion product in each port
• Recruited and trained a multicultural team of entertainers to elevate performance quality and consistency
• Analyzed guest feedback and market trends to redesign activities and increase participant interest
• Support client expectations and owners room quality check with Guest Service Manager
• Actively participated to Excursion to share real experience with guest and increased shore excursion sales by 37% average for the year
• Led evening show programming for 600+ guests, scheduling performers and coordinating rehearsals
• Works diligently to improve Guest Experience analyzing Guest Feedback

Director of Recreation at Bluegreen Vacation (2020-12 – 2022-10)

• Increased F&B revenue by promoting targeted menu pairings that raised per-guest spend
• Led Recreation department supporting hotel operations for transient guests and owners
• Designed signature recreation programs that set our property apart and boosted guest engagement
• Managed events from client intake to close, keeping deliveries on time and on quality
• Watched participation trends and adjusted programming to raise attendance and relevance
• Implemented participant registration software, replacing paper sign-ups and speeding enrollment processing
• Purchases appropriate supplies and manage inventories according to budget
• budget, operating statements and payroll reports as needed to assist in the financial management of department

Coordinator Attractions/Custodial/Character Attendant at Walt Disney World Company (2022 – Present)

• Coordinated attractions, custodial, and character teams to raise guest satisfaction during peak periods
• Created staffing schedules that reduced wait times and improved flow in high-traffic areas
• Enforced company standards to maintain brand consistency and ensure guest safety
• Added positions in high-traffic zones to strengthen guest experience and reduce congestion
• Communicated across departments to resolve guest and team member issues and restore operations

Senior Scheduling Specialist - Entertainment Events at Universal Orlando Resort (2026-01 – Present)

• Coordinated cross-department schedules to raise talent availability and improve client retention
• Implemented QR-code check-in for event staff, cutting scheduling delays by 50% and boosting responsiveness
• Analyzed historical scheduling practices to recommend changes that increased operational efficiency
• Conducted routine venue walkthroughs to resolve scheduling conflicts and ensure on-site alignment
• Acted as liaison between Entertainment Events and Daily Operations to resolve staffing issues and client contract requests

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management – Bellevue University (2025-11 – 2027-11)