Rodney D. Harris

35+ years' experience in sales & management, customer relations management, prospecting, and sales-closing principles. 20 years' experience in publicity, event planning and management, and fundraising. Articulate and dynamic communicator; able to convey ideas and information to diverse audiences with clarity and enthusiasm and negotiate agreements with vendors. Strategic thinker with experience in business management, customer service and development, and negotiation tactics.

Skilled in persuasive sales techniques, both verbal and written. Published writer and skilled presenter. Resourceful and detailed-oriented; creative and skilled analyst with critical thinking skills and multi-tasker.

Freelance travel journalist.

Dual Front Office Manager/Acting Manager on Duty - TRU HOTEL by HILTON/HOME2 HOTEL by HILTON - Kennesaw, Ga.

(2023-01)

• Supervise and manage a staff of the desk agents, night auditors and bartenders
• Support, hire, train, motivate, schedule, and supervise all front office staff according to company and brand standards
• Provide personalized guest and associate service
• Perform general administrative, clerical, and operational duties as assigned
• Manage accurate daily financial processes including cashier deposits and daily reports
• Oversee HR tasks such as new hire documentation and personnel record maintenance
• Respond to all guest requests, problems complaints and/or accidents presented at the Front Desk or through reservations in an attentive courteous and efficient manner
• Operate all aspects of the Front Office computer system including software maintenance, report generation, analysis, and programming
• Ensure that all customer-related tasks are handled accurately and timely, to provide a superior impression, experience, and communication for all hotel guests
• Collaborate with other department managers, supervisors, and hourly associates to develop and conduct ideas and procedures to continuously improve department performance
• Established control systems for controllable costs and labor to effectively meet financial budget guidelines and goals
• Maintain an organized and comprehensive filing system with documentation of purchases, vouchering schedules, forecast reports and tracking logs
• Monitor all VIP's, special guests and special requests
• Assist the General Manager and Engineering Department in implementing and maintaining emergency procedures
• Attend weekly management meeting

President & CEO - SLAMM MANAGEMENT, LLC - Atlanta, Ga.

(1996-01 - 2023-12)

Established, developed and managed an internationally renowned talent management company. Full responsibility for bottom-line factors; including company vision, long-range strategic planning, daily operations, financial forecasting, implementing sales strategies marketing campaign and implementation and oversight of employees. Managed a roster of 150 models, actors, celebrities and athletes worldwide.

Selected as an international speaker, panelist and workshop leader throughout the talent industry conventions, professional forums and schools. Developed and maintained a business relationship with advertising professionals, casting directors, photographers, fashion designers, film producers, and corporate accountants to negotiate and provide talent for their various projects and campaigns worldwide.

Owner - H2 PUBLICITY & MANAGEMENT - Atlanta, Ga.

(2005-01 - 2022-12)

Developed strategic communication plans and proposals that included key media opportunities, targeted outreach lists and detailed timelines consistent with the respective client's overall PR strategy.

Provided Public

Relations with a focus on consumer lifestyle brands in entertainment, fashion, sports, hospitality and health & wellness. Worked for a diverse set of clients, ranging from entertainment personalities and professional athletes to corporate personalities, assisting with personal and corporate branding and image enhancement.

• Seamlessly planned and executed corporate, social and celebrity events (meetings, fundraisers, trade shows, corporate parties, weddings, office celebrations), including management of RSVP & VIP list, media outreach, gift bags, onsite press
• Created and updated press kits and press releases and all media programs
• Established tie-in promotions with retail outlets, sports organizations, and venue
• Coordinated print and broadcast interviews; tracked and organized all interviews, media and personal appearance requests
• Planned successful VIP receptions in various cities to help launch the foundation
• Recruited nationally renowned celebrities for participation and entertainment
• Managed a team of 30 volunteers in various positions
• Increased donation revenue by 25 percent in the last 3 events by increasing the number of individual and corporate sponsors
• Obtained national media coverage for the annual fundraiser held in Atlanta, both television and print coverage

Men's Director and Head of Scouting - ELITE MODEL MANAGEMENT - Atlanta, Ga.

(2001-01 - 2005-12)

Developed and managed the careers of 150 new and established male models. Traveled throughout North America scouting for new male and female talent for the agency. Oversaw the agency's open call program and assessed all new talent.

Organized the Atlanta Elite Model Look: the annual international modeling competition with an attendance of over 1500 models from throughout the southeastern states. Established and maintained a professional relationship with clients, agency affiliates, co-workers, talent and the public.

Front Desk Manager/Concierge - OMNI CNN HOTEL - Atlanta, Ga.

(1999-01 - 2001-12)

Supervised and motivated staff of 15 front desk agents and hotel reservationist. Responsible for setting the tone and image of the hotel through providing guest services, tourist information, guest requests and transportation arrangements. Interacted with other hotel departments to ensure superior guest service.

Provided recommendations and handled reservations for restaurants, theatres, special events, transportation, and entertainment locations citywide. Gained extensive knowledge of all hotel operations. Assisted in hotel promotions and marketing strategies.

Front Desk Manager - SHERATON ATLANTA AIRPORT HOTEL - College Park, Ga.

(1995-01 - 1998-12)

Responsibilities included guest registration, room assignment, guest reservations, answering and directing telephone calls/PBX. Supervised and motivated staff of 12 front desk agents and reservationist. Provided guests with information on the hotel and tourist information. Provided concierge services.

Senior Caseworker and Eligibility Specialist - FULTON COUNTY DEPT. OF FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES - Atlanta, Ga.

(1987-01 - 1994-12)

Responsibilities include interviewing, investigating, and determining the eligibility of individuals who apply for public assistance and social services through county, state and federal programs. Organizing, assisting, and maintaining a monthly caseload of 1100 individuals and families. Assisted in the training in office procedures and policy for new employees.

Demonstrated outstanding case management and dedication to clients. Forged community connections benefit staff, clients, and their families. Oversaw, special services geared toward homeless individuals and families.

• Extensive work with Senior Citizens and the Homeless population

National Sales Trainer and Store Manager - FIZZAZZ, INC. - Atlanta, Ga.

(1986-01 - 1988-12)

Trained all new employees companywide in sales techniques and company policy. Supervised and motivated 130 sales associates throughout all company stores. Reviewed and analyzed merchandise information reports, establishing trends and fast-moving merchandise.

Ensured proper merchandise presentation on the sales floor. Worked directly with central management team, store managers and other mall merchants to establish quarterly report motivational activities. Exceeded sales goals through leadership, planning and effective implementation.

Ranked #1 salesperson for selling highest dollar volume companywide.

Bachelor's degree - political science - Furman University