Susie Matthews

Experienced hospitality, events, and customer engagement professional with a strong background in winery hospitality, senior living programming, event coordination, and small business operations across the U.S., UK, and Europe. Skilled in client relations, event execution, vendor coordination, hospitality operations, and team collaboration. Known for delivering exceptional guest experiences, building long-term client relationships, and managing events from concept through completion with professionalism and attention to detail.

Events & Hospitality Coordinator - Alexandria Nicole Cellars - Woodinville, WA

(2024-09)

• Coordinate winery events and hospitality operations while ensuring exceptional guest experiences
• Event logistics including Bids, BEOs, staffing coordination, vendor communication, and run-of-show execution, reporting and financial tracking
• Build strong client relationships and maintain high standards of customer service and brand representation
• Event forecasting, scheduling, and operational coordination

Owner & Operator - The Great British Tea Party LLC

(2020-09 - 2024-12)

• Founded and operated a successful tea party events business serving private, corporate, and community clients
• Planned and executed events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale themed experiences
• Managed marketing, budgeting, bookkeeping, contracts, customer relations, and vendor partnerships
• Developed repeat business through strong customer engagement and personalized service

Activities Director - Fairwinds Redmond - Redmond, WA

(2019-09 - 2020-09)

• Directed programming and activities for senior living residents
• Created monthly and annual event calendars and coordinated community engagement activities
• Managed vendors, entertainment scheduling, and resident communications
• Fostered meaningful resident experiences through creative and inclusive programming

Program Coordinator - Old Friends Club - Kirkland, WA

(2018-06 - 2019-08)

• Coordinated dementia-friendly programs and caregiver support activities
• Organized community events and managed participant communications
• Supported operational planning and volunteer coordination

Volunteer - West Island Citizens Advocacy

(2016-08 - 2017-12)

• Supported advocacy initiatives and community outreach programs

Caregiver (Dementia & Alzheimer's Care)

(2008-06 - 2013-06)

• Provided compassionate care and support for individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Legal Costs Negotiator - Liberata Legal Cost Services

(2003-07 - 2006-09)

• Managed legal cost negotiations and client communications
• Prepared documentation and maintained case records

French-Speaking Events Planner & Ski Representative - Equity Ski

(2002-10 - 2003-03)

• Coordinated guest services and event activities in a French-speaking environment
• Assisted international clients and managed hospitality logistics

European Projects Assistant & Event Planner - Coventry University Enterprises - UK

(2000-01 - 2002-06)

• Supported international conferences, events, and European partnership projects
• Coordinated communications with government, educational, and business partners

Certificate - Gerontology - University of Washington

BA (Hons) - European Studies with French - Coventry University