Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer Experience
Timeline
Generic

Elaine R. Van Dusen

Highland Park

Summary

Dynamic professional with extensive experience in project management and stakeholder engagement, notably at Endeavor Health. Proven track record of surpassing fundraising goals and enhancing program outcomes. Skilled in budget strategies and public relations, consistently driving successful events and initiatives that exceed expectations.

Overview

43
43
years of professional experience

Work History

Manager, Community Partner Programs

Endeavor Health
Evanston
01.2015 - Current
  • Managed projects and events to ensure adherence to tight deadlines.
  • Demonstrated sharp attention to detail throughout project execution.
  • Effectively communicate and partner with colleagues to accomplish organizational goals.
  • Connect with individuals, volunteers, and organizations to exceed anticipated outcomes for programs and events.
  • Surpassed fundraising objectives and event participation.

Visitor Programs Coordinator

Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe
02.1999 - 02.2002
  • Managed large-scale public events for the second largest botanic garden in the United States (over 900,000 visitors annually). Coordinated with various disciplines within the Garden, and with outside staff and artists to produce successful festivals, concerts series and special events. Budget and P&L responsibility.
  • Launched Art Festival in 2001, which ranked #63 nationally its first year. Responsible for many operational facets of “The Best of Midwest” festival working in coordination with the American Institute of Food & Wine (AIWF) for two events at the Garden. Worked with horticulture staff and award winning designer Paul Busse to create the Junior Railroad exhibit, which surpassed all visitorship and profit expectations. Junior Railroad was visited by over 200,000 in inaugural year.
  • Worked with volunteers for both ongoing and special event projects. Hired part and full-time seasonal help in support of various festivals, concert programs and special events.
  • Coordinated public information and print materials for all major public programs. Worked with Creative Services on print materials, signage and interpretive materials. Represented the Garden with various media in support of programs and festivals.

Director of National Accounts

Prism Merchandising Group
Wood Dale
11.1996 - 05.1998
  • Managed, coached and advised all key account managers and their teams in order to best serve their customers and Prism while providing direction to over 1700 field employees.
  • Developed strategic marketing and business plans to secure new business and grow existing account base.
  • Prospected for and developed new accounts in mass merchants, drug, grocery and specialty retailers providing Prism with a 12% increase in 1997.
  • Managed special projects as assigned.

General Manager

WVVLN-AM/WSEI-FM
Olney
07.1995 - 03.1996
  • Company Overview: Key Broadcasting Company
  • Responsible for overall management of 50,000 watt radio station with highest Arbitron ratings in region.
  • Directed development and execution of sales and marketing plans for station, with full P&L responsibility. Surpassed profit expectations with advertising and sponsorship sales for both station (+7%) and self (+11%).
  • Managed major ad agency accounts.
  • Oversaw accuracy and maintained integrity of election and federal records as directed by law.
  • Organized two concerts with national acts, regional Home Show and developed the schedule and scope of on-air contests.

National Account Executive

Western Publishing Company, Inc.
Racine
01.1988 - 01.1994
  • Executed successful sales plans resulting in consistent growth pattern in assigned accounts for over 6 years, exceeding plan each year.
  • Managed major national chains in mass merchant, drug, grocery and specialty retailers including Kmart, Target, J.C. Penney, Sears, KB Toys, Eckerd Drug, American Drug Stores (Osco), Waldenbooks and Barnes & Noble.
  • Established strong relationships with corporate buying offices, developing and executing creative advertising plans tailored to individual account needs.
  • Provided direction to sales force of 120 for programs for store level execution.
  • Analyzed product mix and sales results to provide maximum movement and ideal selection.

Associate National Account Executive

Western Publishing Company, Inc.
Racine
01.1985 - 01.1987
  • Provided sales analysis and forecasting for department for over $100M in sales.
  • Assisted in preparation of sales presentations as well as follow-up for major accounts.

Territory Manager

Western Publishing Company, Inc.
Racine
01.1982 - 01.1985
  • Maintained account base for 230+ accounts with in a four state area. Provided sales, advertising and merchandising support to assigned accounts.
  • Executed programs as established by headquarters in support of planograms and ad campaigns working with local personnel.

Education

B.A. - English, Mass Communications (minor)

University of Hartford
West Hartford, CT
01-1981

Skills

  • Project management and coordination
  • Fundraising and budget strategies
  • Stakeholder engagement and relations
  • Public relations

Volunteer Experience

  • Wayne Thomas Elementary School, Arts In Action Chair, Cultural Arts & Assemblies Chair, Food Allergy Awareness Chair, Highland Park, IL, 2006 - 2010, Coordinate artists and talent for a one day festival., Coordinate author visits and school assembly talent., Coordinate information for staff and students.
  • Immaculate Conception Parish, Catechist, Highland Park, IL, 2007 - 2020
  • Walk for Food Allergies – Chicago, Logistics Chair, 2006, Coordinated event details working with the Chicago Park District and Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network located in VA. Worked with local contributors and volunteers to create a successful and fun event.
  • Highland Park Aquatics Club, Board of Directors, Highland Park, IL 2020-2023

Timeline

Manager, Community Partner Programs

Endeavor Health
01.2015 - Current

Visitor Programs Coordinator

Chicago Botanic Garden
02.1999 - 02.2002

Director of National Accounts

Prism Merchandising Group
11.1996 - 05.1998

General Manager

WVVLN-AM/WSEI-FM
07.1995 - 03.1996

National Account Executive

Western Publishing Company, Inc.
01.1988 - 01.1994

Associate National Account Executive

Western Publishing Company, Inc.
01.1985 - 01.1987

Territory Manager

Western Publishing Company, Inc.
01.1982 - 01.1985

B.A. - English, Mass Communications (minor)

University of Hartford

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