Krystal Nicole
Greater Chicago Area
Summary
Results-oriented leader with a hospitality foundation and a demonstrated ability to lead teams, optimize performance, and deliver exceptional guest experiences in high-volume environments. Combines financial discipline with a people-first leadership approach, bringing clarity, accountability, and alignment across departments to support both immediate execution and long-term organizational success.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Events
Saddle and Cycle Club
Chicago, IL
09.2025 - Current
- Lead the strategic planning and execution of newly created calendar of member-facing club events and high-volume private events, ensuring consistent service standards, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence across the property.
- Partner cross-functionally with food & beverage, golf operations, racquets and recreation, culinary, facilities, and service teams to deliver seamless event execution while maintaining alignment with broader operational priorities.
- Own event-related budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance, balancing revenue growth, cost control, and quality to drive strong margins and repeat business.
Director of Food and Beverage
Heritage Golf Group
Illinois
10.2023 - 09.2025
- Joined the company as Clubhouse Manager at White Deer Run Golf Club and was promoted to Director of Food & Beverage at Boulder Ridge Country Club based on demonstrated leadership, operational effectiveness, and performance impact.
- Stabilized and improved daily operations by establishing service standards, accountability, and operational structure to support consistent execution and enhanced guest experiences.
- Partnered with the General Manager on a $150K capital renovation, supporting project coordination, contractor communication, and timeline management to convert an underutilized space into a flexible venue for daily operations and private events.
- Built and led high-performing teams of up to 75 employees during peak season through hands-on leadership, hiring, training, and ongoing development, fostering professionalism, ownership, and cross-department collaboration.
- Led menu development and concept planning in partnership with culinary teams, aligning seasonal themes, member preferences, and current dining trends while maintaining required food cost targets and profitability standards.
- Supported relationships with homeowners, POA representatives, and the local community by assisting with communications, addressing operational concerns, and collaborating with golf and leadership teams to maintain alignment and trust.
Director of Event Sales
Rolling Green Country Club
Arlington Heights, IL
01.2017 - 10.2023
- Progressed through roles of increasing responsibility over six years, beginning as a Server, advancing to Member Experience Coordinator, and ultimately serving as Director of Event Sales, reflecting sustained performance, adaptability, and leadership growth within the club.
- Led full-cycle sales, planning, and on-site execution for 300+ annual member and private events, serving as a primary operational and client-facing leader while coordinating closely with food & beverage, culinary, facilities, and service teams.
- Drove significant revenue growth by strengthening client relationships, improving planning processes, and expanding the club’s private events business, increasing annual event revenue from approximately $800K to $1.28M (~60% growth), including execution of large-scale, high-profile events such as TEDx.
- Served as a trusted on-site leader, providing staff direction, resolving issues in real time, and upholding service standards across multiple departments.
Program Director
Des Plaines Jr. Warriors (Non-Profit)
Des Plaines, IL
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Progressed from coach to Program Director, assuming full responsibility for program operations including scheduling practices, games, facilities, travel logistics, vendor contracts, and day-to-day leadership while continuing active coaching duties.
- Led governance and planning efforts by preparing agendas, calling, and facilitating board meetings to align on budgets, fundraising strategy, program growth, and operational priorities.
- Drove program expansion and sustainability through targeted marketing and outreach, increasing participation by 42%, while planning and executing fundraising initiatives to support operations, provide scholarships for low-income families, and ensure smooth game-day execution.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration -
W.P. Carey School of Business
Associate of Arts (A.A.) - undefined
Harper College
Associate of Science (A.S.) - undefined
Harper College
Skills
- People Leadership
- Food and Beverage Operations & Strategy
- Private Events & Programming
- Team Development & Mentorship
- Project Management
- P&L Review Review & Financial Forecasting
- Marketing Collateral & Program Promotion
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Policy, Procedure and Compliance Awareness
Certification
- ServSafe Manager
- WSET Level 1 (Wine Certification)
- Certified Event Planner (CEP)
Timeline
Director of Events
Saddle and Cycle Club
09.2025 - Current
Director of Food and Beverage
Heritage Golf Group
10.2023 - 09.2025
Director of Event Sales
Rolling Green Country Club
01.2017 - 10.2023
Program Director
Des Plaines Jr. Warriors (Non-Profit)
01.2014 - 01.2018
Associate of Arts (A.A.) - undefined
Harper College
Associate of Science (A.S.) - undefined
Harper College
Bachelor of Business Administration -
W.P. Carey School of Business