MICHELLE H. BALDWIN
Chicago
Summary
Dynamic operations and hospitality leader with over 25 years of experience managing high-volume facilities and wellness environments. Exceptional expertise in team leadership, financial performance optimization, regulatory compliance, and enhancing operational efficiency. Recognized for securing over $1M in funding while driving substantial growth and cultivating high-performing service teams. Committed to delivering excellence in service and fostering an environment that prioritizes employee engagement and customer satisfaction.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Recreation Management Park Supervisor
Chicago Park District
01.1996 - 01.2025
- Provided operations leadership and facility management for multiple high-volume public venues, overseeing daily operations, staffing, programming, rentals, and overall operational strategy.
- Supervised and mentored cross-functional teams of 40+ employees, including frontline staff and program leaders, driving employee engagement, workforce development, and performance management.
- Managed full talent lifecycle functions, including recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and ongoing staff development to ensure operational continuity.
- Led revenue generation strategies, events, and facility rentals that increased attendance, community engagement, and overall financial performance.
- Oversaw budget planning, financial forecasting, and cost control measures, ensuring operational sustainability and alignment with revenue goals.
- Developed and maintained strategic partnerships with corporate sponsors, community organizations, media outlets, and government stakeholders to support business development and brand reputation.
- Spearheaded fundraising and sponsorship initiatives, securing $1M+ in capital funding for facility improvements and enhanced guest services.
- Ensured strict adherence to safety regulations, compliance standards, and risk management policies, maintaining a secure and well-maintained facility environment.
- Collaborated with marketing teams on brand promotion, event marketing, and community outreach initiatives to increase participation and strengthen public engagement.
- Served as a primary liaison for VIP guests, partners, and community stakeholders, maintaining high standards of customer experience and service delivery.
Luxury Suites Guest Experience
Levy Restaurants
01.1990 - 01.1998
- Delivered premium customer experience management for Fortune 500 and VIP clients in high-end hospitality environments.
- Supported revenue growth strategies through upselling of premium food, beverage, and hospitality services.
- Managed guest relations, service recovery, and operational coordination in fast-paced, high-expectation venues.
- Collaborated with internal teams to maintain service excellence standards and operational efficiency.
Marketing Representative, Mezzanine Luxury Suites
Chicago Cubs
01.1994 - 01.1994
- Supported luxury suite sales, client relationship management, and group booking coordination through strategic engagement with corporate clients.
- Assisted in planning and executing VIP corporate events and experiential hospitality programs.
- Contributed to media coordination, stakeholder communications, and brand promotion efforts during the 1994 MLB strike.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
University of Illinois at Chicago
05-1993
Skills
- Healthcare & Wellness Operations
- Operations Leadership & Facility Management
- Patron / Guest Experience Management
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Workforce Planning & Talent Management
- Revenue Growth Strategy & Budget Management
- Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
- Customer Experience & Service Excellence
- Performance Management & Employee Engagement
- Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement
- Stakeholder & Community Relationship Management
Certification
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) — National Recreation and Park Association
- CPR / AED Certified — American Heart Association
Timeline
Recreation Management Park Supervisor
Chicago Park District
01.1996 - 01.2025
Marketing Representative, Mezzanine Luxury Suites
Chicago Cubs
01.1994 - 01.1994
Luxury Suites Guest Experience
Levy Restaurants
01.1990 - 01.1998
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
University of Illinois at Chicago