Jill S. Moran

The Garden Club of America is a nonprofit national organization composed of 199 member garden clubs with almost 18,000 club members who devote energy and expertise to projects in their communities and across the United States. Founded in 1913, the GCA is a leader in horticulture, conservation, creative arts, historic preservation, and environmental protection. The purpose of The Garden Club of America is to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, to share the advantages of association by means of educational meetings, conferences, correspondence, and publications, and to restore, improve, and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvement.

• Managed and oversaw logistics for 1000 attendees, keynote general session, a trade show, 16 breakout sessions, two award ceremonies, celebrity host appearance, and evening reception. • Secured Keynote speakers to support theme, focusing on innovators, subject matter experts, thought leaders, entrepreneurs and influencers to educate and inspire attendees. • Engaged and manage VIP Emcee host experience including research, selection, content preparation, travel and lodging to meet theme and messaging goals. • Developed and implemented event best practices through financial management, contract negotiations, speaker details, volunteer recruitment, vendor relations, risk management, event marketing, event production, sponsor and exhibitor fulfillment and stakeholder evaluations. • Accomplished event goals through strong communication with internal and external stakeholders, speakers, staff, and committees for continual improvement each year.

Crafting experiences through creative development, strategic planning, event execution, on-site management and accountability.

• Oversaw strategic revitalization of annual programmatic and fundraising events for BUILD across multiple regions including Boston, San Francisco, LA, Metro DC, Pittsburgh, and New York, swiftly transitioning during COVID-19 to embrace new technologies and platforms, surpassing $8.7 million fundraising targets while igniting success in under-resourced communities. • Developed Annual Board Retreat to inform and engage national board members to amplify their commitment to the cause. • Pioneered dynamic events fostering stakeholder connections, featuring impactful speakers like Kevin O'Leary from Shark Tank and Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts to enhance the message of opportunity and entrepreneurship. Actively sought diverse speakers for inclusivity. • Developed training materials for staff and volunteers; led sessions to equip volunteers with knowledge and tools; managed onsite teams to execute and deliver event elements. • Implemented virtual event management strategies, swiftly adapting to COVID-19 challenges, expanding BUILD's reach with seamless virtual experiences. Utilized platforms such as Webex, Socio, and Zoom for virtual delivery, integrating online tools to add interactive functionality for engagement, fundraising, and program execution. • Spearheaded research efforts and oversaw the integration of online tools for engagement, live feed content, and educational resources. Leveraged production platforms like Vimeo, Camtasia, and Adobe Creative Suite to enhance presentations and collaboration, empowering individuals to seize opportunities and realize their potential. • Led data analysis initiatives integral to event planning, identifying trends, and facilitating data-driven decisions for future events. Directed the tracking of event outcomes through onsite technology tools, QR codes, exit surveys, and post-event communications, enabling strategic decision-making regarding event strategies and successes.

Development of an online training program for event professionals to deliver best-practices and event education to event professionals.

• Planned and executed a five-day Educational Conference and Trade show for 400 attendees, 40 exhibitors and sponsors, and 15 speakers. • Negotiated contracts with vendors, speakers and workshop leaders; managed logistics and audio-visual support; created marketing and supporting sponsorship materials. • Managed, tracked sponsors/vendors; grew by 123%; developed vendor participation by 50%. • Directed and collaborated with committee chairs and members to meet membership and attendance goals, educational initiatives, and sponsorship engagement.

Fundraising Events and Gala - Producer of Crafts at the Castle - A Fine Art and Crafts Show and Exhibition to benefit Family Service of Greater Boston • Engaged executive teams, board members, volunteers, and sponsors to reach event goals and objectives for Crafts at the Castle, Anniversary Gala and Annual Legacy Galas. • Supported the financial success through live and silent auctions, sponsorships, donations, program book ads and ticket sales. • Produced marketing and promotional collateral to drive attendance and donor involvement.

Past committee chair and organizational leader on the local chapter and international level.