Mariela Vallines-Fernández
Guaynabo
Summary
Proven leader with a track record of strategic planning and community engagement at Puerto Rico Convention District Authority. Excelled in program management, securing record-breaking event revenues and fostering government relations. Skilled in public speaking and policy development, achieving significant organizational growth and operational efficiency.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
Puerto Rico Convention District Authority
02.2021 - Current
- Implemented the Government's public policy through the agency's work plan.
- Oversaw the administration of Puerto Rico's main venues such as Coliseum of Puerto Rico, T Mobile District, Puerto Rico Convention Center, Antiguo Casino and Bahía Urbana.
- Hosted Dick Clark's New Year's Rocking Eve 2021-2024, WWE Smackdown and Backlash, FIBA's Olympic Qualifier BasketballTournament, Bad Bunny's, Karol G's, Juan Luis Guerra's, Gilberto Santarosa's tours. (Amongst Others)
- Created a special fund to incentivize groups, conventions and special events to choose our destination.
- Established highest records of ticket sales, world class events and revenue both in Coliseum de Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico Convention Center.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
- Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
- Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and other government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
- Advocated for policy changes at local a level to further support the organization''s goals and objectives.
- Set organizational goals and objectives to guide and direct company focus and achieve mission fulfillment.
- Developed and implemented organizational strategies to achieve set goals and objectives and secured long-term success.
- Implemented innovative marketing strategies to raise brand awareness and drive revenue growth.
- Presented regularly at conferences or industry events showcasing the accomplishments of the organization.
- Negotiated beneficial agreements with service providers, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing expenses.
- Expanded organization's outreach, executing strategic partnerships with local and international NGOs.
- Strengthened governance structures, establishing clear policies and procedures for board management and operations.
Deputy Mayor
Autonomous Municipality of Guaynabo
09.2017 - 01.2021
- Substitute and represent the Mayor when he estimated necessary.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors that provided cost-effective solutions without sacrificing service quality or citizen satisfaction levels when delivering essential services such as waste collection and public transit operations.
- Provided oversight on major capital projects ensuring timely completion within allocated budgets while minimizing disruptions to city services or residents'' lives during construction periods.
- Facilitated intergovernmental relations by working closely with state officials to secure funding for critical projects within the city limits.
- Improved public safety by collaborating with local law enforcement agencies, community groups, and businesses.
- Reduced budget deficits by identifying cost-saving measures and improving fiscal management practices.
- Implemented performance measurement systems within city departments to monitor progress towards strategic goals effectively.
- Streamlined city operations by implementing strategic plans and coordinating cross-departmental initiatives.
- Enhanced community engagement by organizing and leading public forums, town hall meetings, and workshops.
- Managed crisis situations efficiently while maintaining open lines of communication with concerned parties.
- Fostered economic development with the implementation of innovative projects and partnerships.
- Developed strong relationships with community leaders to foster a sense of shared responsibility in addressing civic challenges together.
- Directed operations, planning, and administration of city departments.
- Served as an effective liaison between the Mayor''s office, City Council, staff members, and external stakeholders for timely decision-making processes.
- Signed contracts, ordinances and other official documentation to execute orders of office.
- Attended public forums, events and informal meetings.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
Law Firm Partner
Vallines & Rivera
02.2006 - 09.2017
- Provided adequate legal representation in civil, criminal, and administrative cases.
- Achieved successful client outcomes by identifying and addressing their unique needs and goals.
- Negotiated settlements, achieving mutually satisfactory resolutions for clients involved in disputes.
- Crafted persuasive written communications including briefs, memoranda, and contracts with attention to detail and clarity.
- Collaborated with colleagues and support staff to maximize team efficiency.
- Cultivated a positive work environment within the firm by promoting collaboration among colleagues.
- Collaborated with a diverse team of professionals to develop innovative solutions for complex legal issues.
- Enhanced client satisfaction, consistently delivering customized solutions that met unique business needs.
- Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
- Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
- Interviewed and selected jurors to verify competency and lack of biases, presenting challenges for cause to dismiss unfit candidates.
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each case.
- Counseled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
- Presented key evidence and exhibits during civil trials.
- Drafted motions, petitions and waivers.
Special Events Manager
Puerto Rico Tourism Company
09.1997 - 02.2001
- Presided Sponsorship Committee and was in charge of identifying events that would expose Puerto Rico as a world class destination.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Managed all aspects of event planning, including budgeting, logistics, and vendor coordination for successful events.
- Improved team efficiency by streamlining internal communication processes and providing clear direction on project priorities.
- Maximized ROI by thoroughly tracking event performance metrics and identifying areas for improvement.
- Provided exceptional on-site support during events, addressing attendee inquiries or concerns promptly while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Boosted event attendance by implementing creative marketing strategies and engaging promotional materials.
- Managed budgets for various events, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, resulting in significant cost savings without compromising quality or service levels.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
- Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.
Assistant Front Office Manager
Wyndham Old San Juan
03.1995 - 08.1997
- Assisted in the recruitment process for front office staff, ensuring a strong team of well-trained employees.
- Balanced daily cash transactions, accurately maintaining financial records for the front office department.
- Collaborated with housekeeping and maintenance departments to ensure room availability and quality standards.
- Organized weekly team meetings to address challenges, review progress, and set goals for continuous improvement.
- Managed room inventory to optimize revenue opportunities during high-demand periods.
- Implemented new procedures for handling guest complaints, resulting in increased customer satisfaction ratings.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by efficiently managing front office tasks and addressing customer concerns promptly.
- Oversaw group reservations, working closely with event planners and sales teams to accommodate special requests as needed.
- Ensured accurate billing procedures were followed consistently by front desk staff members.
- Drafted employee work schedules to fill coverage gaps.
- Increased repeat business through personalized guest interactions and exceptional service delivery.
- Contributed towards achieving budgetary targets set by senior management through effective cost control measures.
- Improved team performance by providing regular training on customer service techniques and hotel policies.
- Served as floating manager-on-duty, MOD, to cover shift shortage.
- Streamlined check-in and check-out processes for a smoother guest experience.
- Supervised and guided new employees and responded quickly to questions to improve understanding of job responsibilities.
Concierge Agent
Westin Río Mar Beach Resort and Country Club
03.1993 - 01.1995
- Maintained a clean and welcoming lobby area to create a positive first impression for guests.
- Collaborated with other hotel departments to ensure smooth operations and consistent communication regarding guest requests.
- Assisted guests with reservations, ensuring a seamless booking experience.
- Handled transportation arrangements for guests, including coordinating car rentals and shuttle services as needed.
- Addressed guest concerns promptly, resulting in increased customer satisfaction ratings.
- Maintained comprehensive records of guest preferences, ensuring personalized service and recognition during future visits.
- Provided support during high-stress situations such as natural disasters or power outages, helping maintain order among guests while coordinating necessary resources.
- Provided exceptional customer service by anticipating and addressing guest needs proactively.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by providing personalized recommendations for local attractions and dining options.
- Contributed to overall hotel success by actively participating in team meetings and providing input on process improvements.
Education
J.D. - Law
Interamerican University School of Law
San Juan, Puerto Rico05.2005
BBA - Finance
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
Metro Campus05.1994
Skills
- Community Engagement
- Program Management
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Public Speaking
- Government relations
- Consulting
- Client Services
- Media Relations
- Business Planning
- Executive Leadership
- Budget Planning
- Effective Communicator and Public Speaker
- Policy Development
- Project Oversight
Certification
- Licensed Attorney Puerto Rico Bar
Additional Information
Key Speaker at different events including:
- International Tourism Fair (FITUR) 2021 and 2024, Madrid, Spain.
- Commercial Mission Puerto Rico & Madrid, 2022, Madrid, Spain.
- IMEX International 2022, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Global Entrepeneur Network, 2023, Melbourne, Australia.
- SKIFT Megatrends 2024, New York.
- Spotify House, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 2023.
- IMEX America 2024, Panamá City, Panamá.
Languages
Spanish
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Executive Director
Puerto Rico Convention District Authority
02.2021 - Current
Deputy Mayor
Autonomous Municipality of Guaynabo
09.2017 - 01.2021
Law Firm Partner
Vallines & Rivera
02.2006 - 09.2017
Special Events Manager
Puerto Rico Tourism Company
09.1997 - 02.2001
Assistant Front Office Manager
Wyndham Old San Juan
03.1995 - 08.1997
Concierge Agent
Westin Río Mar Beach Resort and Country Club
03.1993 - 01.1995
J.D. - Law
Interamerican University School of Law
BBA - Finance
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
- Licensed Attorney Puerto Rico Bar
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