Open to opportunities

Michele Duke

@micheleduke

I build scalable event, field marketing, and association programs that drive revenue, engagement, and operational results.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead scalable event, field marketing, membership, or association programs where I can build partnerships, improve operations, manage complex budgets, and create measurable revenue and engagement results.

I'm building the National Association for Housing Revitalization from startup through launch, developing its membership strategy, systems, partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and operational infrastructure.

At Gartner, I directed a $5M global events portfolio spanning 65+ in-person conferences and 1,000+ virtual activations. I launched its first public sector field marketing program, delivering 400% ROI, led a 10-person team, and strengthened reporting, compliance, vendor management, and sponsorship performance.

I've also delivered major conferences, sourcing programs, and field marketing initiatives for American Express Global Business Travel, SUCCESS Magazine, Deloitte University, and hospitality clients—managing multimillion-dollar budgets, negotiating contracts, and creating experiences that support sales growth and brand visibility.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Executive Director

Current

National Association for Housing Revitalization (NAHR)

Oct 2025 - Present (11 months)

Lead the development and operations of a national trade association from startup through launch, building infrastructure, membership strategy, systems, and processes. Partner with executive leadership and external partners to translate strategy into actionable initiatives across membership, advocacy, and partnerships.

Leadership Strategic Planning Membership Strategy Project Management Technology Implementation Vendor Management Operations

Global Event Leader

Gartner, Inc.

Apr 2022 - Dec 2024 (2 years 8 months)

Directed daily operations of a $5M global events portfolio, overseeing finance, vendor management, compliance, and cross-functional governance. Built and led a 10-person team, launched a public sector field marketing program achieving 400% ROI, and standardized operational systems across regions.

Event Management Vendor Management Budget Management Team Leadership Power BI Rainfocus Salesforce Compliance Strategic Planning

Project Director

PandemicProof Productions LLC

Oct 2020 - Mar 2021 (5 months)

Partnered with the CEO to establish core operations, governance frameworks, and financial infrastructure, driving $1M in profit in the first year. Directed startup operations including LLC formation, compliance, and project management, and led a remote team of 20+ COVID compliance officers.

Project Management Operations Financial Management Quickbooks Monday.Com Compliance Team Leadership Risk Management

Sourcing & Meeting Planning Manager

American Express Global Business Travel Inc.

Mar 2018 - Oct 2020 (2 years 7 months)

Managed sourcing and contracting with National Sales Organizations and third-party partners for large-scale meetings and events. Led sourcing, negotiation, and budget management for 100+ contracts annually, achieving $100K+ in cost savings and directing 50+ global conferences.

Sourcing Negotiation Budget Management Cvent Salesforce Event Management Vendor Management Compliance

Senior Corporate Event & Field Marketing Manager

SUCCESS Partners / SUCCESS Magazine Co.

Feb 2016 - Jan 2018 (1 year 11 months)

Built and managed high-value external relationships with the Direct Selling Association to grow B2B partnerships. Launched SUCCESS Magazine's first consumer conference, exceeding registration goals by 10%, and managed $500K+ budgets, cutting costs 15% annually.

Event Management Field Marketing Budget Management Cvent Salesforce Marketo Partnership Development

Conference Services Manager

Benchmark Hospitality / Deloitte University

Jan 2015 - Jan 2016 (1 year)

Partnered with Deloitte event and leadership teams to execute high-profile programs with precision and brand consistency. Managed 4+ simultaneous programs monthly, overseeing lodging, production, AV, and vendor operations.

Event Management Client Services Vendor Management Cross functional Coordination Problem Solving

Executive Meeting Manager

John Q. Hammons / Embassy Suites Outdoor World

Jan 2012 - Jan 2015 (3 years)

Managed 40+ corporate, association, and government programs monthly, achieving 165% of sales targets while maintaining top-tier service ratings. Led strategic partnerships with national nonprofits and directed contract negotiations, event design, and on-site operations.

Event Management Sales Contract Negotiation Client Relations Nonprofit Partnerships Operations