Brenda Cali

Experience

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  RITA Medical Systems

  Apr 2000 - Jul 2003

  Customer Service Rep/Sales and Marketing Coordinator

  As an Administrative Assistant for a medical device start-up in the SF Bay Area, I provided essential support across multiple departments, including directly assisting the CEO and collaborating with various teams to ensure smooth daily operations. My role was multifaceted, ranging from administrative duties to key involvement in the coordination and management of meetings, events, and company-wide initiatives. I was integral to the success of the sales and marketing teams, often taking the lead in planning a wide range of on-site and off-site events, which required a keen attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple moving parts. I was responsible for securing venues, managing room reservations and meeting spaces, and overseeing catering needs for events ranging from small internal meetings to large conferences. In addition, I played a key role in travel planning, ensuring seamless arrangements for employees and executives attending both domestic and international meetings and conferences. My customer service experience allowed me to effectively interact with clients and stakeholders, ensuring that their needs were met promptly and professionally. Day-to-day, I maintained an efficient office environment, handled administrative tasks, and supported team members in achieving company goals. My ability to juggle multiple priorities, solve problems proactively, and ensure the success of events and operations made me a key asset to the company’s growth and productivity.RITA Medical Systems was acquired by AngioDynamics, Inc. in 2007. Show less

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  Rubicor Medical

  Feb 2006 - Mar 2008

  Sales and Marketing Coordinator

  I was responsible for managing and processing customer sales orders and invoices daily, ensuring accuracy and timely fulfillment through both phone and email inquiries. I provided vital support to a nationwide sales and marketing team of approximately 100 employees, contributing to enhanced collaboration and operational efficiency. Additionally, I coordinated shipments with the in-house shipping and receiving department, ensuring smooth and on-time deliveries. I oversaw the customer database and filing system, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records to improve accessibility. I also handled customer returns, inquiries, and complaints, resolving issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction. Working closely with cross-functional teams, including HR, finance, sales, marketing, and operations, I assisted with various special projects, helping to streamline operations. Moreover, I took on the planning and organization of office meetings and events, successfully coordinating gatherings ranging from 10 to 100 people, ensuring flawless execution and a positive experience for all attendees. Show less

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  United Way of Santa Barbara County

  Jun 2008 - Oct 2008

  Event and Marketing Coordinator

  In my role at the non-profit organization, I provided comprehensive marketing, advertising, and campaign support to help elevate the organization’s mission and increase community engagement. I was deeply involved in creating and executing targeted marketing campaigns to raise awareness and drive participation in key initiatives. One of my most significant contributions was playing an integral role in the organization and coordination of the organization’s annual community event, Day of Caring, held every September. I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of event planning, from conceptualizing event strategies to managing logistics, securing vendors, and coordinating volunteers. I worked closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure that every detail—from venue selection and catering to volunteer coordination and promotional materials—was executed seamlessly. Additionally, I assisted in crafting promotional content for both digital and print media, helping to generate buzz around the event and ensuring maximum attendance. My ability to manage multiple moving parts and maintain a focus on the organization's goals made a meaningful impact on the success of the event and its continued growth within the community. Show less

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  Canary Hotel

  Dec 2008 - Apr 2009

  Group Reservations Coordinator

  As a Sales Coordinator at a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, I was responsible for driving group sales and optimizing room reservations to maximize revenue while enhancing the guest experience. I worked closely with event planners, corporate clients, and travel organizations to book group stays, conferences, and special events, ensuring seamless coordination of all details from initial inquiry to post-event follow-up. My role also involved building strong relationships with repeat clients and generating new leads, resulting in consistent growth in group bookings and a solidified presence in the competitive luxury market. Through strategic sales and personalized service, I played a key role in driving the hotel's reputation as a premier destination for both business and leisure guests. Show less

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  InTouch Health

  May 2009 - Mar 2011

  Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer

  As Executive Assistant to the CEO of InTouch Health, a leading telemedicine company, I played a crucial role in ensuring the CEO’s day-to-day operations ran smoothly and efficiently. I managed the CEO’s calendar, scheduling meetings, conferences, and travel arrangements, prioritizing appointments, and ensuring all time-sensitive tasks were completed promptly. I was the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, handling all correspondence, phone calls, and inquiries with professionalism and discretion. My responsibilities included preparing and organizing materials for meetings, drafting reports, presentations, and other documents for the CEO’s review, and managing confidential information with the utmost integrity. I worked closely with various departments, ensuring smooth communication between teams and supporting initiatives that advanced the company’s goals. In addition, I assisted with high-level project coordination, often working cross-functionally to track progress and ensure that deliverables were met on time. I also handled event planning for the CEO, coordinating both on-site and off-site meetings, conferences, and company events, ensuring all logistics were taken care of, from venue selection to catering and travel arrangements. My role required strong attention to detail, exceptional time management, and the ability to handle competing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Show less

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  Coldwell Banker Real Estate

  Apr 2011 - Feb 2012

  Marketing & Advertising Coordinator

  Provided strategic marketing and advertising support for high-end residential real estate listings in the prestigious Santa Barbara market. Collaborated closely with top-tier agents who specialized in selling multi-million dollar homes, designing and creating compelling print and online marketing materials that showcased each property’s unique features. Leveraged a deep understanding of market trends and client needs to develop impactful campaigns that elevated brand presence and drove engagement. Played a key role in crafting visually stunning and persuasive materials, including brochures, social media content, and digital ads, which were instrumental in the agents' success, helping to attract high-net-worth buyers and ultimately close multi-million dollar sales. Show less

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  Welocalize

  Feb 2012 - Dec 2013

  Administrative Project Manager

  Experienced in orchestrating seamless trade show logistics, including booth setup, travel arrangements, and overall event coordination. Played a key role in supporting major conferences, intercompany meetings, and special events by developing detailed schedules and timelines to ensure all agenda items and objectives were successfully met. Demonstrated expertise in scheduling high-level executive meetings, both on-site and off-site, for top-tier clients. Delivered comprehensive post-meeting analysis and follow-up, ensuring continued success and fostering long-term client relationships. Show less

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  Dream Foundation

  May 2013 - Dec 2014

  Executive Assistant Office Manager

  Passionate about supporting mission-driven organizations, I have successfully coordinated and facilitated meetings, ensuring efficient agenda creation and providing clear and actionable meeting minutes. With a strong focus on operational support, I managed day-to-day functions while working closely with volunteers to ensure smooth execution of community-focused events. I provided critical assistance to the Executive Director, playing a pivotal role in the setup and coordination of major events, ensuring seamless communication between office staff and volunteers. I also took the initiative to assign tasks, monitor progress, and foster collaboration to ensure all efforts aligned with the organization’s mission and goals. Show less

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  Gatherings for Good

  Oct 2014 - now

  Owner, Creator of Events & Experiences

  From initial concept to execution, we work with clients to help them visualize and create any social event, gatherings and celebration with a focus on destination weddings, corporate events and non-profit functions. We determine the size and scope of the event, develop a budget, research and secure venues and vendor partners, assist in developing all areas of event design, florals, and other decor elements, lighting, A/V, catering, entertainment, floorplan and space planning, rental items, program and timeline development and onsite event management that includes all areas of set up and breakdown and in some cases, post event analysis. Show less