Richard Heffernan

Oversee European and Asian member engagement and recruit prospective members for this member association of nearly 500 global financial institutions.

This startup association fosters knowledge transfer and engagement among its member community to stimulate ICT innovation in Europe. Key areas of responsibility include developing and managing a web-based community focusing on Emerging ICT Communications Infrastructure. Developed concept for EAI Summits including program content and session formats addressing each stage of the ICT innovation value chain. Manage portfolio of related annual global academic conferences.

For this association of over 400 global financial services firms, oversaw two annual membership meetings held globally, regional meetings, and special events. Attendees from over 80 countries included CEO’s, economists, and senior government officials. Directed team in managing sponsorship, program development, speaker recruitment, protocol, invitation outreach, registration, operations, and graphic design.

Collaborated with and led six-person team responsible for generating over $2.5 million in revenue annually through development of conferences, web seminars, an awards program, sponsorship and membership recruitment and retention. Served on management team providing strategy and management counsel to CEO and Board. Managed conference host committee relationships and provided guidance on theme and program development, speaker selection and local fundraising strategy. Guided overhaul of conference branding.

Managed team of nine to strengthen NGO organizational capacity in developing countries and fund infrastructure improvements in foreign hospitals and universities. Service areas included: website development; monitoring & evaluation; grant and events management; communications and publications development. Managed client relationship, resolved contract issues, developed budget management tool, coached team, conducted stakeholder outreach, instituted monthly reporting, and managed editorial consultants.

Led project in business development, events management, marketing strategy formulation and partnership development for clients including: Equals Three Communications, Inc., Center for Clean Air Policy (Future Action Dialogue on Global Climate Change), Axiom Communications Group (U.S. Department of Homeland Security).

Served on Senior Management Team and provided strategic counsel to CEO on agency positioning. Drove business development efforts resulting in an estimated $3.5 million in revenue. Directed team which produced 40+ conferences, workshops, media and special events annually. Built event management practice, managed client relationships and developed project strategies resulting in portfolio of repeat business.