Brent Haugen

I am highly organized, creative, and distinctively innovative professional, with extensive experience and proven skills in the field of nonprofit management and destination marketing. I am a strategic business leader, recognized for the ability to develop strategies and execute targeted plans to generate optimal bottom-line results in revenues, market share, and membership loyalty. Known for remarkable work ethic and problem-solving aptitudes to analyze situations, formulate effective solutions, and resolve complex situations. Adept at overseeing cross-functional teams and regional divisions to drive strong and sustainable productivity gains toward fulfillment of overall strategic goals. As a former Executive Director of the Mendocino County Tourism Commission & Morro Bay Tourism Bureau, plus 10+ years of experience in Minneapolis, I have: • Managed budgets exceeding 1.5 million annually • Guided organizations through successful strategic planning processes • Created grant programs to expand tourism programs & the growth to events • Successfully increased transient occupancy tax (TOT) related to hotels & motels & overall occupancy • Acquired & hired talent, plus supervised & evaluated regular & contract staff & volunteers • Developed annual budgets & comprehensive strategic marketing plans & endeavors • Planned & executed successful advertising & promotions for the meetings, sports & tourism departments at the organization • Created & managed community celebrations, fundraising & special events • Maximized the organization’s online environment with search engine optimization • Gained additional visibility through the participation in professional tradeshows & outreach to feeder cities through consumer shows • Sales, management, editorial and production of the main collateral pieces for fulfillment & promotions • Gained important relationships with area stakeholders for partnerships, the group travel industry & related industry organizations