Courtney Rayburn
SALES & MARKETING PROFESSIONAL
Phone:
(949) 973-8033
Email:
Currently employed as the Special Events and Marketing Director for T. Boone Pickens YMCA and the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot. www.thetrot.org
About Me
I began my career in the amusement industry in 1999 at Six Flags Astroworld & Waterworld in Houston, Texas. Thinking I would just be there for a summer job, I never expected that I would make a career of it, but it has been 17+ years and I am still in love with the idea of selling fun. My favorite part of working in the amusement industry is helping people make memories with family and friends, hearing the screams of laughter on rides, and interacting with guests. It absolutely makes up for the long hours and sweaty summers.
In my free time, I enjoy visiting theme parks as a guest, karaoke, camping, going to a baseball game (Go Astros!), or reading. I enjoy crafting as well, and recently taught myself how to crochet.
I am the pet parent to two cats, Braveheart and Squishy. They are a constant source of entertainment and the primary subjects of my Instagram feed. We recently relocated from Southern California to Burleson, Texas in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and I am still exploring and getting to know my new city.
EXPERIENCE
Marketing Communications Manager
April 2015 - August 2016
APEX PARKS GROUP
Working with Apex Parks Group gave me the opportunity to assist in setting the marketing direction for multiple park brands. Working with the Director of Sales & Marketing and the agency of record to determine an appropriate mix of paid media during key promotional periods, we successfully increased market penetration, brand awareness, and revenues.
Digital Media Manager
April 2013 - April 2015
PALACE ENTERTAINMENT
During my first 5 years with Palace Entertainment, I held sales and marketing positions at three FEC locations. In 2010, based on my use of social media to increase brand awareness and revenues at Mountasia, I was given the opportunity to lead Palace Entertainment’s adoption of social marketing for all 41 park locations. My initial focus was to develop a content and growth strategy for Facebook and Twitter. In April 2013, I was promoted and charged with overseeing all online instances that represented Palace's 23 brands. This included leading a website redevelopment project, securing all review site and location listings, and developing online properties to meet the growing demand for mobile friendly websites and purchase processes
Social Media Manager
August 2010 - April 2013
Sales and Marketing Manager, Mountasia
July 2009 - August 2010
Sales Manager, Boomers
August 2007 - November 2007
Sales Coordinator, Boomers
May 2004 - July 2007
Education Marketing Representative
November 2001 - November 2003
Group Sales and Event Coordinator
May 2001 - November 2001
Sales Support Staff
April 1999 - May 2001
SIX FLAGS ASTROWORLD (closed)
My passion for selling fun and creating memorable events began at AstroWorld in 1999. I started that summer as a seasonal sales assistant and came back as a full-time administrative assistant the following season. I was the Education Marketing Representative for two years, selling group events and consignment program tickets to schools, universities, and other youth programs throughout the state of Texas. I exceeded personal sales goals by 11% and 15% respectively in those two years.
HIGHLIGHTS
2016
WORLD WATERPARK ASSOCIATION SHOW
MODERATOR
Marketing Roundtable
2015
WORLD WATERPARK ASSOCIATION SHOW
CO-PRESENTER
Advanced Social Media: Taking Facebook and Twitter Up a Notch
2013
THEME PARK FOOD & BEVERAGE SYMPOSIUM
PRESENTER
Deep-Fried Marketing: Using Social Media as your Secret Ingredient
2012
DNA ASSOCIATION - US Conference 2012
MODERATOR
Maximizing Social Media in Leisure Facilities
PROJECT SAMPLES
Creative videos and ideas for park promotions, ride openings, special events, and more.
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HOOTSUITE ACADEMY
CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL
Social Marketing
Strategic Marketing Plans - Advanced
Social Media Strategies - Advanced
Digital Advertising - Advanced
Online Analytics - Advanced
Email Marketing - Advanced
Microsoft Office - Advanced
Online User Experience - Intermediate
Adobe PhotoShop - Intermediate
Adobe Premiere Pro - Basic
HTML Editing - Basic
Customer Service, Team Leadership, Team Building, Budget Management - Advanced
SKILLS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Astroworld was my first experience working in a theme park. Courtney taught me a lot about event planning and organization. She was organized, prepared well in advance and always had contingency plans--our clients never knew if there were any issues or problems because Courtney had everything covered!
Claudia Sanchez, Marketing and Outreach Director
Community Health Choice
For six years I worked almost daily with Courtney, and during those years I observed her dedication, passion, attention to detail, and her love for doing her job well. I am most impressed with her ability to quickly learn and take on new skills and areas of expertise. Courtney is always one step ahead of the current marketing trends and is always pushing to do more.
David Turner, Director of Interactive Media
Turnstile Advertising
Courtney has excellent management and organizational skills that always exceed our expectations and ultimately save us time and money.
Lawrence Johnson, President
Dub3 Solutions
Courtney is one of the most hardworking, dedicated, committed co workers I've ever had the pleasure to work with. She goes above and beyond for the guest, and the staff; always willing to help when needed without even having to ask. She was my co worker, my mentor and is someone I'm proud to call my friend.
Gloria Eskandari, Sales Manager
Boomers, Fountain Valley