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Work Background
American ExpressReady for a new Opportunity
Feb. 2025
Tenacity PropertiesOwner & Founder
Feb. 2017Albertville, MNReal Estate Investing | MultiFamily Owner | Partnerships | Syndication Tenacityproperties.org | TessaKennedy.org
American ExpressDirector, Strategy & Partner Enablement
Apr. 2013 - Feb. 2025Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul AreaProvided strategic leadership to a team of senior managers, driving high-impact initiatives across cross-functional teams to improve profitability and deliver enhanced value to merchant partners. Partnered with external stakeholders to align product solutions with organizational objectives, while advocating for advanced risk modeling tools to address gaps in existing capabilities. Led the launch of innovative products through close collaboration with internal teams, ensuring market readiness and alignment with enterprise goals. Served as the primary owner of executive-level communications, developing strategic briefings and presentations that ensured leadership alignment on key initiatives, business reviews, and portfolio performance. Consistently mentored and coached team members, contributing to several internal promotions and strengthening organizational capability. Acted as a strategic partner to leadership, translating enterprise-wide objectives into tactical plans and communication strategies for over 10,000 internal stakeholders. Regularly prepared and presented executive-level briefings and strategic updates, ensuring senior leadership was well-positioned to make informed decisions. Managed cross-functional initiatives with high visibility, leading end-to-end execution and post-launch evaluation for merchant growth and optimized projects. Spearheaded annual planning cycles, linking division goals with product development and marketing priorities. Played a key role in cross-unit business reviews, delivering portfolio insights on value realization and financial performance. Led third-party product implementations that resulted in measurable merchant risk reduction and improved profitability
American Express Global Business TravelSenior Manager, Travel Management Account Services
Jun. 2009 - Apr. 2013Minneapolis, Minnesota, United StatesDirected a team of 6–10 managers in managing a national portfolio of 250 mid-sized travel clients, focused on optimizing travel programs and delivering strategic solutions that drove client satisfaction, retention, and cost savings. Developed and executed innovative strategies to strengthen client relationships, enhance travel efficiency, and align programs with broader organizational goals. Leveraged a broad internal network to mobilize cross-functional support and resources, driving impactful client outcomes. Provided leadership in shaping team-level approaches to client engagement, guiding the development of customized strategies aligned with client objectives and American Express priorities. Led strategic planning and execution for a portfolio of 250 clients, working across teams to improve client travel programs and reduce spend. Built and maintained executive-level relationships with internal and external stakeholders, aligning project priorities with long-term strategic goals. Drove operational improvements and optimized business travel spend, achieving above-industry savings and retention.
American Express Global Business TravelClient Manager, Global Business Travel
Oct. 2006 - Jun. 2009Minneapolis, Minnesota, United StatesManaged seventeen corporate travel clients to develop, implement, and sustain an efficient, cost-effective travel program with long-term strategies for success. Forged and strengthened relationships and communication and provided strategic insights. Work with all levels of travel suppliers to negotiate best-in-class programs while driving premium revenue into P&L. Provided mentorship of two General managers, ensuring high levels of portfolio success. Maintained 95% retention.
American ExpressCommodity Analyst
Jan. 2005 - Jan. 2006
American ExpressRisk Analyst
Jun. 2004 - Jul. 2005
American ExpressRetirement Services Specialist
Jul. 2002 - Jun. 2004
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