April Burgess
Saint Charles
Summary
Innovative marketing director with strong skills in strategic planning and relationship management. Demonstrated ability to elevate brand presence and optimize performance across diverse markets, ready to contribute to organizational success through targeted initiatives.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Marketing and Leasing
Gambrill Gardens
Ellisville
2023 - Current
- Drove move-in initiatives through cold calling, managing tours, entering leads into CRM, and implementing community events to enhance resident engagement.
- Facilitated trade show participation to strengthen company presence and enhance brand visibility.
- Partnered with sales team to design lead generation campaigns that increased prospect engagement.
- Elevated census by 38% in 18 months through relationship-focused sales strategies for prospective residents and families. Currently working off a waitlist due to elevated demand.
Owner
Heaven Scent Soap Co.
Conroe
2013 - 2020
- Established home-based business to achieve work-family balance.
- Developed unique soap formulations known for their appealing scents.
- Marketed soaps through online platforms, farmers markets, and direct outreach to independent hotels in Houston.
Regional Vice President of Sales and Marketing
GF Hotels & Resorts
West Coast Region
2006 - 2013
- Directed sales and marketing strategy implementation for 16 hotels across West Coast region, enhancing market presence.
- Managed a portfolio of varied hotel flags and independent ownerships to optimize performance.
- Conducted competitive analysis to identify market opportunities for growth.
- Established comprehensive marketing plans, boosting occupancy rates and diversifying revenue streams.
- Facilitated collaboration between hotel teams and corporate management for strategic alignment.
- Created performance dashboards to measure marketing effectiveness and return on investment.
- Trained hotel personnel on best practices in sales and customer service excellence.
- Engaged with local organizations for partnership development and community outreach.
- Advanced to position of regional director after successful leadership tenure.
Opening General Manager
WS Hotel & The Parkway Hotel
Saint Louis
2001 - 2006
- Orchestrated pre-opening sales and marketing initiatives
- Oversaw comprehensive hotel operations, encompassing rooms division, accounting, sales, valet parking, engineering, gift shop, and security.
- Sourced and onboarded 85 staff while procuring all furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
Director of Marketing
Chase Park Plaza Hotel
Saint Louis
1999 - 2001
- Developed and executed annual marketing strategy for new hotel, extended stay units, corporate apartments, unfurnished apartments, restaurant venues, and commercial leased space totaling 1 M sq. ft.
- Launched new reservation system and directed web page development, design, and content creation.
- Built and preserved solid partnerships with key accounts.
Director or Sales, Catering & Marketing
GF Hotels & Resorts
Saint Louis
1995 - 1999
- Promoted from Sales Manager to Director of Sales & Marketing
- Achieved 35% increase in room sales and 28% in catering sales through new marketing plan post $8M renovation
- Increased hotel market share by 15% through targeted strategies for competitor clientele
Manager
International Tours
Birmingham
1992 - 1995
- Coordinated vendor relationships to secure accommodations and transportation services for clients.
- Assisted clients in obtaining travel documentation and visas, ensuring compliance with requirements.
- Led team in planning and executing international travel itineraries.
- Managed client relationships to ensure seamless travel experiences.
- Coordinated logistics for group tours across multiple destinations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri, MO01-1992
Skills
- Sales & Marketing
- Digital marketing
- Brand management
- Media Management
- Budget administration
- Senior relationship management
- Training
- Operations Management
- Human Resources
- Pre-opening efforts
Timeline
Director of Marketing and Leasing
Gambrill Gardens
2023 - Current
Owner
Heaven Scent Soap Co.
2013 - 2020
Regional Vice President of Sales and Marketing
GF Hotels & Resorts
2006 - 2013
Opening General Manager
WS Hotel & The Parkway Hotel
2001 - 2006
Director of Marketing
Chase Park Plaza Hotel
1999 - 2001
Director or Sales, Catering & Marketing
GF Hotels & Resorts
1995 - 1999
Manager
International Tours
1992 - 1995
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
University of Missouri