1. SUSAN F. FERNANDEZ, IOM, TMP
4786 WHEELER ROAD, HERNANDO, MS 38632  901.489.0321
SusanFFernandez@gmail.com
CAREER PROFILE:
More than 14 years of progressive experience in the non-profit and public/private sector focused on service and
organizational success. Sound leadership ability that develops visions into reality through exceptional
communication, decision making, and strategic thought. With a background in accounting and finance related to
501(c) entities ensures compliance and fiscal success. Has a proven record of developing corporate
sponsorships, conducting membership drives, as well as festival and event planning.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
HERNANDO MAIN STREET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HERNANDO, MS
The Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce exists to serve as the voice of our members and to promote
economic growth in Hernando through education and the development of a vibrant business community.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 2011-Present
• Responsible for the overall management of operations, administration; budget; finance/accounting; strategic planning;
oversight of Board-directed initiatives and staff leadership of a combined Chamber of Commerce and Main Street
Association.
• Develops partnerships, collaborative relationships and effective coordination with various stakeholders including City
officials and employees, downtown attractions and businesses, property owners and residents, developers, the arts
community, non-profits, volunteers, and the media.
• Responsible for all aspects of event and festival management; sponsorship, development, planning, coordination,
organizing, volunteers, set up and break down
• Manage the membership of the organization and have Increased membership by over 30% since joining; continually
analyze and adjust our programs to meet the needs of our membership to add value to our members
• Responsible for the coordination and implementation of the website and social media presence
• Outstanding Retail Promotion Award – Hernando Christmas Open House – Mississippi Main Street (2016)
DESOTO COUNTY TOURISM ASSOCIATION SOUTHAVEN, MS
Operating under the umbrella of the DeSoto County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Tourism Association
promotes the five incorporated city’s historical and cultural attributes as well as the lodging, dining, and meeting
space of the area.
DIRECTOR OF SALES 2003-2011
• Represent Tourism Association at various city, county, regional, state and national events and tradeshows
• Develop and maintain an on-going database of trade show leads
• Coordinate and assist in the design and execution of projects to enhance the community and encourage
tourism
• Attend monthly CVB Board meetings and keep the board updated on current projects
• Maintain the North MS Hotel and Lodging Association website and plan quarterly social events
• Assist in developing publications, brochures and promotional literature
• Assisted in the development and implementation of marketing campaigns to include Social Media

2. SUSAN F. FERNANDEZ, IOM, TMP
4786 WHEELER ROAD, HERNANDO, MS 38632  901.489.0321
SusanFFernandez@gmail.com
CIVIC ACTIVITIES
• Apelah, Inc.--Board of Directors
• Excel by 5 Hernando--Coalition Chairman
• Hernando Historic Preservation--Commissioner
• DeSoto County Economic Development Council--Governmental
Affairs Committee
• Hernando Toastmasters – Founding Member, President (2015),
Secretary (2016), Competent Communicator Award, Competent
Leadership Award, Advanced Leadership Bronze (2016), C5 Area
Director (2016-2017)
• DeSoto County Business Women – Vice President (2016)
• Olive Branch Family YMCA--Board Member (2013-2015)
• DeSoto County Greenways Advisory Committee
• Mississippi Economic Development Council
• Relay for Life (American Cancer Society) of DeSoto County – Team
Recruitment/Development (2004-2005), Co-Chairman (2005-2006),
Chairman (2006-2008), Accounting Chairman (2008-2010), Team
Captain (2011-present)
• North MS Hotel and Lodging Association – Board Member (2005-
2011)
• Tennessee Relay for Life Council (American Cancer Society)
(2009-2010)
• American Cancer Society--Legislative Ambassador (2006-2008)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISS Hattiesburg, MS Basic Economic Development Course 2015
US CHAMBER OF COMMERCEAthens, GACertificate of Nonprofit Organization Management 2014
THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPIUniversity, MSBachelor of Accountancy 2011
SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETYDahlonega, GATravel Marketing Professional 2010
DESOTO COUNTY ECONOMIC COUNCIL Hernando, MSLeadership DeSoto 2006
THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPIUniversity, MSBBA in Marketing Communications 2002