If you happen to be a guest at one of Brooke Sheldon’s events, you can’t help but be impressed by the ingenuity of her uniquely styled affairs, her attention to detail and her sophistication. But, what is more impressive is Ms. Sheldon’s diverse background in event planning and her variety of thrilled clients.
Ms. Sheldon began her career in politics, working as a Congressional Legislative Aide to U.S. Congressman Peter Hoekstra. Ms. Sheldon then worked as an Account Executive to one of Washington’s top special event and public relations firms, Hayes Domenici & Associates, where she gained substantial hands-on experience working on large events for such clients as the National Race for the Cure, the National Children’s Alliance and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Her work for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundations included the creation of JDRF Congress Day, which is an annual event today and the largest media and grassroots event for type 1 diabetes. Ms. Sheldon then worked as the Executive Assistant to Ron Kaufman at the Dutko Group, one of the largest lobbying firms in the country.
Ms. Sheldon became the Chief of Staff to former First Lady Barbara Bush and was responsible for coordinating media and event appearances, travel and daily activities for Mrs. Bush. Ms. Sheldon also planned and coordinated receptions, dinners and guest activities for former President and Mrs. Bush in their Houston, TX and Kennebunkport, ME homes.
Ms. Sheldon became the Tournament Manager of Corporate Sales & Hospitality for the PGA of America’s 35th Ryder Cup Matches. Here Ms. Sheldon developed and maintained corporate sponsorships that exceeded sales and marketing goals, resulting in more than $15 million in revenue. Additionally, Ms. Sheldon oversaw the needs of more than 260 national and international clients and was responsible for hiring and maintaining temporary staff to assist these clients’ needs during the tournament.
In 2003 the wife of a US Ambassador asked Ms. Sheldon for her assistance in coordinating her daughter’s wedding and thus Lilybrooke Events was formed.
Ms. Sheldon considers herself the personal assistant to each of her limited clients.
When not on an airplane or a sailboat, she splits her time between Kennebunkport, Maine, Washington, DC and Spring Lake, Michigan.
Rose Bryant is majoring in Hospitality & Tourism Management at San Diego State University. Rose has experience in catering, being a design assistant and most recently as an Event Planning Assistant for Brooke Sheldon.
Rose became an invaluable asset to the Lilybrooke team and is focusing on the long term planning as well as being a day-of wedding coordinator.
As a native to Kennebunkport, Rose plans to return each summer and continue to grow her event planning career. She will work with Lilybrooke Events to specialize in weddings, which has been her childhood career goal. Following graduation, Rose intends to reside in New England full-time to pursue this goal.