Carla Connington

Southaven, MS 38671
901-598-8448 (C)
ciban4@yahoo.com

www.linkedin.com/in/carlaconnington/
Accomplished Professional in Sales, Recruiting, Training, & Management Leadership
18+ Years of executive sales, sales training, major account management, advertising and management

Built, developed, coached, trained, and managed several sales & customer service teams, in
various industries, such as advertising, wireless, consumer food, on-line programs, & recruiting
agencies, increasing revenue significantly. Won several sales and management awards,
including Rookie of the Year, out of 75 reps for the Dallas Morning News, with a $1.1 million
dollar goal, Key Account Manager of the Year, for entire U.S. for a consumer meat company,
District Manager of the quarter, and year. Also started a mortgage business from the ground up,
as Vice President, taking revenues from 0 to $500,000 in sales the first year in business. Guided
these businesses through several economic downturns (tech bubble bursting in the late 90s and
post 9/11).
Developed and managed numerous partnerships and strategic relationships with client-companies
including government agencies. Excellent presentation skills. Sales operations, marketing
acumen, marketing development, and consulting experience.
Partnered with clients to identify their needs by applying strategies to meet their requirements.
Sourced and matched candidates and resources to client needs over a wide range of industries.
18+ years training, coaching, and managing sales staffs, as well as sales & marketing operations.
Have maintained excellent relationships with direct and indirect reports, as well as customers, up
to C-Level. Well known for adapting my style and responses to the specifics of each situation
and the personalities of those involved (e.g., one-size does not fit all).
Business Management Overview

Professional and Personal Traits

Sales and marketing, career services, executive recruiting,

talent acquisition, HR, and P&L, and advertising.
Career Development, business development
Manufacturing customer relationships
Operations, management, client relations and account
management, strategic planning, national accounts, new
business development, employee recruitment,
development and training, and public speaking.
Marketing Strategies, Project Management
Manufacturing placement experience
Government compliance/CRM software
Negotiate government contracts
Start-up business environments.
Strong client relationship-building.
Strong interpersonal and written communications skills
Experienced and comfortable dealing with students
through C-level executives.
Business Development

Project Management of business and information

technology-related initiatives, as well as advertising,
including outdoor, print, and on-line.

Data analysis and reporting utilizing Cognos, Access,

Microsoft Office and internal Customer Relationship
Management programs.

Marketing of businesses through face-to-face, phone and

technological initiatives.
Contract negotiations

Public speaking and giving business presentations to

internal and external constituents, as well as teaching
classes on resume building and interview skills

Leadership and development of strong business teams via

staff recruiting, training coaching, and staff development.
Public Speaking, Sales, Advertising, Consumer Food
Trainer/ Talent Acquisition
Extensive (15+ years) management expertise
Major Accounts acquisition & retention. National
Accounts
Leadership/team building, Consumer food (Meat)
industry expertise. Senior Account management
Multi-level selling skills, exceeding monthly quotas
Interpersonal skills, excellent presentation skills
Healthcare, medical, hospital, benefits
Resourcefulness to seek out creative solutions to complex
problems and difficult situations.
VP of Sales, Sales Director, Sales Manager background
Advertising/Synergy expertise.
Trainer, Coaching
CRM software proficiency, SalesForce.com

Work Experience

Top RX Pharmaceutical Company

Pharmaceutical Sales Manager. (2013-present)
Hired to manage a team of 26 account managers in the Memphis market, recruiting, hiring, training,
and coaching teams to sell to independent pharmacies. Daily sales meetings, as well as one-on-one
coaching.
Established and facilitated sales training classes on cold calling, overcoming objections, closing the
sale.
Company has been without a sales manager for 6 months. Since coming aboard, department has
been exceeding budget goals for the year at over 140%. Attained 20 million dollar goal in October.
Responsible for budget, time sheets, and overall management of large sales team.
ITT Educational Services, Inc.
Director of Career Services. (2010 - 2013)
Hired to help the company re-engineer and rebuild the Career Services Department, through
development, training and coaching staff, as well as placing students, in their field of study. Quickly
established excellent reputation with corporate and field personnel. Recruit, hire, train, and coach
staff to reach quarterly placement goals, along with completing management reports, according by
governing agency, ACICS.
Chosen to travel to other schools in various cities across the U.S. to coach career services departments
who were struggling with their placement percentages. Developed strategies and coached staff,
working on overcoming deficiencies in their departments.
Won Career Services Department of the Year, out of 144 schools, nationally, after one year with the
company. Won #1 in the district after 9 months with the organization.
Aflac
Insurance Agent. (2008-2010)
Attended insurance school, becoming licensed in 3 states, and selling supplement insurance to
companies, including medical offices, retail, and various businesses. Sold long-term care and cancer
programs.
Won Rookie of the Year for insurance
Memphis Business Journal
Advertising Sales Director. (2007-2008)
Brought in to turn over deficiencies in the department, including recruiting, hiring, training, and
coaching a sales team of 12, plus 2 administrative personnel.
Coached sales team to sell print, on-line, and sell advertising and sponsorships for 4 large conferences
a year.
After 6 months with the organization, increased revenues significantly, attaining monthly and
quarterly quotas. Made the yearly multi-million dollar goal for the first time in 6 years.
Autotrader.com
Corporate Account Manager. (2006-2007)
Built a territory throughout N. Ms., as well as the Memphis market.
Managed multiple client accounts, training and coaching managers, and staff.
Experienced in a wide range of industries and company sizes (small business to multi-billion dollar)
and positions ranging from junior-level staff to senior management (President, Vice-President, etc.).
Proficient with Customer Relationship Management database system.
Previous Experience
Cellular South-Corporate Sales Manager-Memphis, TN
Crestcom Management Training Programs-Territory Sales Manger/Facilitator-Memphis, TN
Dallas Morning News-Major Accounts Manager-Dallas, TX
Employment One-Executive Recruiting Branch Manager-Phoenix, AZ
Cellular One-Regional Sales Manager-El Paso, TX
Kelly Services-Area District Manager-El Paso, TX
Major Accounts Manager-Bauman Co .Outdoor Advertising-El Paso, TX
Director of Sales-Residence Inn-El Paso, TX
District Manager-Wilson Foods Corp.-El Paso, TX

Community
Served on various community organizations including a Christian Homeless Shelter, & Fundraiser for
American Heart Assn. Member of Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce
Awards/Achievements
District Manager of the quarter, District Manager of the year, (Wireless), Key Account Manager of the
year for entire U.S. (consumer), Regional Manager of the Year, (Recruitment), Rookie of the year ,
(Advertising), many awards for outstanding performance.