Nicole Shepard
About Nicole Shepard
Nicole Shepard serves as the Special Events Coordinator at Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health, where she has worked since 2017. She also owns and operates Sweet As Lace Weddings & Events and has a background in business administration.
Work at Empath Health
Nicole Shepard has served as the Special Events Coordinator at Suncoast Hospice, a part of Empath Health, since 2017. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the planning and management of key events, including the Suncoast Hospice Fashion Show, Tampa Bay Hospice Cup, and Suncoast Hospice Beach Stroll. She manages a team of twenty Special Event Volunteers, ensuring that each event runs smoothly and meets its objectives. Additionally, she creates fiscal budgets for these special events and coaches participants in peer-to-peer fundraising efforts.
Previous Experience in Event Planning
Prior to her current position, Nicole worked as an Assistant Wedding & Events Planner at Parties A' La Carte from 2015 to 2016. This role provided her with foundational experience in event planning and coordination. Additionally, she held a position as a Full Time Sales Lead at ANN INC. from 2014 to 2017, where she developed skills in customer service and team management that are applicable to her current role in event coordination.
Education and Expertise
Nicole studied Business Administration and Management at St. Petersburg College, where she earned her Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) from 2013 to 2016. She also attended the University of South Florida from 2011 to 2013, focusing on Business Administration and Management. Her educational background provides her with a solid foundation in management principles, which she applies in her role as Special Events Coordinator.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In addition to her role at Suncoast Hospice, Nicole is the Owner and Executive Planner at Sweet As Lace Weddings & Events, a position she has held since 2016. This venture allows her to apply her event planning expertise in a broader context, catering to various clients in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Through this business, she further develops her skills in event management and client relations.
Event Management Skills
Nicole works exclusively with Raisers Edge for event management and fundraising activities. Her proficiency in this software enhances her ability to organize and execute successful fundraising events. She also demonstrates strong leadership skills by managing volunteers and coaching participants in fundraising initiatives, contributing to the overall success of events at Suncoast Hospice.