Kathryn Brown
Short Bio
Katie Brown serves as a program coordinator, administrator and academic coordinator III at Auburn University, bringing more than 25 years of experience in strategic event planning and business operations to departmental initiatives.
Known for her detail-oriented approach and ability to deliver high-impact results with minimal supervision, she manages complex institutional logistics, including National Science Foundation grant budgets, student stipends and large-scale academic symposia.
Her professional background includes a Bachelor of Science in hotel, restaurant and tourism administration with a minor in business management, certification as a meeting professional and specialized certifications through Auburn’s COMPASS Research Administration and Aspire Leading People programs.
A self-motivated team player with a strong reputation for communication and relationship building, Brown has built a versatile career across locations and sectors while remaining deeply dedicated to serving the Auburn community she calls home.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration University of New Orleans 2002
Minor in Business Managment University of New Orleans 2002
Professional Experience
- Auburn University | Program coordinator and administrator, academic coordinator III | 2020-present
- Office of Research and Graduate Studies: conference, meeting and workshop development; post-award support
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics: conference, meeting and workshop development; post-award support; travel reimbursement
- Department of Geosciences: colloquium series coordination; outreach logistics; department recruitment; main office support
- Auburn University | Program coordinator, NRT on Climate Resilience | May 2020-July 2025
- Managed the National Science Foundation Research Traineeship program budget, invoices, student stipends, events, schedules, compliance and annual reports.
- Corporate and nonprofit organizations | Event, program and office management | 2013-2019
- Marriott International | Senior convention and event leadership | 2000-2009
- Orchestrated high-volume event operations, inventory management, catering and billing for major convention hotel properties, consistently achieving 100% on corporate audits while coordinating groups of up to 7,000 attendees.
Engagement
- Coordinator for the Department of Geosciences Outreach Event
- Coordinator for CoSAM outreach conferences for Mathematics and Statistics, Geosciences, Physics, and CoSAM Center Initiatives
- 5 years of managing AU's NSF Research Traineeship on Climate Resilience's outreach activities including Climate Symposiums, Earth Day, Spring into Spring and Jr Mad Scientist, and Sustainability Picni
- Volunteer for CoSAM Outreach Events
Certifications and Awards
- Auburn Aspire: Leading People certification
- Auburn COMPASS: Research Administration Training certification
- Event Leadership Institute: Advanced Event Design Strategy and Enhancing Events with AI
- Certified Meeting Professional, 2007-2017
- Member of Marriott International’s 2006 Event Management Team of the Year
- Achieved 100% on corporate event management audits at two major convention hotels
- Maintained a personal overall event satisfaction score above the Marriott brand average
- Received the Marriott Tifel Award
- Received a hospitality award from former employees
ORGS Role
Conference/Meeting/Workshop development, post-award support (25% assignment)
