Her Story
About Marlee
Marlee O’Brien is an accomplished hospitality professional serving as Event Coordinator and Director of Food and Beverage at Dakota Dunes Country Club, a Landscapes Golf Management contracted course in Sioux City, Iowa. With five years of experience in event management within the private country club industry, Marlee has developed expertise in hospitality operations, event planning, food and beverage management, and member experience. She began her career at Dakota Dunes Country Club as a server and bartender while pursuing her college education, where she gained valuable insight into the hospitality industry and developed a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. In October 2021, she was selected by the general manager to transition into the Event Coordinator role, and she later expanded her responsibilities to include oversight of food and beverage operations.
In her current role, Marlee manages event planning and execution, oversees food and beverage operations, and leads a team of event staff, servers, and bartenders. She is known for her collaborative leadership approach, creating a supportive and team-focused environment that encourages accountability, professionalism, and strong communication. Her ability to successfully coordinate large-scale events, manage budgets, and deliver high-quality service has contributed to the continued success of Dakota Dunes Country Club, including the successful execution of the club’s largest wedding event to date.
Marlee credits her success to her dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to achieving meaningful goals while prioritizing the needs of others. She believes that confidence, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace challenges are essential qualities for women pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Through leadership conferences, mentorship, and hands-on experience managing increasingly complex events, she continues to grow as a hospitality leader. Outside of her professional pursuits, Marlee enjoys traveling and aspires to one day own and operate her own event venue, where she can continue bringing people together through memorable experiences.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marlee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to set meaningful goals and remain committed to achieving them. I have always maintained a strong work ethic and a personal commitment to delivering high-quality results in everything I do. I take pride in being dependable and finding solutions, even when challenges arise. While I naturally strive to support others and meet their needs, I use that mindset as motivation to think creatively, adapt, and find effective ways to bring ideas to life. My dedication, persistence, and willingness to go the extra mile have been key factors in my continued growth and success.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry to believe in themselves, trust their abilities, and stay committed to their goals. Hard work, dedication, and consistently delivering quality results will create opportunities and help build a strong reputation. Working in a traditionally male-dominated field has taught me the importance of confidence, perseverance, and proving your capabilities through your actions. While women may sometimes feel they need to work harder to establish themselves, staying focused, embracing challenges, and recognizing their own value can open doors to meaningful growth and success.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The greatest opportunities in my field today come from embracing innovation, building meaningful professional relationships, and continuing to share knowledge and expertise with others. I believe there is significant potential to create positive change by using my voice, fostering collaboration, and supporting the growth of those around me. Additionally, leveraging new technologies and evolving industry practices allows professionals to expand their impact, improve experiences, and create new opportunities for advancement. Through continuous learning, mentorship, and adaptability, we can continue to drive progress and strengthen the future of the industry.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, authenticity, empathy, professionalism, collaboration, and empowering others. I believe in leading with purpose, treating others with respect, and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. By staying true to my principles and fostering meaningful connections, I strive to make a positive impact on those around me while contributing to a culture of trust, growth, and shared success.
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