Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
LANGUAGES
Accomplishments
Awards
Timeline
Generic
SUZAN RESSTEL

SUZAN RESSTEL

Boston

Summary

Experienced international relations and event operations specialist with over 20 years of experience in orchestrating global event logistics, managing diplomatic coordination, and engaging high-level stakeholders. Proven track record in executing large-scale meetings, international conferences, and intergovernmental missions with senior leadership, intricate protocol, and multi-agency collaboration. Known for navigating fast-paced international settings with cultural sensitivity, operational excellence, and strategic acumen.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Defense Affairs Advisor / International Events Coordinator

U.S. Department of Defense – U.S. Embassy, Brasília, Brazil
07.2013 - Current
  • Executed high-level international engagements, official visits, and bilateral summits involving complex logistics and protocol.
  • Oversaw VIP official arrival and departure coordination for U.S.Delegations at Air Bases through high level interagency communications.
  • Liaised with over 50 concurrent senior defense, diplomatic, and civilian stakeholders across Brazil and the U.S.
  • Drafted executive communications, briefing materials, and post-engagement assessments.
  • Acted as Master Of Ceremony during High Level engagements including 4th of July Official Event and Bicentennial of U.S. and Brazil relations.
  • Developed long-lasting relationships with official stakeholders to ensure consistent retention and loyalty.

Administrative Assistant & Event Operations Assistant

U.S. Department of Defense – U.S. Embassy, Brasília, Brazil
03.2008 - 07.2013
  • Executive assistant to 9 different U.S. Attachés to Brazil.
  • Coordinated international visit logistics, including travel, scheduling, and vendor support.
  • Supported high-level meetings, document preparation, and diplomatic communications for senior U.S. representatives.
  • Ensured accurate record-keeping with diligent data entry and database management for vital company information.
  • Supported executive staff through scheduling meetings, coordinating travel arrangements, and preparing crucial documents.

Bilingual Executive Assistant

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems – Brazil Branch
01.2007 - 01.2008
  • Provided bilingual coordination and support for binational meetings, official visits, and defense trade compliance.

Bilingual Executive Assistant

Metropole Hospitalar, Brasília, Brazil
01.2004 - 01.2007
  • Managed procurement, inventory, and vendor logistics for medical equipment and emergency supplies.
  • Monitored supply chain performance and coordinated with clinical leadership for operational readiness.

Education

MBA - Superior Defense Studies

Brazilian Superior Defense School
01.2024

MBA - Project Management

Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV)
01.2021

BA - International Relations

Catholic University of Brasília
01.2007

Skills

  • Global Event Management

  • Crisis & Contingency Management

  • Logistics & Operational Planning

  • Protocol & Diplomatic Coordination

  • Vendor & Stakeholder Management

  • Strategic Planning & Leadership

  • Executive Communication

  • Analytical Thinking & Attention to Detail

  • Organizational Skills & Time management

  • Presentations and public speaking

  • Negotiation & Solution-Oriented Approach

  • Teamwork Collaboration & Leadership

LANGUAGES

English (Fluent)
Portuguese (Native)
Spanish (Intermediate)

Accomplishments

  • Directed operations planning and diplomatic protocol for the historic visit of U.S. Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington to Brazil.
  • Served as Master of Ceremonies for the Bicentennial of U.S.–Brazil Diplomatic Relations Reception onboard USS George Washington, attended by senior U.S and Brazilian government and military leaders.
  • Coordinated U.S. Department of Defense’s participation in the first NFL game in São Paulo, Brazil.
  • Managed defense-related operations for POTUS visit to the G-20 in Brazil, securing military access for over 150 personnel.
  • Led coordination for over 100 diplomatic engagements involving U.S. Vice Presidents, Secretaries of Defense, and international delegations.
  • Orchestrated participation of US Department of Defense delegation with over 70 dignitaries at the largest Latin America Defense show (LAAD).
  • Main U.S. Department of Defense coordinator for multilateral conferences, bilateral meetings, and humanitarian initiatives in Brazil.

Awards

United States Superior Honor Award (2022)

Meritorious Honor Awards (2009, 2018)

United States Individual Honor Award (2018, 2019, 2020, 2024)

United States Eagle Award (2014, 2021)

Official Recognition from the White House Communications Agency (2018)

Brazilian Air Force Santos Dumont Medal (2023)

Brazilian Joint Defense Staff Medal of Merit (2018)

Brazilian Navy Friend Medal (2018)

Brasília Military Police Medal of Merit (2021)

Brazilian Air Force Honorary Member Status (2017)

U.S. Mission LE Staff of the Month (2017)

U.S. Mission Meritorious Step Increase and U.S. Mission Extra-Mile Award (2013)

Timeline

Defense Affairs Advisor / International Events Coordinator

U.S. Department of Defense – U.S. Embassy, Brasília, Brazil
07.2013 - Current

Administrative Assistant & Event Operations Assistant

U.S. Department of Defense – U.S. Embassy, Brasília, Brazil
03.2008 - 07.2013

Bilingual Executive Assistant

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems – Brazil Branch
01.2007 - 01.2008

Bilingual Executive Assistant

Metropole Hospitalar, Brasília, Brazil
01.2004 - 01.2007

MBA - Project Management

Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV)

MBA - Superior Defense Studies

Brazilian Superior Defense School

BA - International Relations

Catholic University of Brasília

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