MEET THE DREAM TEAM
Courtney Garrett
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Born on the West Coast but raised in the Midwest, Courtney grew up always striving for the best and never shied away from the hard work needed to attain it. She learned a lot being raised by two successful business people and gained even more through institutional education. Courtney first learned the ins and outs of the event world while working her way through undergrad school where she earned a degree in Communications with a minor in Multimedia Design.
There she spent her 4 years on a high-end events catering team and event venue. After graduating and going into the business world, she saw a need for a well-rounded event planner who valued integrity so the seeds of Elevated Events began to grow in her mind. After planning several events for the companies she worked for and loving every minute, she decided to take the next step and go to New York University to further her education and get certified in Events Management. There she built her knowledge, accumulated planning tools, discovered trends and how to stay ahead, and made contacts that provide continued assistance and insight in the industry.
Now she is living her dream, working with her (not so retired) mother, Teri, to bring people’s and companies’ visions to life. Courtney lives in Iowa with her husband, Derek, and their fur-babies: a German Shepherd named Akela and two twin tortoise shell cats named Yin and Yang. She is a positive and fierce force whose priority is always her client. Courtney is savvy with design software, negotiations, problem-solving and good with a hammer... she will keep you laughing and loving every step of the event process.
Teri Nelson
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Growing up in humble beginnings and with brothers who taught her to be tough, Teri knew she had to fight for the life she wanted. Starting in mortgage sales at an early age she quickly rose to the top, where she met the love of her life, Mike. Empowered and ready to take on the world, Teri then launched into her successful journey in the business sector.
Teri was a franchise owner of a Fortune 500 company, where she just recently retired and delighted us all in joining Elevated Events planning. She brings to our team, an expansive background in banking, finance, and business management. Teri is also a seasoned event planner, having helped plan several large events for different associations that she has been involved with throughout her career. She has served on several boards, including non-profits. Teri has experience planning corporate events both large (500+ participants) and small. Since partial retirement, she has traveled extensively, and brings to the table insights into many different locations for our clients.
Teri, Mike, and their dog, Parker, live in a 1940’s remodeled farmhouse in Iowa. She was also born in the Northwest, but relocated to the Midwest, during a career move. Teri enjoys the outdoors, travel, and watching football. She is detail orientated, client focused, and always thinking ahead. You will enjoy working with Teri and her make it happen attitude towards life and business.