Carly Shank, assistant director for operations at the Performing Arts Center, has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for June 2019.
According to her nominator, Shank is a “tremendous asset to UIS and our community,” adding that she is truly dedicated to her job helping to bring high-quality performing arts events to Springfield.
“Carly does not just do her job,” said her nominator. “She consistently does her job and that of any current major open positions. She does so willingly because she honestly wants to ensure we continue to offer an uninterrupted schedule of programming for the community.”
Shank is known for always being around to make sure that “everything goes just right,” which often requires attending evening and weekend performances. She also helps manage 200 volunteers, coordinates with other departments to ensure successful events and serves as a mentor to the UIS Performing Arts Center team.
“Carly is a huge asset to our team in what everyone likes and respects her,” said her supervisor. “Because of this, I often rely on her to help plan a strategy when our department needs to implement changes which will affect staff or other UIS departments.”
Shank recently started supervising the technical production team, led the effort to create a full-time house manager position, and served as full-time event manager and volunteer coordinator, while developing a new strategy for operating the Studio Theatre.
“Carly is the go-to person on my staff if something needs to get done,” said her supervisor. “If we need a manager for a major project, or suddenly are short staffed, I know Carly can get the job done. I often am amazed at how Carly views herself as not getting much done, since she focuses on how much more there is to do rather than her huge list of accomplishments.”
In addition to her work at UIS, Shank regularly volunteers to help out with theatre productions in the Springfield community.