What is your role at your institution, and how long have you been there?
I am currently the Associate Director of the Harvard Information Center. I started working with the Information Center in 1998 as a Co-Manager. I have been with the University for 26 years. Prior to joining the Information Center team, I worked in various units across the university; including Alumni Affairs and Development. I oversee the daily functions of the Information Center where we are the official historical tour provider for campus.

How did you get involved in visitor services?
I have always worked in the customer service arena in different industries before coming to Harvard: from a field service representative for an engineering firm to client services in the banking industry. While in banking, I had the opportunity to be on the ground floor for a new bank that specialized in personalized banking. That experience helped me in understanding the requirements of policies, procedures and customer engagement for the Information Center. Currently, we are preparing and brainstorming for our new visitor center space in 2018. It is an exciting time!

What do you like most about your role and/or institution?
I enjoy working with our students and meeting the incoming visitors. In both experiences, I have had the chance to meet students and visitors from all over the world. Our staff works very hard in providing quality tours and great customer service. I often witness them going the extra mile to ensure our guests receive the information being requested.

The professional and senior staff members are always encouraging and supportive of our student colleagues.

In 2015, the Harvard Public Affairs and Communications Summer Service Initiative was developed. This is a program that provides resources for a Harvard College student working in the HPAC department to get paid for internships in our Nation’s Capital focused on government, education or research policy. Our student and professional colleagues are phenomenal!

When did you join CIVSA? And what has been your involvement?
I joined CIVSA in 2012. I have been fortunate to attend the 2012 CIVSA Annual Conference in Denver, the 3rd Annual CIVSA Student Development Institute and the CIVSA Regional Event at Yale University. All three events were informative and I had a wonderful time meeting colleagues in the field from so many institutions. I am looking forward to continuing my involvement in the future.

What membership benefits have you gained the most from?
Attending the conferences, meeting people from other institutions and learning about their programming and best practices.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to a new CIVSA member?
Attend the annual conferences and get involved. Get to know your peers from across the country that can share their experiences and support with you.

What has been your favorite conference memory?
I have two favorite memories from the conference in Denver -- the Red Rocks Experience and the Closing Awards Dinner at the Mile High Station. It gave the conference attendees a chance to further network and take in the beautiful view at Red Rocks. What an experience!

What is something that you took away from a previous CIVSA event and started to implement?
I was not in attendance for the 2016 CIVSA Annual Conference, but I thoroughly enjoyed the session at the Regional Event at Yale University, "Putting on a Production." The dynamic information provided on branding services and products was very timely and will be useful as we brainstorm different aspects for our new space.

What are you most looking forward to at the 2017 conference in Philadelphia?
I am looking forward to seeing my peers, meeting new people from other institutions and attending the sessions.

What do you like to do for fun, outside of work?
I love interior decorating, spending time with family and getting together annually with a core group of friends of many years. I am also very active in my church; planning fun activities for the women’s ministry, including our church’s centennial celebrations and I enjoy traveling to the Caribbean!