Amy K. Harbison
Associate Director of Communications
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at University of Maryland

1. How did you get into PR?
I "fell" into PR. While Marketing/Communications was the thread in several jobs, it took me a while before I could identify it as such. I worked in advertising, as a membership director for a professional association, and then worked in both the development and PR departments of a children's hospital, where I first got my real taste of PR. It was a few years later that marketing and communications were officially part of my job title.

2. Briefly describe your typical workday.
My typical workday is not typical, in that every day is a new set of challenges and possibilities. Working in nonprofit public relations, in a new performing arts center that is in its branding phase, there are so many things to be done. We're often pitching individual performances to the press, but also working simultaneously on stories that help to illuminate our mission. We are working on internal employee relations while also constantly working to put our performing arts center front and center in the Greater Washington/Baltimore area. We also have a commitment to frame what we do in terms of the larger university of which we are a part. It is complex, challenging and a constant juggling act …the fact that there is no typical day is what keeps it dynamic and fresh.

3. What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is working in the two areas I adore: arts and education. I still pinch myself daily when I walk into our beautiful six-venue performing arts center. It's gorgeous. I also get energized by our audiences, our students, and the faculty and dedicated staff.

4. What is the worst part of your job?
The worst part of my job is never feeling there is enough time to cover all that I'd like to cover. There are media stories in every nook and cranny of our performing arts center, and there are only two of us who are doing full-time media relations work. The other challenge is the ever-shrinking arts press.

5. What is the biggest lesson you've learned during your PR career?
The biggest lessons I've learned are to be flexible, to be open to many ways of looking at something, and to find ways to solve problems creatively without panic.

6. What is the most unique thing about your company?
The most unique thing about us is the uniqueness of our facility and how the facility, by its very design, has helped to support our mission of artistic collaboration.

7. What is your ideal dream job?
I feel very fortunate to be where I am right now. I watched this performing arts center when it was nothing but a few bricks and a dream...and I'm delighted to be here. There is no ideal job -- there is a job that makes you feel good about walking in the door every day and where you feel you are making a difference. I feel that way now!