Staff Profile – Kevin O’Connor, Building Manager
How long have you worked at the Young Centre and tell us a little bit about what your job consisted of lately.
Since joining The Young Centre for the Performing Arts one year ago this month, I’ve learned so many new things: colleagues taught me about the industry and shared their knowledge with me. I will always be thankful for the people who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to grow, not only within the organization but also as a person. This last year has flown by and I’ve learned so much. I laughed, I cried, I faced challenges, and I also experienced very beautiful moments that will stay forever in my memory. Here’s to continuing my career at this exceptional organization.
The 2015 calendar year promises to be an exciting one for all Operations Team Members. We have recently completed our objectives and development planning for the upcoming year with the primary focus falling into three categories:
- Continue in the development and implementation of a proactive preventative maintenance program to include a painting/decorating plan
- Maintain a healthy, safe, and secure environment for all who work and visit The Young Centre for the Performing Arts
- On-going initiative for the retention/recruitment and development of all Operations Team Members. Several information sessions and workshops scheduled for 2015 will feature the following topics: Prevention-Protection-Safety
What kinds of shows/productions/events have you been involved in outside of work?
I’ve recently been asked to attend a series of 2015 Pan Am/ParaPan Am Games Business/Community Information sessions to learn more about how the downtown core (more importantly The Young Centre for the Performing Arts) may be affected by the Games, including details of transportation, security and a Games overview.
When you’re not at work, what are you doing?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and I’m passionate about the game of GOLF. I’m the third son-of a third son- of an Irish immigrant who has been known to hold court in the odd pub every once in a while. On a personal note I would like to share a memory and a story I was told at a very young age that “Irish women are always carrying water on their heads, and always carrying their husbands home from the pub. Such things are the greatest posture-builders in the world” maybe not funny to everyone, but hilarious to me.
What do you love about working at Young Centre?
What makes The Young Centre for the Performing Arts stand out is that every single employee has a stake in the organizations success. We are very team-driven and we operate in a way that puts collective goals ahead of individual glory. Throughout the years we have grown very quickly, and we continue to succeed because we are a nimble organization that can rise to any challenge we may face. Everyone at the Young Centre is smart, energetic, and fun to work with. We love what we do, and it shows in the strong relationships we have built with our patrons.