University College announces the appointment of Kelly Flinn as the incoming director of the University of Iowa Center for Conferences (UICC) effective Dec. 1, 2016. She replaces Jo Dickens, who will retire from the university in January 2017. 

Flinn earned a BA in comparative literature at the University of Georgia and an MA in comparative literature from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In her 18 years working at UICC, she has coordinated over 500 conferences. To her new role she will bring a strong knowledge base of the meeting planning industry in general and of conferences at the UI in particular. In addition, Flinn’s strengths in relationship building and university policy and processes will allow for a seamless transition in leadership.

 “It is my firm conviction that the relationships we develop and nurture are the key to our mutual strength and success,” Flinn says. “I understand the vital role continuing education opportunities play in providing outreach to both our on-campus and external constituents, and I am excited to be in this new role.”

Outgoing UICC Director Jo Dickens agrees, saying, “Kelly has the expertise of 18 years with the Center for Conferences and will provide the leadership and guidance to excel with new ideas and opportunities well into the future.”