Carlton Bain, director of development for the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center (PAC), retires from UGA effective Nov. 1, capping a 19-year tenure at the state’s flagship institution and eleven years with the state’s Department of Human Resources. He joined the PAC staff in May 2017.

During his time at the PAC, Carlton quickly developed lasting relationships with donors. His congenial personality and pleasant demeanor endeared him to his colleagues and the many people with whom he interacted.

“Carlton has been a great friend and colleague to all of us who have had the pleasure of working with him,” says PAC Director Jeffrey Martin. “His contribution to our programs at the PAC will be felt for many years to come, as will his efforts on behalf of the other units he served during his career at UGA.”

Prior to his time at the Performing Arts Center, Carlton worked as a major gifts officer at Georgia Law and the Terry College of Business. His efforts at the latter helped bring in major gifts to support the Terry Business Learning Community.

During his time at UGA, Carlton also worked in development for the College of Veterinary Medicine, where he played a key role in raising funds to help construct the new veterinary teaching hospital. Additionally, Carlton spent three years working for the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

Carlton was only the second full-time development officer to work at the Performing Arts Center. At the time of his appointment, the PAC had been open for 21 years, but the development position had only been in place for a few years prior to his arrival. Carlton used his time to expand the relationships the PAC already had and constantly worked to share the message of the work taking place on and off stage with anyone willing to listen.

PAC Assistant Director Blake Hannon Schneider agrees that Carlton’s departure is somewhat bittersweet. “I’m not sure who will miss Carlton more­­—his co-workers or our supporters. His contributions have been significant, helping to secure gifts that will benefit the PAC far into the future. Carlton’s easy-going nature puts people at ease. He always knows someone wherever he goes, which is demonstrative of how he has conducted himself in his many years at UGA—forming lasting relationships with people and successfully maintaining them over the years.”

Carlton has played a vital role in the PAC’s ambition to expand its long-term support for the things the PAC does best: outstanding performances and arts education. His enthusiasm for these projects resulted in increased monetary giving to the PAC’s programming and outreach funds and paved the way for continued success in the future.

“My first love in life is music, so it was a pleasure to work in a place where world-class performances are always taking place. I thoroughly enjoyed facilitating the connection between people who also count music as their passion and the touring artists who excel at it so completely. My work at the PAC really brought everything together for me: gorgeous music, talented people, and strengthening relationships. I’m so impressed with the talents of my co-workers here. Their ability to make incredible things happen never ceases to amaze me.”