After a 33-year career with the State of Mississippi, Shirley Smith is retiring as systems administrator of the Mississippi Arts Commission. As the agency’s longest tenured employee, Shirley has worked for MAC since 1992.

For a number of years, Shirley worked in the role of executive assistant and later moved into the systems administrator position. As systems administrator, she maintains MAC’s grant management database, manages computers and related equipment and works with the Department of Information Technology Services and third-party providers to ensure MAC’s technological systems run smoothly.

“MAC is an exciting agency to be with. I had the opportunity to meet many interesting people in the arts, and it’s an environment that provides continual learning,” said Shirley when asked about her longevity with MAC.

Shirley is not only a capable and professional worker, but she has also been admired by her coworkers for many years at the agency because of her kindness, patience and pervasive positive attitude.

Larry Morrisey, MAC deputy director, who has worked with Shirley for more than two decades, describes her as “endlessly patient, always ready to help and unfailingly kind to everyone” while Malcolm White, MAC executive director, says Shirley has “a good attitude, a broad smile and is dependable.”

After many years of working, Shirley is looking forward to retirement, even if it happens to coincide with a pandemic.

“I’m looking forward to traveling once it’s a little safer, visiting my family members and friends.” says Shirley. “It has been a joy working at MAC because of the continual inspiration I’ve received from the different executive directors and the wonderful co-workers. Over the years, they have all proven to be an asset to me. Now, I will begin a new chapter in life.”