People Highlight: Jessica Carson’s Path From Hockey Nights To Higher Ed
By Rob Biertempfel
Before launching her career as a human resources business partner (HRBP) supporting the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the , Jessica Carson spent time in a very different workplace: the Sidney Crosby Charity Suite at PPG Paints Arena.
Carson took the part-time job while she was still in college, expecting it to last no more than a year. Instead, she stayed for a decade.
"I fell in love with the job," Carson said. "The money was great and it was a lot easier than waiting tables. You just had to talk to people and hang out with Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby."
The suite regularly welcomed children from local charity organizations, along with celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera and Carrie Underwood. When a concussion kept Crosby off the ice for a 15-month span from 2011 to 2012, the Penguins star watched every home game from his private box. He also hosted private gatherings there with his family and teammates.
"I met practically everybody on the team," Carson said. "The players and their families were always kind and respectful. They were good, friendly, down-to-earth people."
Much of Carson's work, such as restocking and preparing food and beverages, was done before the arena gates opened. On nights when Crosby watched games from the suite, Carson waited outside with the key card in hand.
"He'd always slip in right before the puck dropped," Carson said. "It would be 6:59 p.m. before a 7 o'clock game and, sure enough, he'd be stepping out of the elevator."
Over the years, Carson collected memorable moments, including the night Crosby's father stepped in to help her open a bottle of red wine she had never uncorked before.
"He said, 'Hey, I'll help you,' and just took care of it," she said, laughing. "I still think about that every time I open a bottle of wine."
On another occasion, when David Morehouse was president and CEO of the Penguins, his wife accidentally left her diamond ring in a restroom at the arena. Carson and a coworker discovered the ring by chance and, not knowing whose it was, reported it to the front office.
"He was so thankful that he sent us flowers and gave us tickets to a suite for a concert," Carson said.
After getting married and having a son, Carson no longer had the time or energy to keep her suite attendant gig. When PPG Paints Arena temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she knew it was time to move on.
"Working at the arena was like hanging out with my friends," Carson said. "It was just fun, and not many people have an opportunity to work in an environment like that."
Carson joined 无码专区 in 2021. In her role as an HRBP, she provides leadership on employee relations, guides performance management and engagement, and partners with units on organizational design and development.
Some of the skills Carson developed as a suite attendant continue to serve her well.
"That experience was invaluable," she said. "It taught me how to build strong relationships across all levels and connect with people of all backgrounds. Those are skills I still use every day at 无码专区."