MARSHALL — For the second year in a row, Katie Brusven has a career advancement opportunity.

After working for a year as the part-time program specialist at Marshall’s Adult Community Center, she’s being promoted to the job of full-time coordinator. She will transition to the coordinator role on Sept. 15.

Brusven replaces Barb Lipinski, who will be retiring after serving as coordinator for almost 30 years. A Sept. 16 farewell reception is planned.

Brusven said she chose to become the program specialist a year ago because of how it’s a people oriented job. She has prior experience working in a nursing home, with people who have disabilities, with pre-school children and in chemcial dependency services.

“I enjoy helping people, “ Brusven said. “It’s rewarding when I can help to provide opportunities. I’ve had many of those moments in the past year.”

She applied to become coordinator as a way to build on her role at ACC. She was interested in advancement to full-time employment.

“I was planning to be full-time at something,” she said. “When Barb decided to retire, it made sense for me to apply. I love what I’m doing. The people are the best part.”

To prepare for her new role, she’s visited Boulder Estates, Hill Street Place and Heritage Pointe to learn about what each of them provides to residents.

She’s also been learning card games so that she can fill out foursomes as needed. She already knows Pepper, 500 and Ponytail Canasta. She’ll also be learning bridge, Pinochle and Bean.

She said program planning will be based on the need to offer a wide variety of possibilities for ACC members while avoiding duplication with other facilities.

She added the marketing will also be a main part of her work. The annual membership drive will start in October.

“I’ll be working to make sure the public is aware of what we offer,” Brusven said. “It involves looking for ways to be visible in the community and to meet more people.”

She said ACC is known for its low $15 a year membership fee. In return, members can take part in as many different ACC activities as they choose.

“It all depends on what works for each individual,” she said. “We have some members who are here almost every day and others who just come in about once a month. We encourage everyone to participate at whatever level they wish.”

Marshall Community Services Director Scott VanDerMillen, who was part of the ACC coordinator interview committee, said Brusven stood out among applicants for several reasons.

“Katie has proven experience working there, and we liked how she’s demonstrated organizational skill and development of creative programming,” VanDerMillen said. “We’re looking forward to her leadership in serving our senior citizens.”