Emily Wicks has served as the Manager of Operations and Collections at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut since 2013. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the museum; coordinates educational programming, performances, and exhibitions; and manages the Ballard Institute's collection.

Emily is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to Connecticut in 2013. She received her MA in History and MLIS degree from Kent State University in Ohio. She earned her BA in History and Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh. Before joining the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, Emily worked for the Shaker Historical Society in Shaker Heights, Ohio and the ACLU of Ohio.

Emily joined the Mansfield Downtown Partnership Board in 2020 and currently chairs the Celebrate Mansfield Festival committee.

“I look forward to being a part of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership Board to help Downtown Storrs grow and continue to foster a connection between the community and university. As part of the Ballard Institute, I especially hope to encourage even more art and culture-related events and activities.”