Evans-Carr masters art of event planning

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Phyllis Evans-Carr’s work schedule is overflowing.

Busy is an understatement for the woman behind the “best jeans” event to raise money, the multiple-office wellness program and the shoe collection for impoverished African children. But busy, Evans-Carr said, is just the way she likes it.

She said it was invigorating to take the reins of a well-oiled promotions and events team, which added depth to her role when she joined Michael Best & Friedrich in 2008.

“I didn’t wear as many hats in other jobs at other firms,” Evans-Carr said. “Really, the motivation, at best, is that I wanted more of a challenge. And you know the old saying: Be careful what you ask for.”

Along with the personal satisfaction of giving back, she said, the regular stream of events have led to positive recognition for the firm, including awards for the health initiatives in which dozens of employees at the firm’s Wisconsin and Illinois offices have participated.

Evans-Carr, a Michigan native, moved to Wisconsin in 1980 when her then-husband landed a local television job. She worked in administration at another law firm and at a family-owned manufacturing company in the area.

In 2007, she earned her business degree from Cardinal Stritch University. That helped her land a job at Michael Best & Friedrich.

“One of the things about law firms is that it’s a continual learning experience,” said Evans-Carr, a mother of two grown daughters who lives in Oconomowoc with her husband, Roger. “You’re exposed to a lot of individuals who are extremely intelligent.”