Shannon Eadon My skill is building strong teams and connecting with people. 74 | april <strong>2020</strong> | www.<strong>Atlantic</strong><strong>Ave</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.com
egulars | city people by diane feen | Photo by Melissa korman CEO of Old School Square Shannon Eadon’s orbit is so bright you almost need sunglasses to be around her. The upbeat, can-do superwoman is always up for any task and sees the world as a magical place. You could say her superpowers were given to her by her father G. Lee Thompson. “My father was my role model and told me to make magic every day.” And that is exactly what Eadon has done for most of her life. She rarely sees roadblocks – and if she does – she just lifts them up with her inimitable positivity and drive. That is why she was just installed as the new President and CEO of Old School Square. Running non-profit arts organizations is part and parcel of Eadon’s raison d’être. Before coming to Delray Beach, she was the development director of Bergen Performing Arts Center, prior to that she was Director of Development for Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey. There is a lot more to Eadon’s resume than these two high profile positions, but navigating her resume is akin to scaling Mount Everest. That’s because it is littered with words like reposition, streamline, fiscal responsibility, hired, trained, mentored, developed, designed and executed. These words are not merely to fill the pages but are accomplishments Eadon has seen to fruition. “At Count Basie Theatre the CEO and I increased the budget from $250,000 to $3.5 million. We did a lot of fundraising.” Meeting new people and fundraising is nothing new to Eadon. That’s because she lived in 16 different cities while growing up. Her corporate executive father moved the family around every two and a half years. Instead of seeing it as a negative, Shannon took advantage of the diversity and dynamics of it all. “I had to walk into a new situation and introduce myself to new people all the time. I had no choice, I could sit in the corner, or go out and pay, and I like to play. It really changed who I am.” It also made her a fearless outgoing adult who thrives in a multitude of positions. When raising a profile or funds for organizations Eadon knows exactly what to do. “I am used to sticking my hand out to say hello and get to know people. I don’t ask for money, I ask for help to change lives, do good for the community and be part of a solution to a problem.” And so far, her place in the business world and non-profit organizations is somewhere between a high altitude and a positive attitude. She is goal oriented and laser focused on what she wants to achieve. And rest assured when Eadon wants to accomplish something she plans a strategy and zooms forward. But not without her team. “I changed offices. Instead of a desk I have a table. A table is much more conducive to collaboration, more ideas come from around a table. This is a team - it doesn’t work without all the players.” A statement worthy of embellishment. “Shannon was laser focused on our mission and understood how to reach people and connect their interests to the theatre by highlighting the history, mission and benefits of supporting us. She was passionate about building relationships and always made me feel like part of her team,” said Brian Wilson, former Manager of Membership at Bergen PAC. Eadon’s work ethic was installed in her hard drive early in life. Though her father was a successful businessman (and CEO of Singer) he wanted his daughter to understand the meaning of work. “On my 16th Birthday my dad said, ‘Happy Birthday, where are you getting a job?’” Eadon made her own wardrobe after graduating high school and commuted to NYC from NJ for her first job. Entitlement was not one of the virtues Mr. Thompson passed down to his daughter. It worked quite well in building her character and charisma. Eadon was Senior VP at an ad agency and traveled the world. She attended elaborate Manhattan soirees and often worked six days a week 12 hours a day. She also volunteered – becoming a board member, fundraiser and advocate – for non-profits. She helped conservation, historical societies, and the Monmouth County Hunt Racing Association (their annual event attracted over 10,000 people and benefited 26 charities). It is also where she met the love of her life, Gordon Eadon. “I knew on our first date that I wanted to marry him.” And sure enough, two years later they were married and now have two grown children together. While her children were growing up Eadon left the corporate world. But she didn’t join current events clubs or take up knitting. She started an events company - Exceptional Events - that specialized in planning and catering weddings, charity events and parties. Though she majored in marketing, Eadon loves art and the world of possibilities that open up in that medium of expression. That is why her new position with Old School Square is the perfect center of gravity for this Florida newcomer. “We are changing our programming to suit every demographic in Delray. We plan to add rock, comedy, dance, jazz, local theater groups and other things.” Eadon also moved OSS employees to different positions where their star can shine. “Moving people around to fit their strengths makes everyone happy. People are now doing jobs that come naturally to them.” Part of this change is developing educational outreach programs with Delray children. They will not only learn about music but experience its inherent benefit in their lives. “Putting kids in drum circles can change their heart rate and their emotions from angry to calm.” If the past is any indication of the future, Eadon will be the fearless leader that takes OSS into the future with gusto and greatness. “To do a job like this you have to be open and honest. You also have to be willing to work seven days a week and fold chairs with the staff at 2am. I don’t look at this as work, this is fun.” Welcome to the party. www.<strong>Atlantic</strong><strong>Ave</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.com | april <strong>2020</strong> | 75
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