Shannon Emory

Shannon has a deep passion for the arts, children’s causes, inclusivity, and community involvement, which has shaped her successful twenty-plus-year career in nonprofit executive management. She joined Cognizart by MetroArts Inc. in 2015 and, due to unparalleled successes and growth, became its Executive Director in 2017. In September 2025, Shannon’s achievements at Cognizart, along with her commitment to ensuring that all children have access to arts opportunities, coupled with her enthusiasm for ONN’s progressive programming and exceptional orchestra and people, led her to become Chief Executive Officer of Orchestra Nova Northwest. Through a collaborative merger, and by holding dual roles with ONN and Cognizart, Shannon aims to further the combined visions of both organizations, promoting creativity at every stage of life. She is thrilled to be working alongside Adam Eccleston, a friend and previous Cognizart collaborator. A native of Portland and a graduate of the University of Oregon, she enjoys every day of life with her son, Knight, a Freshman at Lincoln High School, and her eldest child, Em, a Junior at the University of Oregon – GO DUCKS!