Staff
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!
Adam Eccleston is an acclaimed flutist, educator, conductor and arts leader whose career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performance, arts advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. He has conducted ensembles in Panama, Dominican Republic, Belize, Canada and throughout the U.S. As a flutist, Adam has been awarded top prizes in competitions for which he was featured at Carnegie Hall, Kurhaus Wiesbaden in Germany and Symphony Hall in Boston.
Adam currently serves as Executive Director of Orchestra Nova Northwest, bringing to the role a strong background in strategic planning, fundraising, and organizational development. A dedicated advocate for access and innovation in the arts, he has led national initiatives to amplify underrepresented voices in classical music, including his work as Chair of the Recording Inclusivity Initiative at All Classical Radio, where he also serves as a host and producer. He previously held the title of Artist in Residence Emeritus at the station and guest hosts for the Young Artist Showcase on WQXR in New York City. Adam serves on the board for Northwest Academy and the National Flute Association.
Born in New York City and raised in Germany, he holds master’s degrees in both music performance and music education, and teaches music at Reed College. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, gardening and tending to his backyard chickens.
Betsy Hatton was instrumental in formulating the by-laws, articles of incorporation of Orchestra Nova Northwest (formerly Portland Columbia Symphony), and authored its first five-year business plan. She also served on the long range planning committee that developed the first Board of Directors in 1992, served on the Board of Directors for six years, and was President of the Board for two years.
Ms. Hatton graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.A. in Romance Languages and Education. In addition to teaching, she has served as a consultant of major event planning for the March of Dimes and Cor-Events.
Ms. Hatton began her musical studies at age twelve. She was a violinist with ONN (PCSO) for many years and has played with the Portland Chamber Orchestra, Yaquina Orchestra, Vancouver (WA) Symphony, and Eugene Symphony.
“It has been my privilege to be a part of PCSO on every level and to be the first Executive Director. It is my fondest continuing wish that we keep our orchestra and organization vital and strong. We have always used our mission statement as our guiding principle: To make quality music affordable, accessible, and in a friendly spirit. We believe that it takes both the musician and audience to create the magic of that intangible collective experience of sharing live music with other living and breathing human beings. I am confident in the continuing enrichment that music provides in all of our lives – and the important role that PCSO plays in the vibrant arts community that defines our region.”
In addition to music, Betsy is an avid cook and gardener happily growing most of her own spices and vegetables in her spare time. Betsy enjoys time with her children and grandchildren and of course her husband, Greg. (Secret pleasure – U of O sports – all of them!)
Laura Tuffli became a part of the Cognizart 360 Arts Camp family at the age of seven, attending every summer throughout her childhood, serving as a Counselor ages thirteen to eighteen, and joining the staff at nineteen. She has now served as Camp Director for five years. Laura is grateful for the impact that Cognizart has had on her as an artist, as she has worked in the professional theatrical field in Eugene Oregon for over three years.After relocating to Eugene to attend the University of Oregon in 2018, Laura majored in Theatre Arts with a focus in Costumes, Wigs, and Makeup with a Minor in Music with a focus in Vocal Performance. After graduating in the spring of 2022, Laura began serving as Oregon Contemporary Theatre’s assistant stage manager and production assistant.Laura has had the honor to have designed costumes for over 15 theatrical productions in Eugene and continues to spread her artistry through the community. In addition to her work at Oregon Contemporary Theatre, Laura has been a participating member of the local IATSE union and has had the privilege to be involved backstage with many broadway touring shows. Laura became Cognizart’s Executive Assistant in September 2022. Laura also began teaching Intro to Costumes and Makeup at Lane community college and will be returning to teach for fall of 2025. Laura has had a continuous impact in the artistic community of Eugene and is furthering this impact in the metro area as Program Director for the Young Artist’s Debut in 2025. ear’s concert. She is passionate about arts educational and classical music, and is thrilled with the numerous opportunities possible through the merger with Orchestra Nova Northwest.
The violin section is sponsored by the Anne Emery Kyllo Fund.