East End Arts Welcomes New Executive Director

RIVERHEAD, NY — After 23 years at the helm, Pat Snyder, executive director at East End Arts in Riverhead, is passing the proverbial torch.

East End Arts is welcoming new Executive Director Shawn Hirst. "I am humbled and excited to lead this important organization into its next chapter," Hirst said.

Hirst thanked longtime former Executive Director Pat Snyder, East End Arts staff and the board of directors for their support and assistance with the transition. "Following in Pat's shoes will not be easy, but with your input, participation and support, we can be assured that East End Arts has a bright future," she said. "I stand with the EEA board of directors in its commitment toward the growth and success of EEA."

The goal looking forward is to focus on providing great benefits, services and programs at EEA, she said.

Snyder sent a message about her time at EEA. "Art saves lives," she said. " Twenty three years ago, I wouldn't have understood that statement, but throughout my tenure at East End Arts, I have been reminded on a regular basis that the arts can indeed improve the face of a community and offer joy, hope and inspiration to individuals. I am proud to say East End Arts successfully demonstrates how the arts can touch lives from birth through to end of life."

During her work with EEA since 1995, Snyder said she feels blessed to have worked with such an assemblage of amazing individuals. "It has been a joy and extremely rewarding to build on the successes of my predecessors along with my staff and board to guide EEA to its current place of prominence on Long Island," she said.

Hirst, she said, is a strong community and social services professional that brings with her more than 15 years of management experience in the non-profit sector, specifically in the community service world.

"Shawn has demonstrated success in executive leadership, strategic planning, program development, fundraising, board development and fiscal stability. I am confident East End Arts will be in good hands," she said. "I will support Shawn through the year with a shared mission to serve EEA members and the East End communities."

John McLane, president of the board of directors at East End Arts gave Hirst an enthusiastic welcome. "She brings experience in leading and managing non-profits, and familiarity with the governmental non-governmental agencies at all levels. This background will be critical to our successful collaboration and support of Riverhead's downtown revitalization. It also sets the stage for strong preparations for our 50th anniversary in 2022," he said.

Hirst, who lives in Lake Ronkonkoma with her husband and two children, was the chief development officer and the acting chief program officer of The Suffolk Y JCC and the executive director of Patchogue-Medford Youth and Community Services. She received her bachelor's degree in social work from Syracuse University and her master's degree in social work from Adelphi University. She resides in Lake Ronkonkoma with her husband and two children.

Patch photo courtesy East End Arts.