Pat Snyder Steps Down From EEA

East End Arts’ Executive Director Patricia Snyder stepped down from her position on August 31 after 23 years with the organization. Shawn Hirst has been named the new executive director and brings a background in community and social services, with 15 years of management experience in the non-profit sector.

“I have had the pleasure of working for East End Arts since 1995. I feel blessed to have met and worked with so many amazing people. 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,” said Snyder.

At the EEA’s annual members meeting in late August, Riverhead Town Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith honored Snyder’s community service. Jens-Smith and the town board presented Snyder with a proclamation for her work promoting the arts in downtown Riverhead by working with community members, businesses, and local government over the years. Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, in collaboration with Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming, also presented Snyder with a proclamation from Suffolk County.

The staff and board of East End Arts honored Snyder with a plaque for her creative developments and programming. While with the organization, Snyder helped develop programs such as the Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival, the Teeny Awards, JumpstART, and Long Island Winterfest.

“During her tenure at East End Arts, Pat Snyder led a tremendous expansion in membership and enrollment at our school, and created signature events and programming that set a strong foundation for our future. We will miss her creativity and enthusiasm, and wish her well in her future activities,” said John McLane, president of EEA’s board of directors.

“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,” Snyder said.

She noted that the new director has a 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,” said Snyder.

jade@indyeastend.com