2019 40 Under 40: Jonathan M. Ealy, Opera Memphis and the Clark Opera Memphis Center

Jonathan M. Ealy, 37, works in Memphis, Tennessee, as director of special events and venue director at Opera Memphis and the Clark Opera Memphis Center. As a 2019 40 Under 40 honoree, Ealy discusses his passion for the events industry.

What I do: I am responsible for producing patron experiences for Opera Memphis in addition to booking and managing events held at the Clark Opera Memphis Center, the company’s 18,700-sq.-ft. headquarters facility located in East Memphis.

How I got here: I have been affiliated with Opera Memphis for 18 years, first as a performer. Ten years ago, I joined the full-time staff and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life!

Impressive stats: Since 2009, I have brought in an estimated $1.8 Million in gross event revenue income for the nonprofit.

What I do outside of work: I am the Chairman of the Board for OUTMemphis: The LGBT Center for the Mid-South. I also do community outreach work with my fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.