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.
