Shanon Larimer, Kent State ’00, is the newest chairman of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District, a nonprofit supporting the arts and economic development in the city. The group leads a monthly Third Thursday Gallery Hop and provides financial and promotional support to arts and cultural organizations across Orlando.

The growing industry is responsible for $265 million annually and more than 6,700 full-time jobs in the city. As chairman of the 22-member board, Larimer is helping establish and guide the strategic direction of the Arts District. Fundraising and stewardship are central to his role, and he’s working to promote new public/private partnerships like the two 20,000-square-foot historic visual and performing arts centers the nonprofit already oversees.

“Dreaming big, I would like to see our newest performing arts center fund and complete its second phase, which includes the buildout of a 1,700-seat acoustic hall for ballet, operas and orchestral performances,” Larimer said.

By day, Larimer is principal of brand strategy and communications at Baker Barrios Architects in Orlando. By night, he’s made volunteering a second full-time job. Besides leading the Arts District as chairman, he also serves as a trustee for the Nap Ford Community School Foundation and serves as a career advisor and guest lecturer at the University of North Florida.

“The fraternal experience allowed me to participate in more leadership opportunities and build a deep commitment to public service,” said Larimer, who served as vice president of programming during his time at Kent State.