Q&A with Pi Beta Phi's New Executive Director
Pi Beta Phi Grand Council has selected Shawn Eagleburger to serve as the organization’s next Fraternity and Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC) Executive Director. In this position, Shawn will lead the overall function of the international Headquarters (HQ) of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women in implementing the strategic priorities set by Grand Council and executing the administrative operations of the Fraternity and FHC. Read below to learn more about Shawn.
Tell us a little about you … where did you grow up, what’s home look like for you?
I grew up just north of Kansas City, Missouri, in St. Joseph. I am the oldest of seven children – five of which are sisters – and I take my “big brother” role very seriously. As my siblings’ families have grown, family holidays mean 23+ around the dining table – and a lot of laughter. After moving from Iowa to Indiana to Kansas for school and jobs out of college, I landed in St. Louis in 2009 and have since made this side of the state home. My spouse and I have a three-year-old son who keeps us moving very fast. Any extra time I get, I find myself investing in some project to take care of our 117-year-old historic home which we have worked to restore, doing much of the work ourselves.
Are you a member of a Fraternity?
Of course! When I decided on Iowa State University, a teammate’s sister who was a student at the University invited me for a weekend visit to see the campus. She talked to me about the incredible experience she was having as a member of Pi Beta Phi and insisted that I join a Fraternity. I trusted her and joined FarmHouse Fraternity. FarmHouse has chapters mainly in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States. I have loved my experience as a Fraternity man. My membership changed my career path from a focus on architecture to higher education. After graduation, I traveled as a consultant for my Fraternity and built a career in fraternity/sorority work. As a volunteer, I’ve held several different roles for my Fraternity, including eight years on our equivalent to Grand Council, six of those as Vice President.
What brought you to Pi Phi?
Having long admired Pi Beta Phi and knowing Pi Phi was Headquartered in St. Louis – relatively close to my family’s home – I always kept an eye on job openings. I was working at Kansas State University as the College Panhellenic advisor when a Member Services role opened at Pi Beta Phi HQ. I called and spoke with Executive Director Juli Willeman and knew right away I wanted the job. I applied, interviewed … and didn’t get the offer. A few months later, Juli called to tell me about a different role that had opened, the Director of Programming. I would be writing educational curriculum for Pi Phi, leading the events team and supporting Pi Phi’s literacy work. I interviewed and this time, got the job. About a year and a half later, the Member Services role opened again, and we merged the two teams. My staff roles shifted as the HQ team grew. I joined the Pi Beta Phi Foundation staff to coordinate the SHINE THROUGH campaign then moved into a communications role supporting all three Pi Phi entities. Like so many Pi Phis, I’ve always said yes to the Fraternity – wherever Pi Phi needed me and whenever Pi Phi needed it. And, it has been an incredible journey with so many awesome opportunities.
What have you loved most about your work at Pi Phi Headquarters?
Every time I’m asked that question, the answer is always the same: the people. I love so much about this organization – the history and heritage, the commitment to literacy, the passion for the empowerment of women leaders, the clear vision for the future – but most of all, I love the people who make up Pi Beta Phi. There is something very special about Pi Phis, and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by so many. My favorite part of the work is telling the Pi Phi story – or “selling” Pi Phi. It is so easy to talk about what makes the Fraternity remarkable because Pi Phi has such an inspiring story. Whether it’s on an extension visit, talking to a parent or family member of a collegian, sharing our work at a conference, or even talking to a member, I love when I get to share why I love Pi Beta Phi – and especially when I get to tell someone something they didn’t know about the sisterhood.
Having a non-member in the Executive Director role is new for Pi Phi. And, you’re a man. What challenges does that present?
Throughout the process of interviewing for Pi Beta Phi Fraternity and Fraternity Housing Corporation Executive Director, Fraternity leaders and I spoke candidly about how offering me the role would be different. Pi Phi’s Executive Directors have always been members. Since joining staff, I have been willing to address my “non-member” status, and the fact that I am a man working for a women’s organization – and that does not change with this role. In 2009, it took some getting used to for some people. After Pi Phi events, surveys would question my role on HQ staff. I made it my goal to never tell anyone why I was good for Pi Phi, but to show them. It was not long before feedback changed, and I had made it obvious that my care for, and care of, Pi Phi was significant. In recent times, there have been two other male Executive Directors for National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) organizations; one currently remains in the role. I spoke with him in preparing for the position and we both agree, our primary focus is to do all we can to serve the membership of the organizations for which we work. When focused on a clear mission and vision, that kind of service transcends membership and personal difference. I believe, wholeheartedly in Pi Beta Phi – and I know there are no challenges, only opportunities for this sisterhood.
What do you see as some of your first priorities in this new role?
Pi Beta Phi is in a period of rapid change. Change which feels too fast for some and too slow for others. For an organization that has been relatively steady, the waves rocking the boat seem typhoon-like. We all know change can be hard, it can be scary and sometimes it can make us lose sight of what is more important to who and what we are as an organization. Nothing else seems to matter if we cannot find a way for all members to come together to weather the storms. A primary and immediate focus must be on uniting the sisterhood – finding the fun and friendship, re-energizing and re-committing while we move the organization forward. I know this is a priority for Grand Council as well, and I am sure we will soon find smooth sailing once again.
What are you most excited about in this new role?
Many Fraternity leaders will guess my answer to this question … I am most excited to help build Pi Phi Pride. One of the advantages of being a non-member is I often get to step back and watch all the things Pi Phis are doing and how they do them. I have learned there are few things as powerful in this world as Pi Phi Pride. Truly, pride in this organization is an undeniable, most-valuable commodity. When we have been able to harness Pi Phi Pride, incredible things have happened: one million books for children, $32 million for the future of Pi Phi, successful new chapters, record-breaking convention attendance, surviving a pandemic … and the list goes on. If I have one clear goal today through the end of my time as Executive Director, it is to see measurable growth in Pi Phi Pride.