Don Shea stays
May 25, 2007 at 1:35 pm by Wayne GarciaSt. Pete’s downtown guru, Don Shea, is staying put in his job with the Downtown Partnership. TBBJ had reported that he was in negotiations to take a similar job in Raleigh, N.C., but eventually withdrew.
Shea is a rare blend of business development, urban planning and arts advocacy who really understands the importance of culture. He is chairman of the American Stage board and played a role in creation of a downtown St. Pete arts hub plan announced earlier this year.
Shea said he wasn’t looking to leave St. Pete. “I’ve never complained about my package here. [Raleigh] came calling,” he said. “They offered and I counter-offered. They stayed with their original offer, so I withdrew.”
Shea added that he has been gratified by the support shown by his board and supporters even after news of his possible departure got out.
“I was nervous that I would be looked askance here because I thought maybe some would think I wasn’t keeping my eye on the ball,” Shea said.
