updated: 9:21 AM
The sudden exit of CEO Scott O'Donnell from the ringmaster's desk at Circus World took me by total surprise.
News of his exit came through a Don Covington link. Naturally my first thoughts where, why? Had he been let go? So I called CW this morning, to inquire, and they put me through to Scott, which marked the first time we have ever spoken.
Was it his decision, I asked him?
Yes, he answered.
Why?
He said he does not share a new vision held by the state government, which now owns Circus World Museum. For most of its existence, CW operated as a virtual private enterprise. But that changed about four years ago, when the Wisconsin State Historical Society came in with much needed funding and assumed greater control. Evidently, they now want more power at the Top.
Momentous achievements on the job, not good enough? A press release from Circus World overflows in citing O'Donnell's "countless transformative contributions," including preservation of Ringlingville, creation of a master plan "that will enhance the visitor experience for generations to come," and the "driving force" behind the Society's acquisition of the Al Ringling Theatre. This and more, in but eleven seasons? Something is wrong with this picture.
I asked Scott if he will miss being there.
"I put my heart and soul into Circus World" he answered. Clearly, as I heard him speak, the job meant a great deal to him, and yet he is leaving without rancor, ready for an "encore" somewhere else.
Scott's departure will be in tandem with Dave Salutos, who is retiring at the end of the current season, following a 40 year run. Ominously, this adds another layer of implicit intrigue to a back story.
Sheer speculation on my part, we may find out what was really going on when we learn who will next assume the CEO desk.
There are some things in life that just don't make sense. This feels like one of them to me.
Sad to see you go, Scott.
No comments:
Post a Comment