Meet Doug Evans, Power Player, Businessman, Friend to All

A Conversation with Doug Evans

I asked Doug for a favorite quote and he humbly replied with a famous William Shapkespeare saying: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players,” and that’s what I am…..merely a player!”

I’m so excited about this interview so let’s dive in! As you are my great friend. Doug let’s start with your current position of President  and CEO of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce and what your vision has been for Palm Beach? You have completely reinvented reinvigorated  and infused excitement into the chamber. Can you tell us about your goals and mission? Locally and globally?

The Chamber is now celebrating 97 years and has a rich history of serving the community.  When I joined the Chamber three years ago, I wanted to make it serve not just Palm Beach but the regional community.  Palm Beach County is growing by leaps and bounds unlike many other regions of the country, and our Chamber needs to reflect the diversity of businesses, both for and non-profit.

You have quite an amazing history and background in business and the Arts, can you tell us some of the key elements of your career? We know you were involved in such amazing accomplishments as President of Broadway productions for Nederlander theaters in China as well as president and CEO of The Bushnell in Hartford, and so many accomplishments that I hope you could give us a brief summary of your thoughts on business the arts and development. Give our readers an insight into your success?

I am very fortunate to have been presented with many opportunities in the cultural sector, all of which I am proud of.  Most notably in Hartford, my team and I raised close to $100 million over the course of 10 years and transformed the Bushnell into a leading national cultural center.  My time in China was also invigorating as we were the first company to secure a license to present Broadway musicals in English nationwide.  And of course, I served as the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism for the Governor of Connecticut and thoroughly enjoyed working with dozens of arts groups across the state.

I know you personally and I find it amazing that you are such a great connector and networker and you put people together for basically the good of others without expecting anything in return. Can you tell me your philosophy on your amazing ability to have people network and partnership? And why you feel this is important?

I’ve always valued relationships and feel that people are better off when connected with other like-minded individuals.  I hate the word networking, so I see myself as a convener.  I do it because I enjoy it and if something good comes out of it or comes my way, so be it but it’s not the reason I do it.  I also do it to build a community of folks who I feel should know each other especially in my work at the Chamber.

Tell us how a young man from Indiana found the drive and perseverance, to become the successful and revered businessperson /philanthropist that you are today. Tell us a little bit about your journey.

I come from a family where we were always taught from day one you give back to the community and in the arts, with all my fundraising it is in my DNA.  I learned a lesson early on in my career to respect everyone no matter what their position in life or their job.  A former board chair and mentor of mine believe it wasn’t the VP’s who get the job done but it is the security man, the cafeteria worked, the secretary and janitors who realty make it happen. I live by that philosophy and practice it every day.

You have been an out gay man in business for over 30 years. How do you explain your ability to navigate the world with such pride and with such authenticity I think our younger readers would appreciate your perspective on that. 

It’s simple, I think.  I am a businessman first and happen to be a gay man. I have never hidden who I am but at the same time never led with my personal life. I think if you are authentic, gay or straight people will respect you.  I’ve been fortunate to have never been discriminated against which I feel is due to my authenticity and caring for everyone who comes in to my personal life.

Another fact that people don’t know about you is that you are a former accomplished operatic singer is there possibly a project coming up that would involve you stepping back into the arts?

I’m working on a musical called “Ice Champion” as  a producer which would take me back into the producing world.  I have produced or presented more than 100 plays or musicals over my life and it’s something I very much enjoyed doing.  As far as performing again, I am working on a cabaret act about Bob Hope which I hope to bring to like in the next year.

Finally,

Doug Evans was: just a kid from the Midwest who sought out to conquer the world.

Doug Evans is: happy with himself as a single gay business man.

Doug Evans wants to be: satisfied that I’ve done the best I could and left everything I’ve touched in a better way.

Frank D’Agostino is a playwright, composer, executive producer, figure skater and active member in the Southern Florida community.