CEO Unplugged offers personal look at ESO leader
How does a corporate executive transition from retirement to overseeing a leading local symphony orchestra? What prompted his decision? How has his business experience affected the direction of his new role?
Find out how David Beardon, chief executive officer of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, defines his leadership style by attending the next Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce popular series, "CEO Unplugged," sponsored by the Grand Victoria Casino.
The luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 4, in the Fox River Room at the Grand Victoria Casino pavilion, 250 S. Grove, second floor, Elgin. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with luncheon at noon. Questions and networking to follow. Cost $20 for members and $25 for guests. Reservations can be made online at www.elginchamber.com or call the chamber office for information at (847) 741-5660.
Bearden was appointed as CEO of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in June 2012. Prior to joining the ESO, he held a number of positions in the private sector. His last position before retiring in 2009 was president and chief operating officer of REX Stores Inc. REX operated 225 retail stores in 36 states. Bearden joined REX in October 2005. Prior to joining REX, Bearden was the president of Panasonic Company Sales for North America. He held a series of executive positions at Panasonic and was with the company for 25 years.
Bearden had served on the ESO board of directors in the late 1990s and rejoined the board in 2011 upon his return to the Elgin area.
Bearden holds an MBA from DePaul University and an undergraduate degree in business from Roosevelt University where he was elected to Beta Gamma Sigma. In addition to his work on the ESO board, Bearden has also served as a national director for SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) as well as on the board of the Elgin United Way. Bearden is an adjunct professor in business at Judson University in Elgin.
The luncheon series is led by members of the Elgin Area Chamber special events committee: chair Pat Szpekowski, PmS advertising, inc., and Kelly Brown, Drapery Connection; Toni Diones, Winergy; Yvonne Irving, KCT Credit Union; Tena Robotham, Judson University, and Michael Storey, Beckatt Solutions.