Shannon became the executive assistant and constituency manager of the UOAA in 2013. She now manages the alumni initiatives programming including all large-scale events, alumni community programs, and the alumni travel program as the association's director of Alumni Engagement. Her position involves working with alumni volunteers who help make alumni feel like they're still a part of the flock no matter where they are across the globe.

Before coming to the UOAA, Shannon had a diverse career path including nonprofit roles that took her traveling across Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus as well as at a comedy theater in Chicago. Through her many experiences, Shannon developed a strong belief in the power of community, curiosity, and courage to drive her work and she has applied these values to her work ever since.

Shannon holds a bachelor’s degree in political economy from Carthage College, a master’s in political science from Loyola University – Chicago, and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from the UO. The Michigan native married fellow UO alum and local musician, Sean Peterson, and enjoys spending time with their family, skiing and hiking in the great Oregon outdoors, listening to music (thankfully), and enjoying Italian food.