Jessie Ball duPont Fund Welcomes Ken Shuyama as Chief Operating Officer and Brooke Edmondson as The Jessie’s Events Manager
Jacksonville, Fla. — January 16, 2025 — The Jessie Ball duPont Fund has welcomed two exceptional local professionals to its leadership and operations team. Ken Shuyama has joined as Chief Operating Officer, and Brooke Edmondson will serve as Events Manager for The Jessie, the duPont Fund-owned nonprofit center and community convening space. These strategic hires mark an important step in the duPont Fund’s continued evolution as it works to deepen its impact and advance its mission of creating equitable spaces and inclusive communities.
As Chief Operating Officer, Ken will lead financial operations, talent development, business systems, resource and risk management, as well as grant management and evaluation for the duPont Fund. With a focus on operational excellence and equity-driven leadership, Ken will work alongside the duPont Fund’s president and Board of Trustees to ensure the duPont Fund meets the highest standards of effectiveness and innovation.
“Ken brings a wealth of experience in global financial operations and strategic management that will strengthen the Fund’s ability to operate with impact,” said Mari Kuraishi, President of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. “His expertise and leadership will further align our internal operations with broader goals for equity and social progress.”
Prior to joining the duPont Fund, Ken held senior leadership positions at FIS, a global financial technology leader, where he managed international teams, spearheaded innovative projects and guided critical financial strategies. His career also includes leadership roles at Stanley Black & Decker, where he contributed to post-merger integration efforts and built treasury teams to support international operations. Ken earned a bachelor of business administration from Universidad Icesi in Colombia and MBA from The Pennsylvania State University.
With more than a decade of expertise in designing and executing events, Brooke Edmondson has a proven track record for creativity, attention to detail and client-centric planning for a variety of gatherings and experiences. As Events Manager, Brooke will manage all aspects of events at The Jessie, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees and elevating its ability to convene thought leaders and community stakeholders in its iconic downtown Jacksonville space.
“Brooke’s passion for creating unforgettable events and her ability to connect people will be instrumental as The Jessie continues to serve as a hub for collaboration,” Kuraishi said. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team as The Jessie continues to grow as an innovative event destination.”
Brooke’s previous experience includes planning and executing golf tournaments, community events and corporate experiences. Her collaborative approach and ability to manage complex logistics align perfectly with the mission of The Jessie as a convening space that inspires meaningful dialogue and action.
