Greg Shannahan
development associate
Greg spent the first 26 years of his life in Jacksonville, FL, growing up near the naval bases of NAS Jax and Mayport. As a child, he often looked up in awe at the SH-60 Seahawks and F-18s flying overhead during baseball practice, wondering about the people aboard and imagining if they could see how far he could throw from the sky. On those baseball fields, Greg developed a fierce competitive drive and formed bonds with teammates he still considers lifelong brothers.
Baseball became Greg’s passion and pursuit, leading him through a collegiate career at Jacksonville University and into three seasons of independent professional baseball. During his third season, he joined the Pioneer Baseball League’s Paddleheads in Missoula, MT. However, his time with the team was short-lived, as he was released within two weeks. This sudden shift away from the sport that had been his focus for nearly a decade left Greg questioning his identity. In Montana’s restorative landscapes, he found the space to reconnect with himself, rediscovering his purpose: to serve, love, and act with courage.
Greg holds a deep respect for those who relentlessly pursue excellence, finding no more significant example than the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community members. He is committed to supporting dreams, believing that to support those who serve is to support the American dream. Greg feels honored to serve alongside and learn from the SOF community and the generous donors who make their work possible.
