Accelerating Discovery with Vital Service

Matt Wolfe became a part of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center’s donor community in 2006. In 2007, he joined the Friends Committee, serving as Vice Chair in 2011 and Chair of the Friends Committee in 2012.

In this role he led the Committee’s efforts to assist the development team with fundraising activities and helped coordinate donor and community outreach programs such as phone-a-thons, Lunches with Leadership, tours of the Center and Plantasia. Matt’s leadership of the Friends Committee contributed to the Danforth Center’s success in attracting a record number of donors in 2012, with the Danforth Society ($1,000+ annual contributions) surpassing 300 members for the first time.

“We are grateful to Matt for his leadership of the Friends Committee for the last two and a half years,” said Dr. Jim Carrington, President of the Danforth Center. “Support from people with Matt’s enthusiasm and commitment make a real difference as we connect with the community.”

Matt is the owner of Wolfe Architecture & Design, LLC with more than 30 years architecture experience and is married to Alice Wolfe with whom he has two sons who are attending John Burroughs and MICDS.

Jim Johnson joined the Danforth Society in 2007 following a visit by Howard Buffett, which he credits for sparking his interest in the potential impact of plant science. He became the Founding Chair of the Danforth Leadership Council (DLC) when it was established in the fall of 2009 and subsequently chaired the Council from 2009-2012.

“Chairing the Danforth Leadership Council has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” said Jim Johnson. “The opportunity to work with some of this city’s best and brightest on an emerging jewel like the Danforth Center is humbling.”

As Founding Chair of the DLC, Jim helped to recruit 60 members who work to advance the mission of the Danforth Center in the St. Louis region and beyond. DLC members provide financial support to the Center both individually and through their organizations and coordinate the annual signature SEEDS of Change event. Most recently, DLC members have formed three sub-committees to address marketing and messaging, fundraising, and community engagement opportunities on behalf of the Center.

“We are very appreciative of Jim Johnson’s support of the Center and dedicated service to the Danforth Leadership Council,” said Dr. William H. Danforth, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. “His efforts helped us expand awareness and engage many others to support our research aimed at improving the human condition through plant science.”

Jim Johnson is Senior Vice President of Investments at Stifel Nicolaus and is married to Suzanne Johnson, who serves on the Board of Trustees at John Burroughs Schools where two of his children currently attend and one previously attended. Jim is also a member of the Board of the St Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation and serves on Trustee and Investment Committees at City Academy. Both Suzanne and Jim are both deeply involved at St. Peter’s Church.

Donors, like Matt and Jim, make it possible for the Danforth Center to accelerate discovery and create mission impact. Through their generosity and support, the Center is able to maintain state-of-the-art facilities, purchase new equipment and technology, provide education and outreach programs among other activities aimed at improving human health, preserving and renewing our environment, and enhancing our region as a world center for plant science.

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