Matt Wells works closely with and promotes collaboration between the CEO, staff, board, and donors to build relationships and to fund operating and strategic initiatives. Matt heads the group responsible for raising $1.5 – $2 million in operating funds annually through foundation/corporate support, annual giving, government grants, special events, and more. He also oversees efforts to secure additional capital and special project funding.

Matt came to PUENTE from DIAVOLO | Architecture in Motion, a Los Angeles dance company. During his seven years at DIAVOLO, Matt played a lead role in increasing the budget size and growing contributed revenue. He launched the DIAVOLO Institute and grew its education and engagement programs. Matt was also the President and co-founder of Laurus Tutoring, a company that provided academic assistance and specialized test preparation for all grade levels K-12, including children with special needs.

Matt received the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Fellowship for Nonprofit Leadership; he was selected to attend the American Express Leadership Academy by the Center for Creative Leadership; he participated in Executive Service Corps’ Nonprofit Executive Institute, funded by Wells Fargo; and he attended Annenberg Alchemy’s leadership development program.

Matt is active in the community and has served on several nonprofit boards, including Dance/USA, the national service organization for American dance. Previously, he enjoyed a career as an actor and theater producer. Matt is a Certified Fund Raising Executive as well as an alumnus of Claremont Graduate University (M.A., Arts Management) and Northwestern University (B.S., Theater). He is a proud husband and father.