Matt Wells, Cfre Email & Phone Number

Los Angeles, CA, US

• PUENTE is based in Boyle Heights and offers high-quality education through preschool, charter elementary school, college & career programs, adult education, and community services.
• Directs strategy, planning, and execution for fundraising, marketing, and communications efforts that assure revenues are generated in a cost-effective manner while maintaining a positive public image and reputation.
• Oversees a fundraising portfolio and leads by example in major gift fundraising, providing expertise in soliciting and cultivating donors at the five- and six-figure giving levels with professionalism and sophistication.
• In partnership with the CEO, serves as the Advancement lead for the PUENTE Board of Directors, driving involvement with 100% Board participation in fundraising efforts.
• Drives $800K+ annually from grant proposals, ensuring applications and other deliverables are prepared and submitted.
• Develops annual restricted and unrestricted fundraising goals, builds department budgets and forecasts, leads regular evaluation efforts, and coordinates data reporting to inform department strategy and direction.

Los Angeles, CA, US

Los Angeles, California, US

• DIAVOLO | Architecture in Motion is a cultural ambassador for L.A. dance that performs locally, nationally, and internationally. Featuring iconoclastic movement on distinct architectural set pieces, created by Founder.
• In various senior leadership positions, lifted annual budget size from $800,000 to $2.3 million. Amplified contribution revenue over six years from $50,000 to $1.4 million.
• Boosted and sustained diverse funding portfolio, including multiple six-figure gifts. Attained the largest annual contributed revenue in the company’s history for five years in a row.
• Advised in strategy, planning, and execution of Board meetings, including activities and events geared to raising funds and recruiting volunteers.
• Created strong and winning proposals for philanthropic support of new works that premiered at the Hollywood Bowl.
• Spearheaded organization-wide strategic planning process. Worked with ad hoc working group and external consultants to inform company vision and multi-year business model.

• Founder of theater company focused on world premieres of new works. “At the tip of the spear…[Among] the best L.A. theater companies of the ‘00s.” –LA Weekly
• Produced 12 world-premiere plays. Awards- Ovations, LA Weekly Theater Awards.
• Expanded organizational growth to $100,000 annual budget.
• Recruited, interviewed, supervised, and trained 150+ emerging artists and volunteers.

Co-founded Laurus Tutoring LLC. Hired, trained, staffed, and supervised tutors in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. The company provided academic assistance and specialized test preparation for all grade levels K-12, with an emphasis on children with special needs.

New York acting experience in TV, film, and Off-Broadway. Worked with Jim Simpson, Elizabeth Swados, Linda Edmond, Josh Fox, AR Gurney.

Bachelor Of Science, Theater

Master Of Arts, Arts Management