Johnson Center program director named to GRBJ '40 Under 40'

Matthew Downey, program director of nonprofit services at Grand Valley State University’s Johnson Center for Philanthropy has been named one of the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s ‘40 Under 40’ for 2012.

Downey was selected to the prestigious group of young professionals out of more than 130 nominations. Downey and the other winners of the award, which recognizes business leaders under the age of 40 in West Michigan, will be honored at a ceremony on October 16 in Grand Rapids. 

Judges for the award included Chris Scharrer, of Leadership Oakland; Don Taylor, of the University of Michigan; and Bob Thomas, of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Downey has been recognized for his leadership and business acumen before — he was selected as the Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year by the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) of Greater Grand Rapids in November 2011.

The Johnson Center is a university-based academic center serving nonprofits, foundations, and others that seek to transform their communities for the common good, and is adapting constantly to changing conditions. This is accomplished through applied research, professional development, and the advancement of social technologies.