Leadership
Tom Purcell
President, Executive/Finance Committee Chair, Fundraising Committee Chair
Tom Purcell
President, Executive/Finance Committee Chair, Fundraising Committee Chair
Tom Purcell has been involved in community decision making for over 50 years. Prior to these activities, he served in the Peace Corps in India, the United States Marine Corps Reserve, rising to the rank of Captain, and in America's Poverty Program. He also has received two Master degrees in Urban Affairs and Business Administration from Saint Louis University. He Led the development effort for the Laclede's Landing from 1976 to 2003, during which time over 3,000 jobs were created and over $200,000,000 of public and private capital was invested. Tom Purcell has served on more than 45 boards of government, non-profit, and business organizations. Finally, he has also been involved in the renewal of St. Louis neighborhoods, including the Riverfront, Shaw, Downtown, and Carondelet.As the city of St. Louis continued to change in population and economic purpose, it became obvious that education even more important if the city was to have a vibrant and meaningful future for its residents. It also became clear that a 3rd party organization could play a role in assisting the various elementary school systems active in the St. Louis community in providing a 21st century education to achieve their goals. The areas of focus of this new 3rd party organization, The Green House Venture, would be bioscience/aquaponics, urban agriculture, and nutrition and dietetics. The Venture would involve the area's universities, high schools, and elementary talent evident in existing educational institutions in a partnership framework to achieve its program goals. Saint Louis University professor and Vice President of the GHV Donald Stump and I have been involved in this unique process, him as the leader in curriculum programs, and I as the leader in organization and development process for over seven years. The Green House Venture has been very fortunate to have a sustained involvement of talented volunteers active in the board and committee levels of the organization. It has been the most challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding activity I have experienced in the St. Louis community in the last 50 years.
Donald Stump
Vice President, Program/Curriculum Committee Chair
Donald Stump
Vice President, Program/Curriculum Committee Chair
Donald Stump received his B.A. from Grinnell College, with concentrations in Biology and English literature. He pursued his Ph.D.in English at Cornell University. Before coming to Saint Louis University in 1992, he taught at Colgate University, Virginia Tech, and Notre Dame. Until 2017, Donald Stump directed the Micah Program at SLU, the largest undergraduate academic program and learning community in the nation focused on the study and practice of long-term approaches to urban poverty. Dr. Stump is also a Professor of English. He has served at SLU as Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and as President of the Arts and Sciences Faculty Council. From 2011-2015, Dr. Stump headed up a university working group of faculty and administrators to design an education and outreach greenhouse to teach science and improve nutrition for under-served elementary-school students. He also secured funding and headed up creation of the SLU Aquaponics Lab as a firsts step in preparing to build such a facility. With shared goals and ideas in mind, he joined with Tom Purcell in founding the Green House Venture in 2015. Since then, Dr. Stump has headed up curriculum development for the Venture and has been closely involved in the process of designing its Education Center."Every child we work with has a mind with more creative potential than the most powerful supercomputers on the planet. Our job is to spark curiosity and light up the imagination so that learning becomes a pleasure, delight leads to lives of investigation, and discovery brings benefits to us all."
Jack Connaghan
Marketing and Communications Committee Co-Chair, IT Consultant, Secretary
Jack Connaghan
Marketing and Communications Committee Co-Chair, IT Consultant, Secretary
Jack Connaghan is the Co-Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee, IT Consultant, and Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Green House Venture. After graduating from Saint Louis University with a degree in Communication, Jack started out at the GHV by watering plants and picking up trash at the Terrace Garden. Before long, Jack involved himself in the creation of promotional material for the GHV's social media pages, eventually becoming the primary contributor to those platforms. When the previous Secretary for the Board stepped down, Jack was asked to contribute to the GHV Board of Directors by serving as the new Secretary. He maintains all of these services today. You can still find Jack at the Terrace Garden watering our plants!"The Green House Venture is special to me because of its potential to reach far beyond the confines of our little neighborhood, or maybe even our city. Through the use of online classes at our future Education Center, I hope we can reach students and classrooms that don't otherwise have access to this kind of teaching."
These days, Jack also works with Professor Don Stump and the Curriculum Committee to enhance the capabilities of our Computerized Growth Chambers.Dennis Purkis, CPA
Treasurer
Dennis Purkis, CPA
Treasurer
Dennis has over 23 years of experience providing accounting tax and advisory services to not‐for‐profits, businesses, start‐ups, and individuals. His expertise is rooted in providing accounting, auditing, and consulting services and has evolved over the past ten years to focus on financial statement review, compilation, and preparation services; individual, business, and exempt entity tax services; QuickBooks implementation, training, and advising; outsourced accounting; and on‐site and remote controllership services. He is passionate about assisting clients with their accounting, reporting, and compliance needs and enjoys advising clients on recent developments, process controls and efficiencies.PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Member, Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MOCPA)
- Former Board Member, St. Louis Chapter President, and Accounting and Auditing Committee Chair Recurring author of articles in The Asset, the official publication of the MOCPA. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Cornerstone Center for Early Learning – Finance Committee Former Board Member,
- American Lung Association – Missouri
- Former Chair, Fight For Air Climb Committee
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION -B.S., Business Administration – Accounting, SE Missouri State University Certified Public Accountant (CPA), State of Missouri
The Green House Venture recently added another exceptional member to our Board of Directors. He’s Dennis Purkis, who also now serves as the Venture’s new Treasurer. Dennis has over 23 years of experience providing accounting tax and advisory services to not‐for‐profits, businesses, start‐ups, and individuals. His expertise is rooted in accounting, auditing, and consulting services that have grown and evolved over the years to support his clients in virtually every aspect of financial management, as well as process controls and operating efficiencies.“I am excited to be part of a very unique and interesting concept that brings collaboration and scale to schools and students in the community,” says Dennis about the Green House Venture. “Much effort has been made to establish this outstanding program, and I am honored to be afforded the opportunity to contribute as the GHV pursues the vision of a STEM Education Center in the heart of the City.”
Finance
Tom Purcell
President, Executive/Finance Committee Chair, Fundraising Committee Chair
Tom Purcell
President, Executive/Finance Committee Chair, Fundraising Committee Chair
Tom Purcell has been involved in community decision making for over 50 years. Prior to these activities, he served in the Peace Corps in India, the United States Marine Corps Reserve, rising to the rank of Captain, and in America's Poverty Program. He also has received two Master degrees in Urban Affairs and Business Administration from Saint Louis University. He Led the development effort for the Laclede's Landing from 1976 to 2003, during which time over 3,000 jobs were created and over $200,000,000 of public and private capital was invested. Tom Purcell has served on more than 45 boards of government, non-profit, and business organizations. Finally, he has also been involved in the renewal of St. Louis neighborhoods, including the Riverfront, Shaw, Downtown, and Carondelet.As the city of St. Louis continued to change in population and economic purpose, it became obvious that education even more important if the city was to have a vibrant and meaningful future for its residents. It also became clear that a 3rd party organization could play a role in assisting the various elementary school systems active in the St. Louis community in providing a 21st century education to achieve their goals. The areas of focus of this new 3rd party organization, The Green House Venture, would be bioscience/aquaponics, urban agriculture, and nutrition and dietetics. The Venture would involve the area's universities, high schools, and elementary talent evident in existing educational institutions in a partnership framework to achieve its program goals. Saint Louis University professor and Vice President of the GHV Donald Stump and I have been involved in this unique process, him as the leader in curriculum programs, and I as the leader in organization and development process for over seven years. The Green House Venture has been very fortunate to have a sustained involvement of talented volunteers active in the board and committee levels of the organization. It has been the most challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding activity I have experienced in the St. Louis community in the last 50 years.
Dennis Purkis, CPA
Treasurer
Dennis Purkis, CPA
Treasurer
Dennis has over 23 years of experience providing accounting tax and advisory services to not‐for‐profits, businesses, start‐ups, and individuals. His expertise is rooted in providing accounting, auditing, and consulting services and has evolved over the past ten years to focus on financial statement review, compilation, and preparation services; individual, business, and exempt entity tax services; QuickBooks implementation, training, and advising; outsourced accounting; and on‐site and remote controllership services. He is passionate about assisting clients with their accounting, reporting, and compliance needs and enjoys advising clients on recent developments, process controls and efficiencies.PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Member, Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MOCPA)
- Former Board Member, St. Louis Chapter President, and Accounting and Auditing Committee Chair Recurring author of articles in The Asset, the official publication of the MOCPA. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Cornerstone Center for Early Learning – Finance Committee Former Board Member,
- American Lung Association – Missouri
- Former Chair, Fight For Air Climb Committee
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION -B.S., Business Administration – Accounting, SE Missouri State University Certified Public Accountant (CPA), State of Missouri
The Green House Venture recently added another exceptional member to our Board of Directors. He’s Dennis Purkis, who also now serves as the Venture’s new Treasurer. Dennis has over 23 years of experience providing accounting tax and advisory services to not‐for‐profits, businesses, start‐ups, and individuals. His expertise is rooted in accounting, auditing, and consulting services that have grown and evolved over the years to support his clients in virtually every aspect of financial management, as well as process controls and operating efficiencies.“I am excited to be part of a very unique and interesting concept that brings collaboration and scale to schools and students in the community,” says Dennis about the Green House Venture. “Much effort has been made to establish this outstanding program, and I am honored to be afforded the opportunity to contribute as the GHV pursues the vision of a STEM Education Center in the heart of the City.”
Education
Sanjiv Bhatia
Director
Sanjiv Bhatia
Director
Dr. Sanjiv Bhatia works as Professor of Computer Science in the University of Missouri -- St. Louis. His primary areas of research include Computer Vision, Image Databases, Digital Image Processing, Satellite Imagery Analysis, and Algorithms. He has published a number of articles in those areas. He has consulted extensively with industry for commercial and military applications of computer vision, and built complex products and systems. He is also an expert in system programming and has worked on a few real-time and embedded applications. He serves on the organizing committee of a number of conferences and on the editorial board of a few journals. He has taught a broad range of courses in computer science at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and has been the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. He is a senior member of ACM.I am excited to be part of the GHV program to generate excitement about STEM in the next generation.
Kelli Casper
Director
Kelli Casper
Director
Mrs. Kelli Casper is the newly appointed Principal at Mullanphy - Botanical Garden ILC. She has worked in the St. Louis Public School district since 2004 as a teacher, instructional coach and administrator. Mrs. Casper is passionate about creating a learning environment to help students feel valued and successful. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Darren, of 24 years, and their two teenage sons. In addition, she and her husband volunteer with refugee families in the south city area through their church.Michael Gregory
Director, Urban Education Alliance Committee Chair
Michael Gregory
Director, Urban Education Alliance Committee Chair
Mike Gregory is a passionate educator and minister for Tower Grove Christian Academy located in the historical Shaw community of St. Louis MO. He believes through equipping students in truth and rigorous academics the city and the world will be changed. Mike received his MBA from Roosevelt University in Chicago, and has served in many leading roles of fortune 100 companies. He served as a board of trustee for the Missouri Baptist University, served as Board member STL Ambassadors- President of NACBA, St Louis Chapter
- Vice President of NACBA, Chicago Chapter
- Served as Chaplain NACBA, St Louis Chapter
- Vice President of SNIA
- Lead two mission trips; one to Kenya and another to Kyrgyzstan Directed the capital campaign and Board member of The Green House Venture for Bio-Science.
The GHV is changing the landscape of our city by educating our elementary students in bio-science that lays a foundation for each to become Scientists.
Molly Schaller
Director
Molly Schaller
Director
Molly Schaller is the Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Higher Education Administration in the School of Education at Saint Louis University. Dr. Schaller joined the Greenhouse Board in 2017 when she joined the faculty at SLU. Prior to arriving at SLU, Dr. Schaller worked for 28 years at the University of Dayton. Dr. Schaller is particularly interested in connecting the Greenhouse Venture activities to the SLU experience to feed children’s interests in learning, science and the college opportunities in the greater St. Louis Region. Schaller holds a B.A. in Psychology from the Ohio State University, an M.A. from Miami University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Ohio University.I am so proud to be a member of the Board of Directors for the GHV. Children in our community deserve the opportunity to grow in their understanding of themselves as scientists and through the GHV, they come to see themselves as scientists.
Dr. Freddie E. Wills
Director
Dr. Freddie E. Wills
Director
Freddie E. Wills, Jr., Ph.D. is a higher education professional knowledgeable about theories and practices that meet at the intersection of secondary and post-secondary education. Dr. Wills serves as the Vice President for STEM Initiatives and Research Partnerships and he leads the Missouri Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MOLSAMP) as its Principal Investigator. In his role, Dr. Wills works to develop and implement institutional partnerships that advance HSSU’s STEM agenda and supports student success. In addition, serving as a Principal Investigator of MOLSAMP, Dr. Wills provides leadership for the operation of two other National Science Foundation grants awarded to the HSSU. Dr. Wills is a visionary leader, who is passionate about student development, organizational culture and structure, and excellence in academics. Dr. Wills, holds a Bachelors of Art degree in Communications (Southwest Baptist University), a Masters of Arts degree in Media Communications (Webster University), and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Saint Louis University.
Directors
Tom Purcell
President, Executive/Finance Committee Chair, Fundraising Committee Chair
Tom Purcell
President, Executive/Finance Committee Chair, Fundraising Committee Chair
Tom Purcell has been involved in community decision making for over 50 years. Prior to these activities, he served in the Peace Corps in India, the United States Marine Corps Reserve, rising to the rank of Captain, and in America's Poverty Program. He also has received two Master degrees in Urban Affairs and Business Administration from Saint Louis University. He Led the development effort for the Laclede's Landing from 1976 to 2003, during which time over 3,000 jobs were created and over $200,000,000 of public and private capital was invested. Tom Purcell has served on more than 45 boards of government, non-profit, and business organizations. Finally, he has also been involved in the renewal of St. Louis neighborhoods, including the Riverfront, Shaw, Downtown, and Carondelet.As the city of St. Louis continued to change in population and economic purpose, it became obvious that education even more important if the city was to have a vibrant and meaningful future for its residents. It also became clear that a 3rd party organization could play a role in assisting the various elementary school systems active in the St. Louis community in providing a 21st century education to achieve their goals. The areas of focus of this new 3rd party organization, The Green House Venture, would be bioscience/aquaponics, urban agriculture, and nutrition and dietetics. The Venture would involve the area's universities, high schools, and elementary talent evident in existing educational institutions in a partnership framework to achieve its program goals. Saint Louis University professor and Vice President of the GHV Donald Stump and I have been involved in this unique process, him as the leader in curriculum programs, and I as the leader in organization and development process for over seven years. The Green House Venture has been very fortunate to have a sustained involvement of talented volunteers active in the board and committee levels of the organization. It has been the most challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding activity I have experienced in the St. Louis community in the last 50 years.
Donald Stump
Vice President, Program/Curriculum Committee Chair
Donald Stump
Vice President, Program/Curriculum Committee Chair
Donald Stump received his B.A. from Grinnell College, with concentrations in Biology and English literature. He pursued his Ph.D.in English at Cornell University. Before coming to Saint Louis University in 1992, he taught at Colgate University, Virginia Tech, and Notre Dame. Until 2017, Donald Stump directed the Micah Program at SLU, the largest undergraduate academic program and learning community in the nation focused on the study and practice of long-term approaches to urban poverty. Dr. Stump is also a Professor of English. He has served at SLU as Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and as President of the Arts and Sciences Faculty Council. From 2011-2015, Dr. Stump headed up a university working group of faculty and administrators to design an education and outreach greenhouse to teach science and improve nutrition for under-served elementary-school students. He also secured funding and headed up creation of the SLU Aquaponics Lab as a firsts step in preparing to build such a facility. With shared goals and ideas in mind, he joined with Tom Purcell in founding the Green House Venture in 2015. Since then, Dr. Stump has headed up curriculum development for the Venture and has been closely involved in the process of designing its Education Center."Every child we work with has a mind with more creative potential than the most powerful supercomputers on the planet. Our job is to spark curiosity and light up the imagination so that learning becomes a pleasure, delight leads to lives of investigation, and discovery brings benefits to us all."
Peter H. Benoist
Site/Design Chair
Peter H. Benoist
Site/Design Chair
EDUCATION
Regis College- Bachelor of Arts (1970) Washington University University of Missouri, St. LouisEXPERIENCE
- HERCULES CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPANY President 7/1/94 - Present
- KLOSTER COMPANY Vice President 1/1/1992 – 7/1/1994
- HERCULES DIVISION OF TURNER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Manager, St. Louis Office 1986 - 1992
- HERCULES CONSTRUCTION OF NORTH CAROLINA President 1984 - 1986
- HERCULES CONSTRUCTION OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI Project Manager 1971 - 1984
MEMBERSHIP/ ACTIVITIES
- Past President Associated General Contractors of St. Louis
- Past Member of the Executive Committee St. Louis Ambassadors
- Past Member of the Board of Trustees St. Louis University High School
- Past Member Board of Trustees De Smet Jesuit High School
- Past Member Board of Directors Father Dunne’s Boys Home
- Past Member Board of Trustees Marian Middle School
- Past President Board of Trustees White House Retreat
“I got involved to the GHV some 6 years ago through a relationship with Tom Purcell who I have known for a number of years. Some described what he was trying to put together for primary age school children in the Shaw area. In would include a range of different schools all interested in science and particular a sustainable world through a hands-on program in bio-science and urban agriculture. I was hooked!! What a way to bring to elementary inter city children the future of sustainable living. My role is the chairman of the site committee. Our job is to bring to fruition the embankment garden and the new educational center and Greenhouse facility.”
Sanjiv Bhatia
Director
Sanjiv Bhatia
Director
Dr. Sanjiv Bhatia works as Professor of Computer Science in the University of Missouri -- St. Louis. His primary areas of research include Computer Vision, Image Databases, Digital Image Processing, Satellite Imagery Analysis, and Algorithms. He has published a number of articles in those areas. He has consulted extensively with industry for commercial and military applications of computer vision, and built complex products and systems. He is also an expert in system programming and has worked on a few real-time and embedded applications. He serves on the organizing committee of a number of conferences and on the editorial board of a few journals. He has taught a broad range of courses in computer science at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and has been the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. He is a senior member of ACM.I am excited to be part of the GHV program to generate excitement about STEM in the next generation.
Kelli Casper
Director
Kelli Casper
Director
Mrs. Kelli Casper is the newly appointed Principal at Mullanphy - Botanical Garden ILC. She has worked in the St. Louis Public School district since 2004 as a teacher, instructional coach and administrator. Mrs. Casper is passionate about creating a learning environment to help students feel valued and successful. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Darren, of 24 years, and their two teenage sons. In addition, she and her husband volunteer with refugee families in the south city area through their church.Jack Connaghan
Marketing and Communications Committee Co-Chair, IT Consultant, Secretary
Jack Connaghan
Marketing and Communications Committee Co-Chair, IT Consultant, Secretary
Jack Connaghan is the Co-Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee, IT Consultant, and Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Green House Venture. After graduating from Saint Louis University with a degree in Communication, Jack started out at the GHV by watering plants and picking up trash at the Terrace Garden. Before long, Jack involved himself in the creation of promotional material for the GHV's social media pages, eventually becoming the primary contributor to those platforms. When the previous Secretary for the Board stepped down, Jack was asked to contribute to the GHV Board of Directors by serving as the new Secretary. He maintains all of these services today. You can still find Jack at the Terrace Garden watering our plants!"The Green House Venture is special to me because of its potential to reach far beyond the confines of our little neighborhood, or maybe even our city. Through the use of online classes at our future Education Center, I hope we can reach students and classrooms that don't otherwise have access to this kind of teaching."
These days, Jack also works with Professor Don Stump and the Curriculum Committee to enhance the capabilities of our Computerized Growth Chambers.Jacqueline Davis-Wellington
Director
Jacqueline Davis-Wellington
Director
Jacqueline Davis-Wellington serves as Managing Partner of CED Solutions, responsible for overall coordination of all projects and staff. She brings extensive project management experience in all aspects of major redevelopment/construction and strategic planning activities. Her expertise includes securing and managing federal, state, local foundation and private grant funds to support redevelopment activities, development financing and property acquisition. Ms. Wellington previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. She was directly responsible for oversight of the Real Estate and Community Development, Legal, Human Resources, Accounting, and Marketing and Communications divisions. She was also responsible for the negotiation of property acquisition, public private partnerships, intergovernmental agreements and CDBG Administration and Grant Compliance. She led the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of St. Louis County, St. Louis County Port Authority, Lambert Airport Eastern Perimeter Joint Development Commission, and Wellston Redevelopment Corporation. Previously, Ms. Wellington held positions in the construction industry, overseeing environmental remediation and commercial construction projects. She was a Community Development Specialist for the City of St. Louis, monitoring compliance with HUD CDBG rules and regulations, and was an Academic Counselor at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. She has served on a wide range of nonprofit boards and advisory committees for state and local governments and civic organizations, including a 10-year term on the Missouri State Board of Education. The many awards she has received include EDA “Women in Leadership,” Winning Women’s “Women Influencing Now,” St. Louis Business Journal’s “Most Influential Minority Business Leader,” and Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s “Women of Distinction."The GHV is providing elementary school students an opportunity to learn about bio-science and the environment, providing them with the knowledge of and exposure to potential future career opportunities."
Michele Duffe
Director
Michele Duffe
Director
ND&S Management Company, President I am the co-founder of ND Consulting, ND&S Management Co. and Duffe-Nuernberger Realty, now know as Tower Real Estate Group. These firms are involved in the development of real estate, its management and brokerage. Using these tools , our firms have improved neighborhoods and provided better living and work environments for residents. I am the founder and president of LinkStl, a not-for-profit whose mission is to better connect the residents of Hyde Park and Old North St. Louis to opportunities and resources. I like the challenge of working with others to change neighborhoods in distress. I learned those skills working on issues in the Shaw Neighborhood and the Gate District; I now apply that knowledge to Hyde Park, Old North and College Hill neighborhoods. The Green House Venture is an effort to tie many of the institutional strengths of the central City of St. Louis, like 4 grade schools, St. Louis University, Washington University, Tower Grove Park, Gateway Greening etc., into an educational program for the area children."As a long-time Shaw Neighborhood resident, I have loved that the Botanical Garden, Tower Grove Park and Reservoir Park border the neighborhood. The north border is I-44, which until the Green House Venture (GHV), was a weedy embankment; now it is an attractive, educational, research classroom. The GHV is currently raising funds to build and operate the greenhouse, which will complete the educational facilities. The entire site will provide a hands-on, science-based curriculum for St. Louis region’s youth."
Michael Gregory
Director, Urban Education Alliance Committee Chair
Michael Gregory
Director, Urban Education Alliance Committee Chair
Mike Gregory is a passionate educator and minister for Tower Grove Christian Academy located in the historical Shaw community of St. Louis MO. He believes through equipping students in truth and rigorous academics the city and the world will be changed. Mike received his MBA from Roosevelt University in Chicago, and has served in many leading roles of fortune 100 companies. He served as a board of trustee for the Missouri Baptist University, served as Board member STL Ambassadors- President of NACBA, St Louis Chapter
- Vice President of NACBA, Chicago Chapter
- Served as Chaplain NACBA, St Louis Chapter
- Vice President of SNIA
- Lead two mission trips; one to Kenya and another to Kyrgyzstan Directed the capital campaign and Board member of The Green House Venture for Bio-Science.
The GHV is changing the landscape of our city by educating our elementary students in bio-science that lays a foundation for each to become Scientists.
Ben Johnson
Director
Ben Johnson
Director
Ben Johnson is the Vice President, Programs at BioSTL, where he leads its innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem building initiatives, including state and federal public policy, diversity/equity/inclusion initiatives, and regional talent & workforce development. Since 2001, BioSTL has transformed St. Louis' innovation economy through a comprehensive programming that leverages the region’s medical and plant science strengths. Ben currently serves as Chairman of the national Innovation Advocacy Council (IAC), which informs and educates policymakers and elected officials to modernize federal innovation & entrepreneurship policy, and a Board member of IAC’s parent organization, SSTI. Ben is also co-founder/President of NEXT Missouri, a grassroots advocacy group promoting pro-entrepreneur policy in Missouri. In addition to Green House Venture, he is a Board member of the Missouri Biotechnology Association, Missouri’s statewide biotechnology trade association; Board Chair for St. Louis Makes, a nonprofit dedicated to reshaping St. Louis’ manufacturing future; and a founding Board Member of The Education Equity Center of St. Louis, which fosters a regional approach to racial equity in education through convening, capacity building, and systems change. Prior to BioSTL, Ben moved to St. Louis to complete the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs and previously led creation of a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in Indiana. Ben received his M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and his B.A. from Northwestern University, majoring in Economics and Political Science with a minor in Business German.“Spaces like The Green House Venture, and the outreach and activities surrounding it, are critical to promoting equitable access to career opportunities in the region's growingagtech industry and to helping ensure a diverse pipeline of talent to fuel the growth of St. Louis' world-class ag and plant science economy.”
Kurt Keister
Director
Nicole Mohler
Director
Nicole Mohler
Director
"My association with the Green House Venture began in the fall of 2018 when I was asked to take pictures by my neighbor, Board President Tom Purcell. My degree was in Photography and Design and I had been working as a photographer for the past 30-years. My artistic journey started in Chicago at Ray College of design where I graduated with a BFA in Photography and a minor in Graphic Design. Upon graduation, I decided to head west so I moved to California with equipment in tow, to capture everything and anything that moved me and my camera artistically. I became comfortable in my craft by concentrating primarily on fashion photography during my time in California. As luck would have it, my husband was from St. Louis, and he eventually dragged me back to the mid-west to raise our family and I've worked as a self-employed photographer ever since. My camera has documented a little bit of everything throughout my life, but it's always focused on people and trying to capture their story. Photography has allowed me to pursue and grow in many directions from graphic design, marketing, social media curation, event design and more. I have always been driven to volunteer which has led me to meet many interesting people and to learn new things along the way. In one of my favorite volunteer roles, I served as a middle school yearbook moderator, teaching students' photography and layout design. I have also taught art and have lead art auctions from concept through auction ready artworks for bidding. The GHV has allowed me to expand even further through video production with Arbor Group, expansion of social media platforms and our campus newsletters.“My favorite thing about the Venture is always the kids. Watching them enjoy little slices of nature and science right here in the neighborhood. They are curious and want to learn especially when it comes to lessons around nature in the middle of the city.”
Nicole Mohler retired from her position as Marketing and Communications Chair in 2024. She remains with the Green House Venture on our Board of Directors and is a frequent collaborator on GHV marketing efforts.
Laura Moore
Director
Laura Moore
Director
With a lifetime of diverse industry experience, I have honed my skills across brewing, pharmaceuticals, radio pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. My career has spanned roles in Quality, Research & Development, Training, and Production. While some might view this as instability, I see it as a rich tapestry of discrete experiences that have uniquely prepared me for my current role. At STLCC, I am dedicated to training future technicians and developing programs that empower individuals to exceed expectations in every role.
GHV’s innovative use of urban green resources is both unique and inspiring. I am excited to contribute to the mission of fostering lifelong learners and helping them dream and prepare for their own extraordinary futures.
Dawn Nemanick
Marketing and Communications Committee Co-Chair
Dawn Nemanick
Marketing and Communications Committee Co-Chair
Dawn Nemanick is the current Co-Chair of the Green House Venture's Marketing and Communications Committee. With help from Co-Chair Jack Connaghan, Dawn leads the Green House Venture's efforts in media outreach and the continued expansion of our GHV Digital Campus.
Nicole Niewald
Director
Nicole Niewald
Director
Nicole Niewald joined the Green House Venture as a Director in the summer of 2024, not long after Lafayette Preparatory Academy installed her as their Head of School. Being the leader of one of our Alliance Schools, Nicole finds herself involved in several GHV initiatives, including our Computerized Growth Chamber program and a variety of classroom activities organized by our Curriculum Committee.Dennis Purkis, CPA
Treasurer
Dennis Purkis, CPA
Treasurer
Dennis has over 23 years of experience providing accounting tax and advisory services to not‐for‐profits, businesses, start‐ups, and individuals. His expertise is rooted in providing accounting, auditing, and consulting services and has evolved over the past ten years to focus on financial statement review, compilation, and preparation services; individual, business, and exempt entity tax services; QuickBooks implementation, training, and advising; outsourced accounting; and on‐site and remote controllership services. He is passionate about assisting clients with their accounting, reporting, and compliance needs and enjoys advising clients on recent developments, process controls and efficiencies.PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Member, Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MOCPA)
- Former Board Member, St. Louis Chapter President, and Accounting and Auditing Committee Chair Recurring author of articles in The Asset, the official publication of the MOCPA. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Cornerstone Center for Early Learning – Finance Committee Former Board Member,
- American Lung Association – Missouri
- Former Chair, Fight For Air Climb Committee
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION -B.S., Business Administration – Accounting, SE Missouri State University Certified Public Accountant (CPA), State of Missouri
The Green House Venture recently added another exceptional member to our Board of Directors. He’s Dennis Purkis, who also now serves as the Venture’s new Treasurer. Dennis has over 23 years of experience providing accounting tax and advisory services to not‐for‐profits, businesses, start‐ups, and individuals. His expertise is rooted in accounting, auditing, and consulting services that have grown and evolved over the years to support his clients in virtually every aspect of financial management, as well as process controls and operating efficiencies.“I am excited to be part of a very unique and interesting concept that brings collaboration and scale to schools and students in the community,” says Dennis about the Green House Venture. “Much effort has been made to establish this outstanding program, and I am honored to be afforded the opportunity to contribute as the GHV pursues the vision of a STEM Education Center in the heart of the City.”
Molly Schaller
Director
Molly Schaller
Director
Molly Schaller is the Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Higher Education Administration in the School of Education at Saint Louis University. Dr. Schaller joined the Greenhouse Board in 2017 when she joined the faculty at SLU. Prior to arriving at SLU, Dr. Schaller worked for 28 years at the University of Dayton. Dr. Schaller is particularly interested in connecting the Greenhouse Venture activities to the SLU experience to feed children’s interests in learning, science and the college opportunities in the greater St. Louis Region. Schaller holds a B.A. in Psychology from the Ohio State University, an M.A. from Miami University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Ohio University.I am so proud to be a member of the Board of Directors for the GHV. Children in our community deserve the opportunity to grow in their understanding of themselves as scientists and through the GHV, they come to see themselves as scientists.
Colleen Starkloff
Director
Dr. Freddie E. Wills
Director
Dr. Freddie E. Wills
Director
Freddie E. Wills, Jr., Ph.D. is a higher education professional knowledgeable about theories and practices that meet at the intersection of secondary and post-secondary education. Dr. Wills serves as the Vice President for STEM Initiatives and Research Partnerships and he leads the Missouri Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MOLSAMP) as its Principal Investigator. In his role, Dr. Wills works to develop and implement institutional partnerships that advance HSSU’s STEM agenda and supports student success. In addition, serving as a Principal Investigator of MOLSAMP, Dr. Wills provides leadership for the operation of two other National Science Foundation grants awarded to the HSSU. Dr. Wills is a visionary leader, who is passionate about student development, organizational culture and structure, and excellence in academics. Dr. Wills, holds a Bachelors of Art degree in Communications (Southwest Baptist University), a Masters of Arts degree in Media Communications (Webster University), and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Saint Louis University.
Chairs
Tom Purcell
President, Executive/Finance Committee Chair, Fundraising Committee Chair
Tom Purcell
President, Executive/Finance Committee Chair, Fundraising Committee Chair
Tom Purcell has been involved in community decision making for over 50 years. Prior to these activities, he served in the Peace Corps in India, the United States Marine Corps Reserve, rising to the rank of Captain, and in America's Poverty Program. He also has received two Master degrees in Urban Affairs and Business Administration from Saint Louis University. He Led the development effort for the Laclede's Landing from 1976 to 2003, during which time over 3,000 jobs were created and over $200,000,000 of public and private capital was invested. Tom Purcell has served on more than 45 boards of government, non-profit, and business organizations. Finally, he has also been involved in the renewal of St. Louis neighborhoods, including the Riverfront, Shaw, Downtown, and Carondelet.As the city of St. Louis continued to change in population and economic purpose, it became obvious that education even more important if the city was to have a vibrant and meaningful future for its residents. It also became clear that a 3rd party organization could play a role in assisting the various elementary school systems active in the St. Louis community in providing a 21st century education to achieve their goals. The areas of focus of this new 3rd party organization, The Green House Venture, would be bioscience/aquaponics, urban agriculture, and nutrition and dietetics. The Venture would involve the area's universities, high schools, and elementary talent evident in existing educational institutions in a partnership framework to achieve its program goals. Saint Louis University professor and Vice President of the GHV Donald Stump and I have been involved in this unique process, him as the leader in curriculum programs, and I as the leader in organization and development process for over seven years. The Green House Venture has been very fortunate to have a sustained involvement of talented volunteers active in the board and committee levels of the organization. It has been the most challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding activity I have experienced in the St. Louis community in the last 50 years.
Donald Stump
Vice President, Program/Curriculum Committee Chair
Donald Stump
Vice President, Program/Curriculum Committee Chair
Donald Stump received his B.A. from Grinnell College, with concentrations in Biology and English literature. He pursued his Ph.D.in English at Cornell University. Before coming to Saint Louis University in 1992, he taught at Colgate University, Virginia Tech, and Notre Dame. Until 2017, Donald Stump directed the Micah Program at SLU, the largest undergraduate academic program and learning community in the nation focused on the study and practice of long-term approaches to urban poverty. Dr. Stump is also a Professor of English. He has served at SLU as Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and as President of the Arts and Sciences Faculty Council. From 2011-2015, Dr. Stump headed up a university working group of faculty and administrators to design an education and outreach greenhouse to teach science and improve nutrition for under-served elementary-school students. He also secured funding and headed up creation of the SLU Aquaponics Lab as a firsts step in preparing to build such a facility. With shared goals and ideas in mind, he joined with Tom Purcell in founding the Green House Venture in 2015. Since then, Dr. Stump has headed up curriculum development for the Venture and has been closely involved in the process of designing its Education Center."Every child we work with has a mind with more creative potential than the most powerful supercomputers on the planet. Our job is to spark curiosity and light up the imagination so that learning becomes a pleasure, delight leads to lives of investigation, and discovery brings benefits to us all."
Peter H. Benoist
Site/Design Chair
Peter H. Benoist
Site/Design Chair
EDUCATION
Regis College- Bachelor of Arts (1970) Washington University University of Missouri, St. LouisEXPERIENCE
- HERCULES CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPANY President 7/1/94 - Present
- KLOSTER COMPANY Vice President 1/1/1992 – 7/1/1994
- HERCULES DIVISION OF TURNER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Manager, St. Louis Office 1986 - 1992
- HERCULES CONSTRUCTION OF NORTH CAROLINA President 1984 - 1986
- HERCULES CONSTRUCTION OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI Project Manager 1971 - 1984
MEMBERSHIP/ ACTIVITIES
- Past President Associated General Contractors of St. Louis
- Past Member of the Executive Committee St. Louis Ambassadors
- Past Member of the Board of Trustees St. Louis University High School
- Past Member Board of Trustees De Smet Jesuit High School
- Past Member Board of Directors Father Dunne’s Boys Home
- Past Member Board of Trustees Marian Middle School
- Past President Board of Trustees White House Retreat
“I got involved to the GHV some 6 years ago through a relationship with Tom Purcell who I have known for a number of years. Some described what he was trying to put together for primary age school children in the Shaw area. In would include a range of different schools all interested in science and particular a sustainable world through a hands-on program in bio-science and urban agriculture. I was hooked!! What a way to bring to elementary inter city children the future of sustainable living. My role is the chairman of the site committee. Our job is to bring to fruition the embankment garden and the new educational center and Greenhouse facility.”
Jack Connaghan
Marketing and Communications Committee Co-Chair, IT Consultant, Secretary
Jack Connaghan
Marketing and Communications Committee Co-Chair, IT Consultant, Secretary
Jack Connaghan is the Co-Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee, IT Consultant, and Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Green House Venture. After graduating from Saint Louis University with a degree in Communication, Jack started out at the GHV by watering plants and picking up trash at the Terrace Garden. Before long, Jack involved himself in the creation of promotional material for the GHV's social media pages, eventually becoming the primary contributor to those platforms. When the previous Secretary for the Board stepped down, Jack was asked to contribute to the GHV Board of Directors by serving as the new Secretary. He maintains all of these services today. You can still find Jack at the Terrace Garden watering our plants!"The Green House Venture is special to me because of its potential to reach far beyond the confines of our little neighborhood, or maybe even our city. Through the use of online classes at our future Education Center, I hope we can reach students and classrooms that don't otherwise have access to this kind of teaching."
These days, Jack also works with Professor Don Stump and the Curriculum Committee to enhance the capabilities of our Computerized Growth Chambers.Michael Gregory
Director, Urban Education Alliance Committee Chair
Michael Gregory
Director, Urban Education Alliance Committee Chair
Mike Gregory is a passionate educator and minister for Tower Grove Christian Academy located in the historical Shaw community of St. Louis MO. He believes through equipping students in truth and rigorous academics the city and the world will be changed. Mike received his MBA from Roosevelt University in Chicago, and has served in many leading roles of fortune 100 companies. He served as a board of trustee for the Missouri Baptist University, served as Board member STL Ambassadors- President of NACBA, St Louis Chapter
- Vice President of NACBA, Chicago Chapter
- Served as Chaplain NACBA, St Louis Chapter
- Vice President of SNIA
- Lead two mission trips; one to Kenya and another to Kyrgyzstan Directed the capital campaign and Board member of The Green House Venture for Bio-Science.
The GHV is changing the landscape of our city by educating our elementary students in bio-science that lays a foundation for each to become Scientists.
Dawn Nemanick
Marketing and Communications Committee Co-Chair
Dawn Nemanick
Marketing and Communications Committee Co-Chair
Dawn Nemanick is the current Co-Chair of the Green House Venture's Marketing and Communications Committee. With help from Co-Chair Jack Connaghan, Dawn leads the Green House Venture's efforts in media outreach and the continued expansion of our GHV Digital Campus.
