Forty Under 40: Justin DeLille

Justin DeLille, 32, may have a degree in molecular biology but his natural talent of connecting with people led him to a career in fundraising for the arts.

In his first year and a half as corporate relations officer for the Walton Arts Center, DeLille increased fundraising revenue by 10 percent.

After graduating in 1999 with a degree in microbiology from the University of Arkansas, DeLille and his high school sweetheart moved to Florida, where he got a master’s degree in molecular biology and business management.

After their son was born, DeLille and his wife decided to return to Northwest Arkansas.
In 2007, DeLille was perusing the classified ads when he saw the position at the Walton Arts Center.

“It was sort of a risk because I have a science and business background and no formal training in the arts, but I thought it would be a fun job to take,” he said.

DeLille has since established the Young Professionals Arts Society at the Walton Arts Center in an effort to engage younger clientele.

When he’s not raising awareness about the Walton Arts Center or advocating for the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas, DeLille likes to spend quality time with his family.

“Ultimately my family is what drives me to be successful,” he said. “I do everything for them.”