Discovery Place Inc

Charlotte, NC · Founded 1950

Science and nature museum presenting interactive exhibits and educational programs

Primary audience
General public
Work area
Arts and culture
Topic
Community development
Contact
Catherine Wilson Horne
Website Contact

About Organization

Discovery Place engages visitors through hands-on science experiences, IMAX films, and educational outreach programs. Located in Charlotte, NC, the organization operates with $14.1 million in annual revenue, inspiring curiosity in learners of all ages.

What They Focus On

Artistic Excellence

Presenting high-quality cultural programs that inspire and educate audiences.

Community Engagement

Connecting diverse populations through accessible arts experiences and education.

Cultural Preservation

Protecting and sharing artistic heritage for current and future generations.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$14.1M

+0% vs 2023

Assets (2023)

$122.9M

+0% vs 2023

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2023 — — — —
2023 $14,080,976 $17,680,569 $122,863,847 231
2022 — — — —
2022 $19,576,538 $15,481,047 $125,480,419 242
2020 — — — —
2020 $8,211,405 $8,827,829 $119,228,649 212
2019 $10,179,677 $13,084,303 $111,200,822 275
2018 $12,858,473 $14,807,927 $113,216,963 277
2017 $20,997,014 $14,325,031 $115,249,740 270

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Curate Content

    Select and organize artistic works for public presentation and engagement.

  • 02

    Present Programs

    Deliver cultural experiences through exhibitions, performances, and events.

  • 03

    Educate Public

    Provide interpretive materials and programs to deepen audience understanding.

  • 04

    Assess Impact

    Gather feedback and measure cultural enrichment outcomes.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Discovery Place Inc

Charitable Gift

Grant-funded initiative supporting organizational mission and community needs.

Children & Family Advocate/enrichment

Grant-funded initiative supporting organizational mission and community needs.

Community Outreach

Grant-funded initiative supporting organizational mission and community needs.

General Operations

Grant-funded initiative supporting organizational mission and community needs.

Marketplace Grant

Grant-funded initiative supporting organizational mission and community needs.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Discovery Place Inc.

CW

Catherine Wilson Horne

Chief Executive Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $494,878
AN

Anne N Ibekwe

Chief Financial Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $208,323
JJ

Jennifer Joyce

Chief Marketing Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $175,490
HN

Heather Norton

Chief Science Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $167,618
EG

Ervin Gourdine

Chief Talent Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $163,999
NH

Nikole Hill

Chief Learning Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $124,666
SF

Sarah Fantel

Chief Of Staff
Full-time
Compensation: $103,055
BL

Barrett Long

Sr Director It
Full-time
Compensation: $102,598
CW

Catherine Wilson Horne

Chief Executive Officer
SB

Sarah Bordy Lane

Chf Advancement Off. (Thru 3/5/24)
Full-time
Compensation: $260,669
DS

Dan Streelman

Chf Exhibit & Environment Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $132,881
KD

Ken Davidson

Controller
Full-time
Compensation: $117,871

Milestones

1950

Organization Founded

1950

Discovery Place Inc was established to address community needs and advance its mission.

2017

Program Development

2017

Continued growth through expanded services and community engagement.

2023

Community Impact

2023

Demonstrated effectiveness through measurable program outcomes.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AB
Aditya Bhasin Chair 4.00 hrs/week
BP
Ben Psych Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
BD
Bryan Delaney Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
CM
Charlie Morris Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
DA
David Atkinson Human Capital Vice Chair 3.00 hrs/week
DW
Derek Wang Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
EH
Emily Henson Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
FC
Frank Chatman Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
HW
Holly Welch Stubbing Ed, Exp, Inno Co-Vice Chair 3.00 hrs/week
JB
Jason Bernd Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
JW
Jeff Wallace Finance & Investment Chair 3.00 hrs/week
LB
Laura Bowles Audit Vice Chair 3.00 hrs/week
LM
Lindsay McCullough Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
NW
Nazy Weeks Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
PC
Paul Camuti Governance Chair 3.00 hrs/week
RA
Reem Anani Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
RC
Rich Campbell Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
RF
Ryan Fagan Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
SR
Sagar Rathie Ed, Exp, Inno Co-Vice Chair 3.00 hrs/week
SH
Stefanie Holland Secretary 3.00 hrs/week
SS
Stephanie Sadowski Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
SW
Sushma Walker Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
TB
Tera Black Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
TG
Todd Gorelick Trustee 2.00 hrs/week
TK
Tracy Kerrins Trustee 2.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$2.2M

Highest Paid

$534K

Catherine Wilson Horne

Compensated Officers

11

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Catherine Wilson Horne Chief Executive Officer $494,878 $39,300 $534,178 55
Sarah Bordy Lane Chf Advancement Off. (Thru 3/5/24) $260,669 $21,037 $281,706 55
Anne N Ibekwe Chief Financial Officer $208,323 $21,391 $229,714 60
Jennifer Joyce Chief Marketing Officer $175,490 $22,644 $198,134 55
Ervin Gourdine Chief Talent Officer $163,999 $22,796 $186,795 50
Heather Norton Chief Science Officer $167,618 $16,975 $184,593 55
Dan Streelman Chf Exhibit & Environment Officer $132,881 $13,233 $146,114 50
Nikole Hill Chief Learning Officer $124,666 $6,623 $131,289 55
Ken Davidson Controller $117,871 $12,423 $130,294 55
Barrett Long SR Director IT $102,598 $11,180 $113,778 50
Sarah Fantel Chief Of Staff $103,055 $9,256 $112,311 50

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$2.8M

Total Forgiven

$2.9M

101% forgiven

Jobs Retained

280

Loan Details 2 loans

$1,441,262
Forgiven
Forgiven: $1,450,310 100%
Approved Apr 3, 2021
Lender Truist Bank
Jobs Reported 92
Forgiven On Nov 19, 2021
$1,395,000
Forgiven
Forgiven: $1,405,618 100%
Approved Apr 11, 2020
Lender Truist Bank
Jobs Reported 188
Forgiven On Jan 27, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$1.7M Grants Received
9 Organizations

Top Funders

9 total
FF
Foundation For The Carolinas
$1.1M
TM
The Movement Foundation Inc
$215K
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$147K
TP
The Presbyterian Hospital
$143K
DF
Deloitte Foundation
$50K
TC
Tulsa Community Foundation
$30K
NC
Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc.
$15K
CC
Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation
$9K
DM
David M Herskovits Foundation
$5K
Foundation For The Carolinas The Movement Foundation Inc Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund The Presbyterian Hospital Deloitte Foundation Tulsa Community Foundation Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc. Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation David M Herskovits Foundation
Foundation For The Carolinas The Movement Foundation Inc Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund The Presbyterian Hospital Deloitte Foundation Tulsa Community Foundation Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc. Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation David M Herskovits Foundation

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Federal Funding

Government awards and grants from USAspending.gov

$249K Total Obligated
$249K Total Amount
1 Awards
1 Agency

Awards

Agency Award ID Type Period Amount
NASA 80NSSC25M0037 COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT (B) 2025-2027 $249,230

Source: USAspending.gov. Amounts represent total federal obligations.

Contact

Get in touch with Discovery Place Inc

Phone

(704) 348-1964

Social

Visit Website
301 North Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202