News & Stories

The Joy of Volunteering at Wolf Trap

Volunteer Spotlight on Jim and Stacy Riordan

Volunteers Jim and Stacy Riordan pose in front of the Wolf Trap Gift Shop wearing their blue volunteer polos.

Looking for a rewarding second act following their retirements, Jim and Stacy Riordan found exactly that when they started volunteering at Wolf Trap two years ago. Jim served in the Air Force and then worked in government contracting, while Stacy had an exciting career as a corporate finance executive at Deltek—just down the road from Wolf Trap!

Jim and Stacy Riordan smiling at a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.

The Riordans love working in the Gift Shop during the summer season, as it gives them the chance to interact with visitors excited for the performances. The community of amazing volunteers is a big part of what convinced them to join the program, and the patrons are what keep them coming back. They appreciate the chance to give back to a venue that has brought them so much joy over the years.

First Impressions of Wolf Trap

Stacy and Jim Riordan posing on the Wolf Trap lawn.

Jim and Stacy's connection to Wolf Trap started in 2002 during Jim’s Air Force assignment in the area. They became regulars at the Filene Center’s outdoor concerts, enjoying lawn seats with friends and picnicking together. They fondly remember National Symphony Orchestra and Wolf Trap Opera performances, as well as standout shows like Sting, Diana Ross, Jerry Seinfeld, and Josh Groban.

Sting plays his guitar and sings on the Filene Center stage, surrounded by red and blue lights.

What makes Wolf Trap unique for Jim and Stacy is the enjoyment of high-quality performances in a beautiful setting. Volunteering allows them to contribute to a venue that has provided countless memorable evenings. A highlight was bringing Stacy’s family to see Seinfeld; it was their first—and hopefully not last—visit, and they were astounded by the Filene Center’s beauty.

Life Beyond Wolf Trap

When not volunteering, Jim and Stacy are active in the Pentagon Ski Club, taking trips to Europe and the Big Mountain West—Jim even leads some ski trips! They travel the East Coast for weddings and family gatherings, cheer for their favorite sports teams (Jim supports New York teams, while Stacy follows Baltimore), and enjoy gardening and cooking. Jim and Stacy look forward to the future of Wolf Trap, especially with ongoing facility improvements and new performers.

Jim Riordan takes a selfie with Storm Troopers, and Stacy Riordan smiles in front of the Wolf Trap gift shop.

For anyone considering joining the Wolf Trap volunteer team, Jim and Stacy encourage them to take the leap. Time commitment is often a concern, but Wolf Trap offers flexible schedules that make volunteering manageable and fun. They share that “spending a summer night at this venue with music and company is a unique experience. Here’s to the joy of volunteering and the memories yet to come at Wolf Trap!”


Read more about the volunteer program and apply to serve on wolftrap.org. If you have any questions about volunteering at Wolf Trap, please call 703.255.1927 or email volunteer@wolftrap.org.

If you’d like to usher at the Filene Center, be a nature guide, or help with patron services, the National Park Service offers a separate volunteer program.