The Big 33 is currently in its 51st year of operation and John Greene is in his first year as Executive Director of the Big 33 Scholarship Foundation. In his current position, John manages a staff of three and works alongside a volunteer base of more than 175 to coordinate and develop all aspects of the charity's continued growth and success.

This past October, the Big 33 was pleased to have attracted such an experienced leader who brought with him an impressive background that included business management, marketing, sales, philanthropy and an extensive background in athletics management. "We were looking for someone who could take us to the next level in many areas. The finalists were fantastic, but John had the attributes and background we were seeking. The Big 33 is thrilled that he is equally excited about making this move," said Joe Geiger, who at the time was the Big 33 interim executive director and executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO).

John, earned his undergraduate degree at Penn State and MBA from Penn State's Smeal College of Business Administration, and was a manager in Penn State's athletics development department since 1999. Previously, he was a partner and chief operating officer with First Affiliated Investment Group. His background also includes five years of financial planning experience at Merrill Lynch. He was also a member of the marketing team at IBM Corporation from 1991 until 1993 in Cleveland, Ohio. Greene also completed studies at the NCAA Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males at the NCAA Headquarters. Greene is currently a board member and volunteer with The Second Mile.

His fund-raising success for Penn State included organized awareness for women's athletics, increased gifts from former students and implementing creative marketing programs such as selling gymnasium floorboard pieces to fans. Greene courted nearly 60 individual gifts totaling more than $4 million during his last three years at Penn State.

Greene's background in athletics is extensive. A former running back, he was a member of the Nittany Lions football team from 1985 through 1988. During that time, the team earned a national championship in 1986 and Greene served as offensive co-captain in 1988. In 1989, he was a Philadelphia Eagles free agent. He has been on board of directors for The State College Quarterback Club since 1988 and was president of the organization from 2002 through 2004.

"I have admired the Big 33's growing legacy and the impact it has had on our young people both on and off the field. I look forward to working alongside the impressive and loyal list of Big 33 supporters," said Greene. "We wil continue to build on this momentum, to grow the organization and further the cause of showcasing excellence in youth," said Greene.

Founded in 1957, The Big 33 Scholarship Foundation has since provided 3,288 academic scholarships to college-bound students. The Big 33 is also the producer of the annual PNC Big 33 Football Classic. The nationally acclaimed and televised PNC Big 33 Football Classic has provided at least one player ni each NFL Super Bowl rosters since the Super Bowl was founded. In 2007, the Big 33 awarded more than $295,000 in academic scholarships. The organization's primary mission is to showcase excellence in youth.