Staff Profile

Greg Johnson

Executive Director

Greg Johnson has served as the Executive Director of The Sports Philanthropy Project (SPP) since its inception in 1998. Under Greg’s leadership, SPP has become and remains the premier organization working with professional sports organizations to help them make a significant impact on the health and well-being of their communities. Over the past decade the organization has provided comprehensive technical assistance in the areas of program and organizational development, coalition building, and cause marketing to sports teams across the U.S. in every major league, and has created an extensive network of league and team contacts.

Greg has also developed and directed the Stride Rite Charitable Foundation’s nationally acclaimed community service programs at Northeastern and Harvard Universities; developed and directed Harvard’s Phillips Brooks House public service; and has served as an Assistant Academic Dean at Harvard’s Adams House as well as at the Harvard Summer School. Mr. Johnson came to Harvard from an extensive background in youth services and corrections, which included management positions at the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services’ Roxbury Tracking and Wayside Union programs. He has worked as Assistant to the Chief Legal Counsel at the State of Rhode Island’s Adult Correctional Institute.

Greg has served in leadership positions on the boards of a number of esteemed local, statewide, and national organizations, including:

  • Dorchester Settlement House;
  • Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services;
  • Massachusetts Halfway Houses Inc.;
  • Memorial Church at Harvard;
  • Corporation for National Service/ HUD Hope VI Project;
  • National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty;
  • National Spit Tobacco Education Program; and
  • Member, Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation Advisory Network.

Greg currently serves as a member of the Council on Foundations (COF) planning committee for its 60th Annual Conference, to be held in May 2009 in Atlanta.  As well, he has recently served as principal in carrying out a review of all Major League Baseball philanthropy for the Commissioner’s Office.  

Greg was educated at Harvard College and the University of Stockholm. He received his Harvard undergraduate degree in American History and Literature in 1972.

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