Thomas Tapped as Associate Vice President for Athletic Fundraising

MELBOURNE, FLA.— John Thomas has been named Florida Institute of Technology’s associate vice president for Athletic Fundraising. Thomas is charged with cultivating new sources of financial support for Panther programs as the university’s $100 million Create the Future campaign is in full swing.

“John has the responsibility not only for securing sponsorships and providing leadership to our many important events, but also developing new major donors to support the President’s campaign vision, including our increasing Athletic needs,” said Susan St. Onge, the university’s senior vice president for Development and Chief Development Officer. “John is a successful revenue generator, football executive and experienced leader of teams, making him the right person to take Athletic Fundraising to the next level. He will promote and fundraise for all Panther teams as athletic fundraising is a critical component of the Create the Future campaign.”

Thomas is very familiar with Panther programs, having served as director of Athletic Partnerships from 2008-2010, where he oversaw athletic fundraising activities including corporate partnerships and the Sporting Affair/Chopper Dropper athletic scholarship fundraisers. He then served as director of Football Operations from 2010-2012, helping to successfully launch Florida Tech’s first football program. Thomas initiated operations, marketing, the selection of the coaches, the initial staff, recruiting and oversaw the Football Founder’s Club. In 2012, he was promoted to assistant vice president for Economic Development and Community Affairs.

“I’m excited to be back and to have the opportunity to work alongside our Athletic Director Bill Jurgens, coaches and corporate community to help our student-athletes reach even greater heights,” Thomas said.

“I understand the important role our entire athletic program plays in strengthening the bond between our campus, the Central Florida community and indeed our alumni base across the world,” Thomas added. “Panther Athletics, and most recently our new football program, help give the entire university greater visibility.”

Before joining Florida Tech in 2008, Thomas began the first football program at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy where he served as head football coach, dean of students and director of College Athletic Recruiting. Thomas is a retired 15-year veteran of the Melbourne Police Department, former executive director of the Greater Melbourne Police Athletic League and current member of the Melbourne City Council. A life-long resident of the area, he resides in Melbourne with wife Debbie and children Josh, Matthew and Danielle.