John Cruz

About John Cruz

With over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, I am passionate about empowering young professionals from underrepresented backgrounds to achieve their career goals. As the Regional Executive Director of America Needs You in New York/New Jersey, I lead a team of staff and volunteers who provide mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to low-income, first-generation college students.My core competencies include strategic planning, program development and management, fund development, and stakeholder engagement. I have successfully launched and scaled several innovative initiatives that have increased the impact and reach of our organization, such as the Career Accelerator Program, the Alumni Network, and the Corporate Partners Program. I have also cultivated and maintained strong relationships with donors, partners, and supporters, raising over $2 million in grants and donations in the past year. I am committed to advancing the mission and vision of America Needs You, and to creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce for the future.

Experience

1. Interim Regional Executive Director- New Jersey New York

   America Needs You

   Jul 2025 — Present

Education

• Columbia Business School

  Executive Education, Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals

  2020

• Pace University

  Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.), Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

  2009

• Pace University

  Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Business Administration and Management, General

  2003

• Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

  Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management at Northwestern University, Executive Leadership Program, All State Foundation