Portland – September 12, 2026 -- The Green Sports Alliance has appointed Jeff Pacini as its new Executive Director, placing a two-decade sports management and philanthropy veteran atop the global coalition of sports team and venue executives focused on sustainability.
Prodigy Search led the national executive search that selected Pacini
The Green Sports Alliance conducted an extensive national search through Prodigy Search before selecting Pacini to steer the organization, which convenes professional sports leagues, governing bodies, colleges, teams and venues around environmental and social impact initiatives.
Pacini brings NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers and American Heart Association experience
Pacini began his career in the NBA's Global Marketing Partnerships group and with the Cleveland Cavaliers, later serving as Vice President of Business Development for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. He went on to serve as National Development Director for Cycling at the American Heart Association and as General Manager/Vice President of Business Development for Legends Global. Most recently, he founded ion Philanthropy, a strategic advisory firm serving non-profits and sports entities on fundraising, marketing and data analytics.
Pacini holds dual master's degrees and a Crain's Forty Under 40 honor
He holds an MBA and a Master of Sports Administration from Ohio University, plus a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from The College of Wooster. He was named to Crain's Cleveland Business Forty Under 40.
Aileen McManamon, Board Chair for the Green Sports Alliance, said Pacini's sports industry experience and leadership make him an exceptional fit for the Alliance's next chapter. Pacini said he aims to expand the coalition's impact by working with members, partners and industry leaders on sustainability initiatives.