Meet Greg Pilewicz
Since graduating from Penn State in 1985, I have remained deeply connected to my alma mater. This was the result of that special Penn State experience of my undergraduate years. While at Penn State, I was President of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and an active participant in the Interfraternity Council. I engaged extensively with our alumni community, fostering relationships and securing financial support for future students. Balancing academics, I financed my education through hard work and multiple jobs. My commitment to Penn State has only grown, reflecting the values and lessons from my time on campus. I have maintained long-term ties with my State College employers and friends, and left campus in 1985 with a broad network of personal and professional connections, which I have nurtured for four decades.
During 13 years in Princeton, NJ, my wife Maura and I laid the foundation of our family while frequently traveling to Penn State with friends and other young families. We have been season tickets holders for football since 1986 and maintained a suite at the stadium for nearly two decades. Our children experienced their first Penn State football games before they could walk. Later, we relocated to Sewickley, PA, where we enjoyed a tight-knit community for the next 25 years. We volunteered in our community, including coaching sports, volunteering at our church, and raising funds for local and Pittsburgh charities. Despite our hectic schedules and demanding careers, we have always prioritized our strong connection to Penn State.
Our youngest, Emily, made THON her primary extracurricular commitment at Penn State. She served on THON’s Special Events and Dancer Relations committees and as the THON finance chair for her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, focusing on alumni outreach. Emily's hard work culminated in representing her sorority as a dancer in THON 2020, fulfilling her ultimate Penn State dream.
After our children graduated, Maura and I relocated to State College permanently. Maura, a former PSU Cheerleader, now serves on the advisory board of Teammates for Life, enhancing the experiences of Penn State’s female athletes.
Living in State College has ignited a new passion in us to support the university
I want to bring my diverse and relevant experience to serving Penn State on the Board of Trustees. Throughout my 40 year career, I have held positions of CEO, President, and COO at three different companies and was a member of five corporate boards. I led teams to generate hundreds of millions in revenue while maximizing EBITDA. My commitment to fostering talent and cultivating high-performing teams has been a cornerstone of my career.
Following are some highlights of my career and recent university involvement.
I have successfully managed revenue goals of up to $175 million and operational budgets reaching $150 million.
I thrive as a mentor, dedicated to attracting, recruiting, and advising diverse teams.
My strategic approach enhances operational efficiency and boosts shareholder value.
In 2006, I was appointed as the SVP of Human Resources for a newly formed entity tasked with acquiring Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corporation.
In 2009, I became President & COO as well as a member of the Board of Directors of Esmark, Inc. and CEO of Esmark Industrial Group. Responsible for strategic planning, acquisitions, operational management and financial performance of a diverse portfolio of businesses.
In 2018, I joined JSCE Enterprises, and President & COO leading acquisitions and integrating newly acquired companies.
In 2023, I helped form an advisory board for the PSU hockey program, addressing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) aspects. As chair, I lead meetings to raise funding, enhance our program's competitiveness, and mentor student-athletes in their career aspirations.
As a prospective trustee of Penn State, I am driven by a deep commitment to our university's success. My background in finance, operations, and fundraising equips me with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the university's mission. It would be the honor of a lifetime to contribute to Penn State's growth and sustainable success for future generations as a trustee.
