ABOUT JOHAN SANTANA FOUNDATION

In June 2007, Johan Santana held his 1st Charity Event: Johan Santana Celebrity Bowl-A-Thon in Minneapolis, Minnesota as a tribute to his friend, Lynne Greenberg. Lynne was the wife of one of Johan's agents, Ed Greenberg, who had passed away from Melanoma at the age of 42. Lynne Greenberg was a friend and a member of Johan’s extended family. Lynne and Ed attended family events and celebrated Johan’s many successes as close friends. Lynne's death from Melanoma so profoundly affected Johan that he felt he needed to add his voice to the ongoing work against Melanoma. Yasmile and Johan Santana committed themselves and their resources to raising Awareness about the seriousness of Melanoma and Skin Cancer.

Later, Johan Santana became a spokesman for the Play Sun Smart™ program, a public service partnership that teams the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) with Major League Baseball (MLB), and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) in educating players, teams, staff, and fans about the importance of skin cancer prevention and detection.

In 2010, the Santana Family took it one step further and started the Johan Santana Foundation, a 501(c)(3) in the US.

Johan Alexander Araque Santana, Co-founder & Chairman of the Board
Starting Pitcher with the New York Mets

One of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (“MLB”), Johan is a native of Tovar, Merida, Venezuela and the second of five children. He played baseball throughout high school in Venezuela and in 1994 was discovered by Andres Reiner, a scout working for the Houston Astros. He attended a baseball academy in Guacara, Venezuela. In 1999, the Florida Marlins selected Santana in the Rule 5 draft. Thereafter, Johan was traded to the Minnesota Twins. On April 3, 2000, Johan made his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins. In 2003, he became one of their Starting Pitchers. Johan went on to play 8 seasons in the American League with the Minnesota Twins before moving to the National League and the New York Mets. As a Major League Pitcher, Johan Santana has shattered records. He has won 2 CY Young (2004 & 2006) Awards, a Rawlings Gold Glove, and made 4 appearances in MLB’s All-Star Game. Johan is married to Yasmile Santana and they are the proud parents of three beautiful children.

Yasmile Santana, Co-Founder and Director
Philanthropist and community volunteer.

Yasmile is college educated with a focus in Accounting and Computer Science. Born and raised in Tovar. She holds a special affinity to the community and strives to improve the lives of the children of Tovar. In 2000, she married Johan Santana and together they became actively involved in charitable outreach in both Tovar and the United States. El Cyonazo is her special gift to the children of Tovar. Today, she is the proud parent of her own three beautiful children (2 girls and a boy).

Edward L. Greenberg, President
Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer of Peter E. Greenberg & Associates

Runs the daily financial operation of Peter Greenberg & Associates, a sports agent group ranked #1 by Forbes magazine.
He has over ten years of experience in International Banking and Trusts as well as extensive background in Banking and Corporate Finance.

BA in Economics from State University of New York at Albany
MBA in Finance from Stern Graduate School of Business at New York University.

Chris Leible, Secretary
Vice President of Peter E. Greenberg & Associates.

Manages and oversees PEG’s marketing, public relations and community relations.
BS in Sports Management from St. John’s University

Richard Strauss, Treasurer
Managing Partner, Kaduson, Strauss & Company.

Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of experience in public accounting.
BA in Economics from Union College
MBA in Accountancy at Baruch College

Cesar Diaz, Director
Board of Directors (Venezuela)

Former Major League Baseball Player and Marketing professional.

Michelle Gittlen, Esq.
Executive Director

An experienced manager of non-profit organizations, including Fundraising Business Development, Client Relationship Building, Organizational Management, Strategic Planning, Legal Analysis, Project Design and Execution.
Has also served in roles as non-profit Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of other MLB related non-profit organizations.
BA in English Literature from State University of New York at Albany
JD from Brooklyn Law School.