John Theissen is the Founder and Executive Director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation and President of JBT Consulting. John started this foundation after having a brain tumor at age 17 and being hospitalized in a children’s hospital. After John’s hospital stay, he wanted to create a foundation to help sick and underprivileged children in any capacity possible. In 1992, John began his foundation out of his parent’s house. Since 1992, the foundation has donated well over three million new gifts through their holiday toy and gift drive. The foundation has many programs and services they offer to sick and underprivileged children across Long Island.

The foundation was voted been voted Best Charity on Long Island for ten years in a row through the Long Island Press and Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s Best of Long Island Contest. John was an avid runner, who has competed in over 14 marathons, 100’s of local level races and ultra runs including 103.5 miles in 1999 to benefit the foundation. John is also a competitive stair climber and has competed in climbs such as but not limited to: Empire State Building, Freedom Tower, Willis Tower (formally Sears Tower) US Bank Tower, Rockefeller Center (30 Rock) and much more.

John is married to Heather, and they have two children, John Jr and Hannah.

Education: MacArthur High School Nassau Community College.

Previous work positions: Henry Schein: Medical-Sales. Games on the Move Entertainment: Owner.

Some of John’s Awards and Accomplishments: Levittown Public Schools Honorary Life Member Levittown Public School’s Hall of Fame Induction, Inaugural Class after 75 years. Long Island Volunteer Hall of Fame Induction. Mulcahy’s Concert Hall, Hall of Fame Induction. (Second honoree inducted) The Steve Harvey Show, Harvey’s Heroes. Long Island Business News 40 under 40 Induction. Nassau County PBA Man of the Year. Nassau County Detectives Association Man of the Year Nassau County Corrections Department- Citizen of the Year. Long Island Federation of Labor- Man of the Year. Nassau Life Underwriters Association- Citizen of the Year. Wantagh Chamber of Commerce- Citizen of the Year & Lifetime Achievement Award. 2024 Schneps Media 2024 Long island Press Power List member The Patriot Award 9/11 Memorial, Seaford High School. TD Bank Hometown Hero Award. The D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation, Man of the Year. Nassau Boces Educational Award. Newsday Community Champion Award. Winning Beyond Winning, Great American Award. Diabetes Research Institute Award.

Over the years, John has been the Grand Marshall to numerous parades including just recently The Wantagh Chamber of Commerce 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal