DUNMORE, Pa. — Interim Regional Chancellor David Callejo Pérez has announced that Penn State Scranton has named Enrico Mastroianni as its new director of athletics and recreation. He will join Penn State Scranton in late July.
In his new role, Mastroianni will oversee Penn State Scranton's intercollegiate athletics, recreation, club sports and wellness programming. He will also work collaboratively with students, coaches, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners to strengthen student engagement and support the University's educational mission.
A Penn State graduate, he returns to his alma mater with more than two decades of leadership experience in collegiate athletics, athletic administration, enrollment, student development and higher education.
"We are pleased to welcome Enrico Mastroianni into this important leadership role at Penn State Scranton," Pérez said. "His depth of experience in athletics, programming, education and working with young people will provide a strong foundation for our athletic programs and for our student athletes at Penn State Scranton."
Most recently, Mastroianni served as athletic director at Abington Heights School District, where he led one of the largest interscholastic athletic departments in northeastern Pennsylvania, overseeing 36 varsity athletic programs and 17 junior high athletic programs. During his tenure, he directed significant facility improvements, modernized departmental operations, strengthened branding and communications, expanded technology and event management systems, and enhanced the overall student-athlete experience.
Under his leadership, Abington Heights achieved sustained competitive success, including numerous league and district championships, a PIAA boys’ soccer state championship in 2025, and state runner-up finishes in girls' soccer in 2023 and softball in 2026.
Prior to entering athletic administration, Mastroianni spent nearly two decades in collegiate athletics, serving as head men's basketball coach at Marywood University, Georgian Court University and Centenary College. He also held roles in student development, academic support, admissions and teaching at Misericordia University while serving as an assistant men's basketball coach.
Throughout his career, Mastroianni has worked extensively in student recruitment, enrollment initiatives, fundraising, academic success programming, leadership development, game operations and community engagement.
"I'm incredibly honored to return to Penn State and grateful for the confidence that Matt Nied, the search committee and the campus community have placed in me," Mastroianni said. "Throughout the interview process, it became clear that Penn State Scranton is deeply committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students, and I'm excited to be part of that mission."
Mastroianni also reflected on his time at Abington Heights.
"I'm also sincerely grateful for my time at Abington Heights," he said. "Working alongside exceptional administrators, coaches, student-athletes, families and community members has been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and those experiences have prepared me well for this next chapter."
Looking ahead, Mastroianni said he hopes to strengthen the role of athletics and recreation in enriching the student experience at Penn State Scranton.
"I believe athletics and recreation are powerful catalysts for connection, leadership and belonging," he said. "My vision is to create an environment where every student feels welcomed, engaged and connected to campus life. By working collaboratively with coaches, faculty, staff and campus partners, I hope to build a culture that enriches the student experience while supporting the broader educational mission of Penn State Scranton."
Matt Nied, director of student services and engagement, said Mastroianni's experience and ties to the region make him well suited for the role.
"We are excited to have Enrico join our team to serve as the director of athletics and recreation," Nied said. "Enrico's background, ties to the Penn State Scranton community and his northeastern Pennsylvania roots position him well for a successful career leading our programs."
Mastroianni holds a master of education degree from Misericordia University and a bachelor of science in marketing and international business from Penn State, where he also participated in the Penn State International Education Program at Temple University Rome. He lives in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jamie, and their three children.