Beat the Streets National names James Mangan as its new Executive Director

Philadelphia, PA — Beat the Streets National (BTSN) is proud to announce that it has named James Mangan as its new Executive Director effective March 2, 2025.

A longtime champion of youth development and an accomplished leader, Mangan brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as Executive Director at Beat the Streets Philadelphia (BTSP), where he helped strengthen the organization’s operations, deepen community partnerships, and expand the reach of programs to underserved youth.

Mangan first joined Beat the Streets as a volunteer coach before stepping into the Executive Director role at BTSP in 2017. Under his guidance, the Philadelphia chapter experienced meaningful growth and impact. He successfully secured a transformative million-dollar gift, one of the largest philanthropic investments in Beat the Streets history, fueling BTSP’s program expansion and solidifying its long-term sustainability. Mangan also played a key role in professionalizing the chapter’s operations—developing staff, enhancing donor engagement, and forging robust school and community-based partnerships that increased access to wrestling, academic support, and personal development resources.

In addition to his accomplishments at BTSP, Mangan’s broader professional background (as detailed on his LinkedIn profile) highlights his dedication to empowering youth through mentorship and athletics.

Raised in a community where similar programs provided him with vital support, Mangan understands the life-changing power of safe, structured sports environments and caring mentors. His personal journey fuels his passion for ensuring that every young person—regardless of background—has access to the same opportunities that helped shape his own path.

“James embodies the mission and spirit of Beat the Streets,” said Clinton Matter, Chair of the Board of Directors at Beat the Streets National. “His proven leadership at our Philadelphia chapter and his lifelong commitment to lifting up young people through wrestling makes him the ideal choice to lead Beat the Streets National. We are excited about the vision, energy, and compassion he brings to this role.”

As Executive Director of BTSN, Mangan will focus on amplifying the organization’s national impact by increasing fundraising efforts, unifying BTS chapters, broadening partnerships, and further advancing the holistic development of student-athletes—both on and off the mat. By strengthening the national network, Mangan aims to create more pathways for young people to achieve success in athletics, academics, and life.

About Beat the Streets

Beat the Streets is a national nonprofit organization that aims to empower and transform the lives of young people through the sport of wrestling. By providing access to safe, enriching programs, BTS chapters across the country offer mentorship, academic support, and athletic training that foster the growth and resilience of student-athletes. For more information about Beat the Streets National and its programs, please visit www.beatthestreets.org.