Joshua Carter

OPPerations Director

Joshua Carter

• Year: Senior
• Hometown: Owings, Maryland
• Major: Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations
• Minor: Security Risk and Analysis

• Previous THON™ Involvement:
  

  THON 2024 – OPPerations Committee Member

  THON 2025 – OPPerations Second in Command Committee Member

  THON 2026 – OPPerations Set Up/Tear Down Captain

• Why did you want to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world? One of the first answers to this question that comes to mind is because of how much love this organization has shown me exists in the world. Seeing an entire community come together for a yearlong mission has shown me that love will always persevere. When the year gets hard, or stressful, it is our love and compassion for this organization that makes it worth every second. Each year, my love for THON has amplified due to two great captains, and an incredible director. While not only has my love for this organization grown, but I have seen firsthand how important it is to give that love back. Over THON Weekend this year, I heard someone say, “The reason that the weather is always bad on THON Weekend is because all of the love and warmth in State College is in the BJC”. This has resonated with me ever since I heard it, and I could not think of a better quote to explain the weather for THON Weekend. Seeing thousands of volunteers, families, donors, BJC staff, and everyone else involved come together for such an incredible cause really proves that all the love and warmth in State College is in the BJC that weekend.
• What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON™ 2027? As the OPPerations Director, I am responsible for ensuring safe, clean, and welcoming environments for families, volunteers, donors, alumni, and all members of the THON community at events throughout the year. I oversee critical operational functions, including event setup and teardown for both pre-THON events and THON Weekend, facility maintenance and logistics, transportation of supplies and equipment, waste management operations, and the continued development of THON’s sustainability initiatives. I serve as the primary liaison between THON and the Bryce Jordan Center, fostering strong collaboration to support the organization’s goals. With a team of 22 captains, OPPerations works behind the scenes to create a safe and memorable experience for our children, families, and supporters to ensure the magic of THON grows each year.

• What is your favorite THON memory? It would be incredibly hard to pick only one favorite THON memory, however there are a few from over the years that stand out. The first time I stepped into the BJC my freshman year, my perspective on everything changed. Seeing the love and energy in the atmosphere is truly inspirational. Sophomore year as a Second-in-Command, I got to spend Set Up and Tear Down in the truckways which was incredibly fun. My junior year, I had an interaction with a family and org chair in which all I did was give them a screwdriver to fix their bubble toy. But, seeing the pure joy and excitement that one small action brought was something that reshaped my outlook. I look forward to more life long memories this year.

• What is your favorite quote? “Mistakes are the seeds of the learning tree” ― Evan Kase

• What are you involved in outside of being a THON™ Director? I am currently working an internship for Leidos in Chantilly, VA in an IT/IA role. Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, running, snowboarding, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
• What are your plans after graduation from Penn State? After graduation, I will begin working for a defense company in the DMV and continue the work from my previous internships!