Tony Gladney

Program Director by day, professional [sports] host by night, Tony Gladney has a way of connecting with people and creating transformative spaces where all are welcome. Born and raised in Stockton, Tony’s heart beats in time with the local community. His passion to serve was first birthed in 2012 working in Early Intervention/Prevention Services with San Joaquin County’s Behavioral Health programs before moving into the education nonprofit sector and joining San Joaquin A+ in 2021, where he now acts as their Senior Director of Engagement. In addition to his current nonprofit work, Tony also knows how to win the hearts of a crowd; in 2018, he stepped into the MC scene for the Stockton Kings and continues to MC games for the Stockton Kings, as well as the San Jose Sharks and the Stockton Ports.

The same passion that brings crowds to their feet, whether it be a basketball court, baseball diamond, or ice hockey rink, also ignites the hearts of the youth he works with every day; at San Joaquin A+, Tony works hand in hand with schools and their students, leading workshops that help them develop the soft and hard skills they need to succeed in the professional workforce. At the same time, he collaborates with local businesses by being the liaison between the organizations and the schools, facilitating access to unique industry exposure and internship opportunities.

Laying his foundation for truly understanding youth development, Tony served one of the most vulnerable populations in his county - system impacted youth ages 12-24, working as a Youth Program Supervisor for Community Partnership for Families in 2015 . In this role he was responsible for and mentored thousands of young people throughout the county, providing kinship, tools, resources, and connections to help improve their quality of life. Tony played a key role in the successful inception of Oasis City Center (formerly Lord’s Gym City Center), as he spearheaded all the youth programming for their 2,000+ youth members, annually.

He’s passionate about giving a voice to those who have too often been unheard and creating spaces where they feel like they belong. Most importantly, through his professional and life work, Tony is committed to giving young people in marginalized communities the chance and the resources to speak for themselves and create the lives that they envision for themselves.