John Lonardo was named the 6^th Athletic Director in SUNY Old Westbury history in July 2000.  Lonardo oversees 10 varsity athletic programs, in addition to the Men's and Women's Golf, Women's Tennis and Cheerleading.  He is responsible for all coaches, support staff and the operation of the Athletic Department.

Through his leadership, the Old Westbury athletic department has seen dramatic changes.  In addition to success on the playing fields, the Clark Athletic Center, home to Panther athletics, has seen a remarkable makeover under Lonardo.  Recent upgrades to the athletic facility include the installation of new weight and cardio fitness rooms, which include TRUE brand treadmills, Cybex elliptical trainers, StairMaster step machines and Nautilus circuit training equipment. 

In 2005, Old Westbury's Aquatic Center underwent major renovations, making the venue fit for intercollegiate competition.  The alterations included new water circulation piping, a new filtration system, a new on-deck draining system, as well as cosmetic improvements which included new tiling on deck and in the pool, new starting blocks and a new state-of the-art scoring system that enabled Old Westbury to host its first swim meet in school history in February 2006. 

In the Fall of 2006, the Jackie Robinson Athletic Complex was officially opened which included the ribbon cutting ceremony that had, Jackie Robinson's daughter, Sharon Robinson on hand to do the honors.  On October 17, 2006, Old Westbury formally dedicated its baseball complex in honor of the great American Jackie Robinson.  The Jackie Robinson Athletic Complex (Baseball/Softball) is the premier baseball facility on Long Island.  This state of the art complex offers lights, dugouts, press box, batting cages and of course a beautifully manicured field, making it the only college field with lights in Nassau County.  The Jackie Robinson Athletic Complex truly expresses what our program stand for-Excellence.

In an effort to spread the success of Old Westbury Athletics, Lonardo has become and active figure in the local and national scene.  He is an active member of the Nassau County Sports Commission and the Long Island Sports Commission.  He routinely makes appearances as a guest lecturer for many organizations in Metro area.  Since 2002, Lonardo has served as the Baseball Chairperson for the Skyline Conference and he is also a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association.   In September 2006, he was appointed to the NCAA Division III Chairman Committee. 

Lonardo has been instrumental in raising the bar for academics and building the overall development of the student athlete.  His presence has helped raise the Student-Athlete's G.P.A. while increasing Student-Athlete participation.  He has also helped implement programs such as the NCAA Champ Life Skills and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.  Additionally he helped secure NCAA grants for programs that create awareness to the student athlete such as Date Rape, Alcohol Awareness, Drug Education and Academic Success.   Special programming for the student athlete has progressed with the Annual Midnight Madness, Athlete Awards Night and the Annual Presidents reception for the student athlete.

Lonardo holds his Master of Arts in school counseling from Long Island University's CW Post campus.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Queens College.  In the Fall of 2006, Lonardo was named head baseball coach, after a 3-year absence, marking his 11^th season in the panthers dugout and is the all-time winningest coach in the program tallying a record of 215-141-3.

Lonardo and his wife, Stephanie, have one daughter, Santina and one son, Vito.