It’s been a busy 2015 already for the Natchitoches-area Jaycees and president David Greene is up for the challenge of leading dozens of individuals committed to serving the community. Greene is now the third consecutive Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity alumnus at the helm of the organization which raises more than $80 thousand annually for local organizations.

After 5 years years in various leadership positions, Greene succeeds Alan Pasch and Jason Stelly as 2014 and 2013 presidents, respectively. He says following in their footsteps is a blessing. “These two individuals spent countless hours bettering the position and setting a standard of excellence that people have come to expect from Jaycees. We’ve continued to thrive because of the groundwork laid by these two and their outstanding dedication to the Natchitoches area through volunteering. They’ve set a great example of what it means to give back to your community.”

Greene is taking over at a time of growth. Not only is the group aiming to expand its membership, the Jaycees are packing their calendar with opportunities to help those in need.

On Valentine’s Day, the group delivered 200 carnations to residents of area nursing homes. A Greenwing event in early May drew 75 schoolkids to the Natchitoches Gun Range for free activities like boating safety, science experiments, a nature walk, a duck painting station, BB gun shooting competitions, and a lab retrieving demonstration. A week later, their 16th annual golf tournament raised funds for the Northwestern State University ROTC and the NSU First Year Experience program.

In June, the Jaycees much-anticipated annual BBQ Fest will feature three bands, drawing people from across the region. The group will also host a skeet shoot fundraiser and Ducks Unlimited even this Fall. Their year is capped with the annual MASH Toy Drive on December 10-12.

Greene received his B.S. in Biology in 2008 and M.A. in Teaching in 2012 from NSU, and now works as the university’s director of athletic facilities and game operations. While involved as a student member of the NSU Crew team and as a Freshman Connector, Greene says he was inspired by the giving spirit of others. “Recognizing the time, effort, and money that those individuals gave in order to support the next generation of Americans made an impression on me and I knew that I wanted to contribute in the same way when I had successfully completed college.”

The Natchitoches chapter has been active since 1956. The organization is a charismatic group of young professionals from many backgrounds, contributing thousands of service hours annually. According to its website, Jaycees also provides “opportunities to network, make new friends, learn the art of delegation, improve upon planning and public speaking skills, make a difference in the lives of others, and make a difference in your life and in the life of our local community.”