Former University President Joins Emerald Youth Foundation

David Olive

David Olive has joined Emerald Youth Foundation as senior development and strategic initiatives officer.

Olive comes to Emerald Youth from Bluefield University, where he served as president for more than 16 years. He has served as chancellor since January. Olive is a native East Tennessean and graduated from Maryville High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in business management from Tennessee Technological University. Following that, he went on to gain his Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law as well as a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to working at Bluefield, he worked at both Pfeiffer University and Carson-Newman University.

“I am excited to join the Emerald Youth Foundation team,” said Olive. “The Foundation has an amazing and life-changing mission that I find compelling, and I am blessed to have this opportunity to serve alongside others in making a positive difference in the lives of youth within the urban communities of Knoxville that will have an impact for generations to come.”

Olive’s role at Emerald will help drive the organization’s fundraising efforts, helping advance the organization’s mission through leadership and assistance with key initiatives and projects.

“We are thrilled to have David join our team,” said Emerald Youth president and CEO Steve Diggs.

“His breadth of experience from higher education and beyond will be helpful, but his heart for ministry and for our city’s young people to know and experience the kind of full life Jesus offers in John 10:10 is what drives his passion for our work. I look forward to working with David in his role and am proud that our staff is comprised of men and women who, like David, are committed to our city’s young people and their families.”

 Olive is married to wife Kathryn, and they have two children, a daughter, Kayla, and a son, Will.