Interview with Volunteer Development Consultant Marty Dunning

Phi Kappa Tau National Home Page

February 17, 2012: Oxford, Ohio—By: Coordinator of Volunteer Development Tyler Wash, Georgetown ’06

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Marty Dunning, Kentucky ’07, was hired as Phi Kappa Tau's volunteer development consultant in July 2011. Before joining the Executive Offices staff, Marty served Kappa chapter as the philanthropy chairman and secretary. He has also volunteered at Camp Boggy Creek several times and is currently planning to marathon run to raise money for the camps.

For this month’s Domain Director spotlight, I decided to jump into the interviewer's seat and catch up with Marty to get inside his time as a Phi Kappa Tau staff member. Domain Director interviews will return in April.

Wash: Reflecting on your years of association with Phi Kappa Tau, what is the one thing that stands out as a point of pride for you?

Dunning: When my chapter brought home the Maxwell award. The men of the chapter had been building up to the point of winning for a few years, and I was lucky enough to be a part of the last year of work. The Convention in general that year was awesome, but being announced as the Maxwell recipients was just icing on the cake. I was beyond proud to be a Phi Tau and a member of Kappa chapter on that day.

Wash: You have been a member of the Executive Offices staff for almost a year now. Why did you decide to apply for this job?

Dunning: Ever since my first Convention experience, I have been in love with Phi Tau at a national level. I first wanted to give back when I was an undergraduate, and I was fortunate enough to be the communication intern back in 2010 for Convention and Leadership Academy. That summer only fueled my passion more, and I figured the best way I could give back to my brothers right now was by working on the Executive Offices staff full-time.

I had no idea that there was a volunteer development position opened when I applied, but when Tim and Tyler mentioned it to me, I knew that’s where I wanted to be involved. We rely on our volunteers, and I knew that from my time in the chapter, especially with Wes Fugate, Centre '99, as our chapter advisor. I knew if there was any way I could help our volunteers serve our chapters better, it was the job I wanted.

Wash: Explain your job responsibilities in a nutshell.

Dunning: Nutshell version: assist our Domain Directors and Boards of Governors with volunteer recruitment, resources and training. I also get to do some fun things like send out our “Happy Birthday Volunteers” postcards each week and work on keeping records of our volunteers.

Wash: Do you have one particularly fond memory that stands out from your time on staff?

Dunning: The first thing that came to mind was the Conclave this past summer. Not only was it a time that I got to see some friends from past events and be a part of a new biennial event, but also because I started to get a feel for my role in volunteer development by meeting several of our Domain Directors. Of course, I still had intern responsibilities, like 3 a.m. airport runs, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Wash: From your perspective, what is the most important piece of information that you can offer Domain Directors?

Dunning: I know it can be difficult to juggle volunteering, work, family, and all the other things you all have going on. We appreciate that. It’s definitely not the easiest to take on this role but we’re happy that you’ve chosen to do it. I just ask that you all keep doing great things.

As you know, our structure has changed some over the years. We are continuing to add members to the Domain Director rank, while also trying to figure out better ways to get you resources and reward those of you who excel at your position. My job is to help with those different processes and also assist you in all of your particular duties, including Board of Governors recruitment. Shoot me an e-mail whenever you need me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Get to Know Marty

Family: No little Marty's (fortunate for everyone, I know). My parents and older sister live in Paducah, Ky., and I have a nephew in Washington state.

Profession: Phi Tau.

Favorite Sports Team: Kentucky Wildcats and St. Louis Cardinals

Favorite Hobby: Running, swimming, photography, arts and crafts

Life Philosophy: Try to stay happy and positive. Attitude is a small thing that makes a big difference.