Brenda Walker named strategic volunteer initiatives executive director
Brenda Walker, who has an extensive background in development, alumni relations, and volunteer management, has been tapped for the newly created role of strategic volunteer initiatives executive director.
The inaugural position, within the Advancement Division, is intended to strengthen the work of volunteers and focus on aligning alumni advisory boards across the university.
This comes on the heels of a new structure for the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board. Announced last year, the restructured board has worked to outline a strategic plan that defines the board’s efforts and focus.
Leveraging the deep expertise of engaged alumni who are committed to serving the university, the board has concentrated its work on engaging with and supporting presidential priorities and the university’s externally-facing functions. This focused effort on restructuring the VTAA Board has set a precedent for rethinking the university’s overall alumni board structure and volunteer engagement strategy.
“Strategic volunteer engagement is a catalyst for transformative change,” said Charlie Phlegar, senior vice president for advancement and executive vice president of the alumni association board. “By strategically engaging alumni and friends in impactful and meaningful ways, we can enhance the impact of our staff, faculty, and institutional resources. We need more alumni actively involved in the life of the institution to ensure our decisions are informed by their insights and experiences.”
Walker brings 27 years of experience from Penn State, where she advanced from assistant director in the Office of Donor Relations and Special Events through multiple roles, eventually becoming the first director of the Office of Volunteer Programs. In this role, Walker designed and implemented a robust volunteer engagement strategy, forging partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure success.
Her work at Penn State included managing high-level volunteer committees and creating valuable resources such as volunteer-focused websites, best practice manuals, newsletters, and virtual education sessions highlighting philanthropic priorities.
Walker also oversaw the annual corporate, foundation, fundraising volunteer, and philanthropist of the year awards programs, work for which the institution received a Case 2020-2021 Gold award for “Building a Greater Penn State through Volunteer Engagement.”
Above all, Walker is passionate about fostering meaningful, long-lasting relationships with donors, alumni, and friends.
“Brenda’s extensive experience and visionary approach to volunteer engagement will be instrumental in advancing Virginia Tech’s strategic goals,” said Keith Stemple, president of the alumni association board. “We are excited to see the impact of her leadership in this new role.”
Walker started this new role in November and reports to Kristie Caddick, chief of staff to the senior vice president for advancement.
