Dianna Dohm Recognized for Volunteer Work

A mainstay of the Marco Island community got a bit of recognition this week. Despite saying she never likes having to cross the Jolley Bridge, Dianna Dohm traveled to the Baker Senior Center in Naples to be honored for her volunteer work. 

Or at least a piece of her work. Dohm, whose day job is executive director of the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce, has had her finger in so many pies in the nonprofit world that she is threatening to take over the informal “president of everything” title long held by Marco stalwart Dick Shanahan.  

In addition to playing a leading role in the many outreach efforts of the chamber, Dohm serves as the president of the Marco Island Fire Rescue Foundation and chair of the NCH Marco Island Urgent Care Board of Directors. Past leadership roles on the island include president of the Marco Island Civic Association, president of the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island, chair of the AVOW Hospice Community Advisory Board, director of the Marco Island Seafood Festival, marketing director of Bedtime Bundles, and member of the City of Marco Island Beautification Committee. 

It is her work for NCH, which just recently achieved a milestone with the opening of the new $20 million makeover of their urgent care facility on the island, which garnered her the recognition last week. She was honored as part of the National Philanthropy Day celebration sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), a global organization of fundraisers with chapters around the world, including in Southwest Florida. The purpose of the event, said Gloria Moorman of the AFP, is to “shine a spotlight on philanthropy – recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations whose generosity strengthens and uplifts their communities. The awards recognize leadership, generosity, community impact, and service.” 

Dohm was one of a group of 16 individuals singled out as Distinguished Volunteers, joining others including Janice Bostock of the Shelter for Abused Women, Carlos Franco of the Guadalupe Center, and Kristen Russell of Avow. In their nominating petition, NCH said that the one word that summed up Dianna Dohm was this: Community.  

“Dianna’s commitment to her community and the residents of Marco Island is evident to anyone she meets,”said the NCH statement, “not only through her role as Executive Director of Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, but also through her involvement with the many nonprofit organizations that serve Marco and surrounding communities. Dianna revels in the small-town feel of Marco Island and enthusiastically champions her friends and neighbors through her volunteerism. Dianna’s commitment to service was the reason she was named Marco Island Chamber’s 2016 Citizen of the Year.” 

“But her dedication to NCH and advocacy for her beloved community’s healthcare needs is incomparable,” the statement continues.“As the longstanding Chair of the NCH Marco Island Urgent Care Center Committee, Dianna has assembled a group of well-known and well-respected local leaders that have built a foundation of activism to keep the needs of the community at the forefront of our work.This unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the residents of Marco has led to opening a new state-of-the-art Urgent Care facility, as well as bringing new medical services in primary care and specialty care like pulmonary, orthopedics, and cardiology to the Island. Dianna continues to be an unwavering voice for the needs of Marco and a constant champion for her fellow Islanders. For Dianna,it’s all about taking care of Marco Island residents, and for that, we are proud to have her as a cherished member of the NCH family.”   

“It was an honor to have NCH nominate me and for AFP to select me,” said Dohm. “The most gratifying part was to be there with all these people who give back to their community. I felt like a little fish in a big pond.”  

“AFP is a global organization with over 27,000 members committed to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards in fundraising worldwide,” said Moorman. 

“AFP Collier/Lee is the local chapter, and we have about 125 members. Founded in 1994, AFP Collier/Lee provides fundraising professionals opportunities for professional development through educational sessions and networking. AFP members know that how we carry out our work directly impacts the trust, health, and resilience of our local communities' culture of philanthropy. Members of AFP uphold professional and ethical standards. Ethical fundraising protects donor trust, strengthens nonprofit effectiveness, and ensures resources reach the people who need them most.Whether providing healthcare, caring for seniors, protecting wildlife, strengthening families, or supporting education, our nonprofits rely on strong, effective, ethical fundraising. AFP brings these organizations together so they can better serve Southwest Florida." 

To learn more about membership, you can visit the AFP Collier-Lee website:  www.afpcollierlee.org