Who is in the Spotlight?

Katie Davis MS, RD, CSSD, LDN

Director of Volunteer Coordination for SCAN

Owner, RDKate Sports Nutrition Consulting

A member of SCAN since: 2008

Describe your current SCAN role and responsibilities: I am responsible for placing new SCAN volunteers into appropriate volunteering roles based on their needs, desires, skills, talents, and experience. I direct two co-coordinators as well as ensure the SCAN subunit volunteer coordinators stay up-to-date on current volunteer needs and successful placement of volunteers within the subunits. 

How and why did you first get involved in SCAN as a volunteer? I became involved for two reasons: for networking opportunities and the desire to contribute more to SCAN. I value my membership in SCAN very much and wanted to give back for all of the valuable resources and education I have received. At the same time I started volunteering, I started a business as a sports dietitian. So, I knew the connections I might make as a volunteer would be helpful as a new entrepreneur.

In addition to your current role, what other volunteer positions have you held with SCAN? I began as a Volunteer Co-Coordinator, where I essentially completed the same duties as I do now, but was not in charge of other coordinators or the communication with the subunits. After a little less than a year I was asked to fill a new position on the executive committee called the Director of Volunteer Coordination, where I could continue my duties but take on more managerial responsibilities.

How does volunteering for SCAN enrich your career as an RD? Being a volunteer with SCAN has been phenomenal. I have loved getting to know the other members of the executive committee and have already learned so much from my interactions with them. It is wonderful to feel connected with other sports and wellness dietitians; especially because I work for myself and run my business almost entirely independently.

What advice do you have for someone interested in volunteering with SCAN? As the person in charge of placing volunteers, I recommend knowing what your strengths and weaknesses are as a volunteer at the time you apply to streamline the process and assure the job is a good fit for you. Also, know where your interests lie but at the same time keep an open mind about new opportunities that may come along. The three areas which the subunits represent intersect in practice, so any experience within SCAN is valuable to your career.