Volunteer of the Month

March 2023 - Tommy Daniels

Tommy has been volunteering with us for about 8 years now. He volunteers with us as much as his work and travel allows for, but typically 3-4 events a year. Thank you for all that you do for your community, Tommy!

1. Do you remember your first time volunteering with Atlanta Track Club? If so, what event was it and what brought you back again?

My first volunteer experience was course monitor for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. After years of running the race since 2005, I decided to become a cheerleader for the event but also support our runners safety on the course. My love for Atlanta Track Club and the run community brings me back year after year.

2. What is your favorite Atlanta Track Club event? Why?

Favorite event is All-Comers. It has something for everyone and all ages. It's a great introduction to the club for non-members. I love seeing families show up and enjoy this beautiful sport.

3. What is one of your best memories from volunteering at any race?

Best memory is having my wife Stephanie join me at the Peachtree as a course monitor around mile 5 near Colony Square! We have a blast cheering on the participants. It's become a tradition now.

4. What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Atlanta Track Club? What brings you back?

The Club gives me the avenue to give back to the sport that changed my life. Atlanta Track Club as an organization has hired some wonderful people who make it easy to volunteer and give back. I believe in the mission and I can't forget all the cool swag you get.

5. Do you have a favorite volunteer assignment? If so, explain.

By far my favorite is course monitor. I know the physical and mental struggles of completing a race. Any distance can be daunting. Many times I've wanted to quit or stop and a simple cheer or words of encouragement from a spectator or volunteer has got me to the finish line. I love and enjoy getting the opportunity to return the favors I have received and continue to receive on the running journey.

6. Do you do any volunteering in the community beyond Atlanta Track Club? If so, what other organizations do you volunteer for and why?

RunningNerds as a pacer and course monitor for race events. I believe in what Tes is doing as a Race Director and want to support her endeavors. I'm also a big believer that charity starts at home so I volunteer on my local homeowners association and have served as president and other positions doing the past years.

7. What do you do for a living? Do you work? Are you retired? Professional volunteer?

I am the Southeast Regional Collision Manager for Rivian Automotive. We are building a factory in Georgia you might have heard about. Baddest EV's on the planet. I might be a little biased :-) .

8. Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for any new Atlanta Track Club volunteers?

Give back where your heart leads you. There are a lot of ways and opportunities to volunteer within The Club. I love encouraging runners so I choose course monitoring, run leading and pacing but helping with expos, registrations, course setup, this list goes on…find your joy.

9. Tell us something interesting about yourself - an interesting fact or story that will help us get to know you...

I met my wife at Georgia Southern freshman year. Both business majors, We did not date until our last year in college. She was dating the point guard of the basketball team and had a recent break. Her good friend dared her to ask the next boy that walked around the corner. Guess who was running late for class as always. I was the rebound guy so she thought……haha…We graduated the same day in 1995. Got married Sept 1996 and have been together ever since. We now do a Marriage Monday on IG when she cooperates…..26 years and counting….time flies when you having fun.