Executive Profile
Making A Difference In The World By Helping Others
Nathan Kongthum
Global Development Officer
Habitat For Humanity
By Andrian Putra Posted January 30, 2010
When a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake hits Haiti on January 12 destroying buildings and homes, Nathan Kongthum realized that he has to prioritize his focus towards Haiti. It has been estimated that over a million have lost their homes due to the devastating earthquake.
Mr. Kongthum work as Global Development Officer for Habitat for Humanity and he see an urgent need to help Haitian people to rebuild their lives. Habitat For Humanity has a history of partnership with Haiti for over 26 years. “Habitat’s involvement with Haiti will begin when the dust settles after the emergency recovery effort,” explains Nathan.
Born in Bangkok, Thailand and he moved to Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 12. “It was a huge adjustment for me in the beginning. Phonenix is extremely hot and dry compared to Bangkok,” he added.
Upon graduation with an MBA in Business Management from Arizona State University, Kongthum landed his first job in sales with Qwest, a telecommunication giant during its heyday. His job involved selling T-1 lines and various hi-tech services to companies.
“I woke up one day feeling unhappy and empty in my soul. I wasn’t feeling fulfilled even though I was doing well financially,” said Kongthum.
He decided to switch career path and chose a non-profit route. “I took many small steps in the beginning such as volunteering at non-profit organizations and networking at non-profit association meetings.”
As he gained confidence and found his way around the non-profit world, Kongthum began to enroll in grant writing classes.
“I believe this skills set will help me indefinitely especially in the non-profit world to raise funds and be self-sustainable.”
His networking effort bear fruit when he was offered a position as Faith Relations Manager with Habitat For Humanity - Valley of The Suns in central Arizona in 2005. His task was to develop relationships with churches, synagogues, temples, and various worships for funding and volunteers development.
He made great stride in his new role that he managed to raise $7 million annual funding for Habitat.
“I am blessed to have great mentors to help and advise me along the way. Christine H. Odom and Missy D’aunoy have both mentored me and led by examples,” said Kongthum. “Christine is full of energy and passionate in her work. Missy is a very kind and warmth person. Both individuals have make an impact on my career.”
His positive track record at work proves to be a blessing when he was offered a position in the global division of Habitat For Humanity.
Kongthum started his new role with Habitat For Humanity International in Atlanta in July 2009. “I was so excited about moving to this great city. I’ve heard so much of it but had never visited prior to the move,” said Kongthum with a grin.
His new role is to promote global relationship, development of volunteers, and to source new funding for Habitat’s international projects.
Other than Haiti rebuilding, his immediate task is to launch a Habitat For Humanity’s “Asians Helping Asia” campaign initiative in various U.S. cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. “I hope to have the campaign kick-off by Spring of this year,” said Kongthum.
The campaign is aimed at raising awareness of Habitat’s Asian region initiatives, to recruit volunteers, and to raise project funds.
“Asian Americans in general are unaware of Habitat For Humanity’s international role and programs especially in Asia. This is a very big challenge for me. My goal is also to explain to potential volunteers and donors that every dollar invested is trackable,” detailed Kongthum with passion.
When asked about his motivation and what drives him everyday, Kongthum eplains, “I know that I made a difference with my effort. Based on our statistics, there is a house being built every 10 minutes by Habitat around the world. How awesome! I’ve helped someone in this world to improve their life a little better each day.”
It is not all work for this driven and hard-working executive. He enjoys a good workout in the gym and checking out restaurants in his new home-based city. “I enjoy eating out and checking out good restaurants. My friends call me a ‘foodie’ due to my habits,” said Kongthum.
Nathan’s role models in this world are Mother Theresa and Habitat’s CEO Jonathan Reckford. “Both of them have inspired me to give my best everyday.”
Nathan Kongthum’s List of Favorites:
Favorite book/author: Jane Austen “Pride and Prejudice”
Favorite type/piece of music: Various from classical to rap
Favorite place to visit in Georgia: Georgia Aquarium
Favorite place to visit in the world: Philippines
Favorite food: Italian
Favorite hobby: Running and working out in gym
Favorite restaurant: Serpas at Old Fourth Ward
Favorite movie: Saturday Night Fever and Grease
Favorite charity: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Favorite website: TMZ.com
Education:
MBA - Arizona State University
Personal:
Single