Lynne Doughtie is the former US Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KPMG, one of the world's largest professional services firms. Her incredibly decorated career in business includes accolades such as being named one of Fortune Magazine's Most Powerful Women in Business and Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential People before retiring in September 2020. She is also a graduate of Virginia Tech (B.S., Accounting, 1985) and has remained philanthropically active in Virginia Tech Athletics.
Why do you feel compelled to give to women's athletics at Virginia Tech?
"For a very long time, I've been committed to the advancement of women. At KPMG, we had the opportunity to sponsor some brand ambassadors in women's golf. You could really see the inequities in the women's game of golf as opposed to the men's game. So we really tried to elevate the game of golf for women by getting them bigger purse sizes and making sure they played on better quality courses. As it relates to my passion for Virginia Tech and Hokies sports of all kinds, it was important for me to show our support as alums for women's sports. We have so much to be excited about in women's athletics at Virginia Tech! Those young women deserve as much attention as the men, they work just as hard as the men do. So it's important for me to help support and elevate them to do their very best at what they're so amazing at already."
When you were at KPMG, you really dedicated your efforts to advancing the culture and values of the firm. What do you think needs to be done to advance those in women's athletics as well?
"It starts with the really impressive initiatives at the university level in diversity, equity, and inclusion. I think at Virginia Tech we have a lot to be proud of with that. I'm very impressed with the efforts and improvements that have been made. So it starts there. Culture really has to start at the top and then permeate through, and I've seen that at Virginia Tech. It goes back to Ut Prosim, that I may serve, and we need to serve all. In the past, the women have gotten less attention, and it really is their time to shine."
What was your relationship with athletics like as an undergrad at Virginia Tech?
"Oh that's an interesting question. I loved sports, and I played every sport I could in high school. I wasn't good enough to play at the Virginia Tech level, so my involvement was intramurals and just having fun. I guess if I hadn't been the CEO of KPMG, the dream would have been to be a professional athlete! Unfortunately, I didn't have those talents but I just loved to watch."
You've obviously been incredibly successful in business. What do you think former student-athletes, in particular female former student-athletes, add to the business sector?
"Sports has so many corollaries to business. I do credit some of my success in business came from being part of a team and the work ethic of playing a sport. It really builds great skills. I know a lot of female CEO's, because there's really not that many of us, and most of us played a sport. We all have that in our background which is interesting, we all played team sports. So whether they go on to play professionally or not, what they will get out of this experience will ultimately help them in whatever field they choose to go into.
What are some of the challenges that you faced as a woman moving up in business that you think female student-athletes leaving Virginia Tech should be prepared for?
"I think it's fortunate that things have changed a lot for female students leaving Virginia Tech today vs. when I started my career in 1985. I was definitely in the minority as I was moving up in the ranks. There weren't a lot of role models in those higher positions. Today, we've seen so many women pave the way that show women what is possible in industry. Business has really embraced the notion of making it work not just for women, but for everyone of all backgrounds. Every industry has started to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion goals into what makes them a successful organization."
Doughtie regularly attends Virginia Tech Athletics events with her husband, Ben, daughter, Evie, and son, Schuyler. She resides in Powhatan, Va. To join Doughtie in supporting female student-athletes at Virginia Tech, click here.
