Building a Legacy of Service

The New Jersey native’s path to this point began with his upbringing in a military family. His father, Joseph Dunne, dedicated over three decades of his life between active duty and reserve status in the U.S. Army. Dunne credits his parents for emphasizing that sense of public service in him, whether commissioning in the military or being active in the community. 

“I’m very thankful for my parents instilling those values of service, discipline and that our word is our bond,” says Dunne. “It was always about finding ways to give back, taking care of others and standing up for what we believe in.”

Despite his family’s military background, Dunne hadn’t originally planned to follow suit. He initially intended to pursue a career within a federal agency. However, after receiving an ROTC scholarship for his undergraduate education, his path forward became clear.

“One thing led to the next, and it seemed like there was always another opportunity to build on what I was doing or another mission to be had,” says Dunne. “As with any career, the more time you invest in honing your craft, the deeper your commitment becomes—and the harder it is to step away.”

Retiring as a Colonel from the Army in 2023 marked the end of a significant chapter in his life and professional career. During that time, he served in the 75th Ranger Regiment and various other special operations units, deployed routinely all over the world and led teams dedicated to providing innovative solutions for mitigating national security threats.

He says those experiences aided him during his transition from active duty and continue to influence his day-to-day managerial roles. Over those two decades, he honed his interpersonal skills and gained a deeper appreciation for empathic leadership's role in operational success. 

When the time came for his next opportunity, Dunne leaned on the professional network he had cultivated and saw a chance to continue working in national security through Lovelace AI. 

“This was a chance to pursue something I’m truly passionate about while still being fully present at home—whether it’s dropping the kids off at the bus stop in the morning or being there for their extracurricular activities,” says Dunne. “Transitioning from the military—or any career you’ve poured your heart and soul into—is never easy, but having a clear North Star and understanding one’s why can help you discover where your passion truly lies.”

Dunne’s ‘why’ led him, in part, to the Smith School. Attuned to his spirit for service, he says he has always aspired to teach and mentor others and sought degrees to help him fulfill that goal. Between the renowned faculty, relevant curriculum and ability to stay close to home, Dunne found an ideal fit in Smith’s DBA program. 

“There’s always a need for leaders. I think that we have an obligation to help others, share lessons learned and be a resource to others,” says Dunne. “Teaching is the ability to impart your experiences and knowledge to others. It’s just something I’m drawn to because I want to keep giving back however I can.”

Dunne, who was recognized as a 2024 Tillman Scholar, a designation which he was “extremely humbled” to earn, is also giving back through his involvement with TF-7294, a nonprofit organization devoted to preserving the memory of those who served in the Intelligence Community after Sept. 11, 2001. Within TF-7294, he helps run the LTC Nick Goshen Scholarship, honoring the legacy of former Army Ranger Nick Goshen, who passed away two years ago.

Furthering that personal cause, nearing his DBA dissertation and helping grow a company, Dunne is excited about achieving his many personal milestones ahead. Perhaps even more importantly, he looks forward to being present and seeing his family members grow and achieve their milestones. 

“There have been countless people who supported me throughout my career—most importantly, my wife—and now I have the opportunity to give back,” says Dunne. “Being part of the journey, with all its challenges and triumphs, may not seem extraordinary to most, but for me, there’s something deeply fulfilling about returning to the basics.”