Margie Zutter’s, BA ‘76, Field Placement Turns Into a 46 Year Career

Margie Zutter in red coast standing outside with her hand against a large tree.
Margie Zutter

Upon her retirement in August, Margie Zutter, currently the Executive Director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Dane County, WI will end the career she began as a UW-Madison Social Work intern in 1976. Through RSVP, from 1976 to the present, Margie collaborated with many community agencies to develop programs that utilized the skills of senior volunteers in meeting community needs. Since joining the RSVP staff in 1977, she served as the Community Services Coordinator, Assistant Director, Interim Executive Director, and then for the past twelve years as the Executive Director. Margie and the staff at RSVP facilitated other social work student field placements over the years. She’ll continue as a volunteer for RSVP of Dane County after retirement.

Margie has held many leadership positions with national, state, and local organizations. She has served on the National Senior Corps Association (NSCA) Board, Past President of the Wisconsin Senior Corps Association (WISCA), and is currently on the Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network (WAAN) Board.

Under her leadership, in 2017 RSVP received the Governor’s Service Recognition Senior Corps program of the Year for Driver Services/Vets helping Vets and in 2022 the Governor’s Service Award AmeriCorps Senior Program of the Year. This year, in recognition of her upcoming retirement after 46 years, Margie received a Certificate of Commendation from Governor Tony Evers for her commitment to public service.

Margie credits her UW-Madison School of Social Work internship for providing the start of a very fulfilling career.