ABOUT
I just happen to have the perfect mix of expertise.
Back in the day, I was an audio engineer and music producer. That's when I learned how to lead creative collaborations that help everyone do their best work.
Somehow that led to several years of writing and producing multimedia shows for nonprofits. That's when I learned how to tell real-life stories that move people to action.
Next came 10 years as a writer and audio producer at Shaklee Corporation, a consumer products company and network marketing pioneer. That's where I learned the art and science of seeing things from the customer's point of view.
Maisy and me, replenishing our creative inspiration.
Eventually, I brought all that expertise back to the nonprofit world, where I spent 12 years leading marketing, fundraising and communication departments at organizations like California State Parks Foundation, SF-Marin Food Bank and Seva Foundation.
These days, I'm an independent consultant doing the work I love most — providing strategic and creative services that help nonprofits make good things happen.
Reference Highlights
"Robin is a nonprofit rock star. He is a mission-driven organizational thought leader who sees both the big picture as well as the detailed practical steps required to achieve success. As a highly experienced marketing and communications professional, he quickly assessed our complex membership and major gifts direct response programs and implemented changes that created distinction, saved money and achieved immediate results.
"Robin was particularly effective at helping us sharpen our brand, craft compelling messaging, and create donor-centric campaigns and materials that were easy to understand and moved people to action. He is a strategic thinker and creative problem solver, an extremely productive and highly collaborative team player, and a deeply treasured colleague."
Margie Shurgot
Vice President of Development
California State Parks Foundation
"I admire Robin's keen perceptions and good judgment. He always offered a wise assessment of the big picture and a clear vision of the direction the organization needed to take. Robin introduced many new and innovative strategies at Seva to build the organization and market its services. It was a joy to work with him and have his guidance on a day-to-day basis."
Dr. Chundak Tenzing, MD, MPH
Sight Program Director
Seva Foundation
"The slideshow tells the story of adult illiteracy with such a human touch that viewers can't help but remember the message, and invariably remark on the quality of the production while they are busy signing on. Robin combines technical skill with something many producers lack: a sense of the human stories that need portraying — the types of stories that cannot fail to win over an audience."
Leslie McGinnis
Outreach Coordinator
Project Read, San Mateo County
"I have worked as an independent design contractor with Robin across two non-profits and have consistently been impressed with his enthusiasm, clarity and organization. This guy knows his stuff, plans it well, and makes things happen. Often, there are large campaigns that touch multiple areas in web and print that must be turned around in a short period of time. Robin is able to organize and streamline in such a way that, not only is it a breeze to make deadlines, but the results are excellent. Robin is that perfect left/right brain combination that makes for an excellent marketing professional."
Kerri McHale
Studio Aluminum
"Robin is a rare breed of smart, patient, enthusiastic and fun to work with. He is a forward-thinker and collaborator, through and through. I learned a lot from Robin and thoroughly enjoyed working with him at Children's."
Audrey Chiang
Manager of Donor Publications
Children's Hospital Foundation
"Robin assessed our communication program quickly and accurately, recognized areas for improvement, and presented solutions that were achievable and appropriate. What I appreciate most about Robin is his diligent manner and optimistic attitude. He delves in to understand something fully, and he has a can-do attitude about accomplishing goals. I believe he would be an asset to any marketing or communications department."
Gina Moreland
Executive Director
Habitot Children's Museum
Nonprofit Clients
Bay Area Literacy Campaign
California College of the Arts
California Literacy Campaign
California State Parks Foundation
City of El Cerrito
Easy Voter Guide
Food First / Institute for Food and Development Policy
Habitot Children's Museum (pro bono)
Julia Morgan Center for the Arts
Native American Health Center
Peninsula Library System
Pepperwood Preserve
Portola Family Connections
Project Read
SFJAZZ
S.F. Public Utilities Commission
What If? Foundation (pro bono)
Staff Positions
California State Parks Foundation
Director of Membership
Nepal Youth Foundation
Director of Development & Communications
San Francisco & Marin Food Bank
Associate Director, Marketing & Communications
Marin Agricultural Land Trust
Director of Communications
Children's Hospital Foundation, Oakland
Director of Online Marketing
Seva Foundation
Director of Communications
Shaklee Corporation
Senior Multimedia Producer and Writer