Biography
Robert joined the firm in 2012 after a nearly 25 year career in non-profit and advancement leadership. He began by providing both advancement consulting and executive search services to hospitals and healthcare organizations, colleges and universities, secondary schools and other non-profits nationally. Currently, Robert serves as Executive Director of Gonser Gerber Search, an industry-leading, client-focused retained search service utilizing the firm’s long history of executive search success and deep advancement networks and institutional advancement experience. Prior to joining the firm, Robert served as Vice President of Development for the Carle Foundation (IL), a $1.5 billion healthcare organization. Under his guidance, the advancement team quadrupled its donor base and raised $35 million including successful completion of the institution’s first comprehensive campaign. Robert also had responsibility for the volunteer corps which doubled its hours of service to the institution. In addition, Robert served Opera Theatre of Saint Louis as Artistic Coordinator, Virginia Opera as Director of Development, University of Missouri College of Arts and Sciences as Associate Director of Development, and Washington Hospital Center Foundation (D.C.) as Director of Development.
Education & Achievements
Education
- B.A. in honors interdisciplinary studies at the University of Missouri
- M.A. in arts administration at Indiana University
Professional
- Robert recently completed two terms on the CFRE International Board (the primary credential in fund raising), including the final two years on the Executive Committee.
- He has served on the University of Missouri Alumni Association Board of Trustees and completed two terms on its Strategic Planning Committee.
- He is Past President of his Rotary Club and serves on his church Board.
- Further advancement volunteering includes: regional conference planning committees, state representative, and Future Visioning Committee for the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP).
- He has been a regular speaker/presenter in many forums including AHP regional and international conferences, Association of Fund Raising Professionals (AFP) seminars and roundtables, and at Gonser Gerber workshops.
Personal
Robert enjoys spending time with his wife, Jamie, and two daughters. He is excited by live theatre, movies, music of many genres, watching college sports especially football (Go Mizzou!), bicycling, golf, and is a St. Louis Cardinals fan.