Robin Fowler

Background

About Robin Fowler

People will forget what you said, what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”–this quote from Maya Angelou informs how I live, how I work, and how I lead. SECTOR LEADER With a career that spans institutional fundraising, consulting and volunteering with some of Canada’s top charities, I bring a panoramic lens to today’s challenges, a deep understanding of trends in Canadian philanthropy and a values-driven focus on people, sustainability and growth. STRATEGIC & INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP I believe that culture is the soul of the organization and igniting the potential in people is my guiding star. I strive to harness the collective power of diverse teams to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Leadership starts with listening and learning—finding out where people are, valuing what is best in what they already know and do and building from there. If you can get people to connect and trust, great results will follow. As an early champion of environmental causes, I set up McGill’s “Green Team” in the early 1990s. I continue to advocate for and uphold sustainable practices personally and professionally and have been a longstanding champion of programs that build and support diversity, equity, anti-racism and inclusion. FUNDRAISING & CAMPAIGN EXPERTISE Closing multi-million-dollar campaign gifts is rewarding, as is the work to build omnichannel revenue-generating programs. I have built and led innumerable campaigns and strategic initiatives to support multiple organizations in their commitments to raise millions of dollars (see Offord list in Experience). BOARD, VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Setting up the next generation of leaders and ensuring organizational impacts will one day be my legacy. I have been an active Board member and volunteer for many - highlights: Association of Fundraising Professionals GTA, Bereaved Families of Ontario, McGill and Suomi-Koti. FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT & FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES Managing all aspects of risk, I have led annual operating and budget planning to meet and exceed targets, set benchmarks to measure progress and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. COMMUNICATIONS & PR I have been described as an inspiring, empathetic coach and an innovative problem-solver. Skilled in public speaking and public relations, I have written for many publications and presented at many conferences across North America. ABOUT ME Outside of work, I stay active as a Pilates instructor. I’m a passionate McGill alumna and I revel in travel, beaches, oceans and trails, great music, art, culture and books.