Meet the Board Series
ROBERT FOWLES,
BOARD TREASURER
We want you to get to know those who are dedicating their time and expertise to leading our organization and furthering our mission. Last time we introduced you to our Board Secretary, Susan Mitchell. If you missed it, you can get to know her here. This month we would like to introduce you to Robert Fowles, our Board Treasurer who recently joined the team in March. Read more about him below to learn about what brought him to Cope, why he believes Cope’s mission is important and what he hopes to achieve in his time on the Board.
Bob first became aware of Cope and its mission from his “role as Chairman of the Grants Review Committee of the Napa Valley Vintners”. He explains that “Cope was one of the charities supported by the funds raised at Auction Napa Valley, which was hosted annually by the NVV for 40 years. I was also a colleague of Board Vice President Susan Mitchell at Opus One Winery”. Susan and Bob worked closely together at Opus One and as his retirement drew closer, Susan proposed the idea of becoming a member of Cope’s board to Bob. “Susan asked if I would be willing to join her on the Board, with the idea that I might become Treasurer following Brian Kearney, who's term on the Board was coming to an end. I jumped at the chance to help such an excellent organization and continue working with Susan”.
Bob’s support for Cope’s mission is very strong. “Cope's role in being the First Stop for Families in the Napa Valley has never been more important than it is today”. He acknowledges the difficulties of being a parent today and appreciates that “Cope is there for any parent that is struggling with some aspect of raising children that thrive in today's complicated environment”.
Bob hopes to add his knowledge/experience with finance and operations to make a difference in the community around him. “I hope to contribute my business and financial acumen to Cope's operations and finances. During my working career, I was the CFO of several North Bay Area companies, culminating in my 14 years as the CFO at Opus One Winery. As the new Treasurer, I believe I can make a difference and continue the excellent leadership Brian Kearney provided for seven years”.
Bob is very proud to be a member of the board. “I'm very pleased to be associated with Cope Family Center, which is recognized throughout the Bay Area as a superior, well-run organization that delivers invaluable support to families”. Thank you Robert for all that you do for Cope, we are so happy to have you as a part of our board.