Rob Lehr joined GAR Foundation in 2018. As Vice President of Programs, Rob helps shape and execute the Foundation’s grantmaking strategies alongside the President. Rob drives positive change in our community by overseeing a small, high-performing grantmaking team, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring the effective implementation of grant-funded initiatives.
He serves as a director on the board of ArtsNow and an ex-officio member of the University of Akron Arts Advancement Council. In 2023 and 2024, Rob was invited to be a grant panelist for the Ohio Arts Council. He is also active with the steering committee for the Summit County Continuum of Care, the governance committee for The Fund for Our Economic Future, and with the lead team for the Immigration Network – Akron. He is a graduate of Leadership Akron Signature Class 38.
Before joining GAR, Rob was a seasoned executive in the arts sector who helped advance projects through organizational development, community building, fundraising campaigns, and strategic marketing for nonprofit organizations. He has managed hundreds of initiatives throughout his 20-year career with a track record of success. Rob graduated with a BFA from the Myers School of Art at the University of Akron.
Believe it or not: Rob was awarded a student fellowship to attend one of the world’s largest contemporary art fairs – the Venice Biennale in Italy.