Rob MacPherson, Vice President for Development, CICF

Rob serves as Vice President for Development with the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). He directs the Foundation’s asset development strategies and philanthropic services activities. In addition to working with prospective donors to promote the ease and advantages of partnering with the community foundation to fulfill charitable wishes, Rob works closely with CICF’s current donors to keep them engaged with the Foundation’s work in the community and informed on current trends in central Indiana and with charitable giving.

Most recently Rob was on staff at the Arts Council of Indianapolis as Director of Special Projects. He led a citywide arts education study, as well as the agency’s strategic planning efforts and development activities. Additionally, as part of the Mayor’s Cultural Tourism Initiative, he coordinated the beginning of a public art master planning process. From 1994-2001 Rob served the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) as Director of Development. He was the senior staff member responsible for managing the annual operating fundraising strategies and directing a $16.5 million capital and endowment campaign, which successfully exceeded its goal. Rob also co-authored two, five-year strategic plans for the Theatre and participated in four years of historic renovation projects, led staff development, and created major programmatic initiatives through successful grant proposals at the IRT. Previous career experience at WFYI, the Indiana Arts Commission, and the Oakland Museum of California and as a consultant and advisor to many not-for-profits around the state and country serve as a strong foundation for Rob’s development responsibilities at CICF.

An active member of the community, Rob serves or has served as a board member of the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Association, VSA Arts of Indiana, Eastside Community Investments, and Dance Kaleidoscope. He is also one of the founders and the executive producer for Spotlight, an annual citywide performing arts benefit for the Indiana AIDS Fund. He has volunteered in many capacities at Trinity Episcopal Church in adult, youth, and fine arts programs.

Rob received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Michigan University. He was a member of Class XXIV of the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Series and has completed ongoing education at Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy in Indianapolis. For the past two years, Rob has also taught an arts administration course, “Securing Your Organization’s Future”, as an adjunct professor at Butler University.

Rob can be reached at CICF by calling 317.634.2423 x509 or e-mailing him at robm@cicf.org.