Areas of Expertise
Campaigns, Feasibility Studies & Major Gifts, Strategic Planning, Board Development, Nonprofit Management
(240) 462-5151
mary@capacitypartners.com
“As a start-up organization, we knew that our strategic plan would need to include a strong focus on financial sustainability, and we selected Capacity Partners because of Mary Robinson’s broad and deep experience in both strategy and fund development. Mary’s brilliant guidance carried us to an unexpected — and exciting — outcome. We now have a very clear statement of where we are headed.”
— Ann Thompson Cook, Co-Director, Many Voices
Mary Robinson | President/Founder
Experience
Mary Robinson, President & Founder, excels at bringing together the perfect combinations of talent to create effective teams. Known for her strategic thinking, creative approach to problem-solving, and ability to get to the heart of an issue, Mary offers broad experience working with nonprofit organizations and associations of every size. A skilled facilitator, fundraiser, and an expert in organizational strategy, Mary conducts comprehensive strategic planning, advises boards of directors, and consults on capital campaigns.
Previously a consultant at two national consulting firms and product manager at a multinational corporation, Mary co-owned an early software company for nonprofits. She sits on the board of The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, is a former board member of Leadership Montgomery, and is currently participating in Leadership Greater Washington.
Education & Certification
Mary earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University in French and Spanish, Phi Beta Kappa. She earned an EdM from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Clients
Mary has consulted with many of the firm’s clients, including:
• Strategic planning: Nonprofit Montgomery, Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL), Latin American Youth Center, Arts for the Aging, National Society of Colonial Dames of America, Greater Bethesda-Chevy Case Chamber of Commerce, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, Jewish Democratic Council of America.
• Board retreats and focus groups: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Nonprofit Village, White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee.
• Fundraising campaigns and planning: Manna Food Center, Jane Goodall Institute, The Textile Museum, Literacy Society of Frederick County, Interfaith Works, Families USA, Avalon Theatre, Housing Unlimited, National Bonsai Foundation, Friends of the Library of Montgomery County.
Community Service
Mary sits on the board of The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce and is currently participating in Leadership Greater Washington. She has served on the boards of Leadership Montgomery, Montgomery Women, Washington Waldorf School, Friends Community School, the Brown Club of Washington, DC, among others. She was a member of the public policy committee of the Nonprofit Roundtable and served as a Standards of Excellence® reviewer for the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations. She served on the Technology Innovation Fund of Montgomery County and volunteered for the County’s Abused Persons Program.
Get to know me
When not working on Capacity Partners, you’ll usually find Mary at home relaxing with her husband, Peter. She loves to dance, swim, and enjoy the cultural delights of Washington.
Favorite Quote
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb