Board Member: Rob Lehr

Vice President of Programs, GAR Foundation

Rob Lehr joined GAR Foundation in 2018. GAR annually awards over $7 million to support Summit County nonprofit organizations, with over $1.2 million focused on arts and culture initiatives. As vice president of programs, Rob helps shape and execute the foundation’s grantmaking strategies in conjunction with the president. Rob drives positive change by overseeing a small, high-performing grantmaking program team, building strategic community partnerships, and ensuring the effective implementation of grant-funded initiatives.

Rob convenes a coalition of local, state, and national arts funders to advance the arts in Summit County. He is a graduate of Leadership Akron Signature Class 38. He is an ex-officio member of the University of Akron Arts Advancement 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 committees for the Immigration Network – Akron.  Rob has participated in grantmaking panels for the Knight Foundation and Ohio Arts Council. Before joining GAR, Rob was a seasoned executive from the arts sector who helped advance organizational development, community engagement, fundraising initiatives, and strategic marketing for nonprofit organizations. Rob graduated with a BFA from the Myers School of Art at the University of Akron.