Ohio Pen - Phillip M. Robinson, Jr. Named CEO of the Forum for Youth Investment to Drive National Impact for Youth

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WASHINGTON, May 29, 2025 ~ The Forum for Youth Investment has announced the appointment of Phillip M. Robinson, Jr. as its new Chief Executive Officer. The decision comes after a national search led by the Forum's Board of Directors and is set to take effect on June 30, 2025.

Robinson brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing opportunities, equity, and outcomes for young people across the nation. With over 15 years of experience in youth development, education, and systems change, he is well-equipped to lead the Forum into its next chapter.

Bryan Samuels, Chair of the Forum's Board of Directors, expressed his confidence in Robinson's ability to lead the organization towards its goals. "Phil brings a deep commitment to the outcomes the Forum has always championed - stronger systems, better opportunities, and equitable outcomes for all youth," said Samuels. "There's a real sense of alignment - between Phil's leadership and the Forum's history, and between where we've been and where we're headed."

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The Forum works across various youth-serving systems to ensure that all young people have access to what they need to thrive. Through continuous quality improvement, strategic partnerships, and policy advocacy, the organization aims to strengthen systems and supports that shape young people's lives while centering their voices and experiences.

Under Robinson's leadership, the Forum will deepen its commitment to scaling this work by expanding access to proven strategies, training, and coaching. Additionally, it will forge new partnerships that align policy with practice in order to create lasting change for young people across the country.

"I believe that this is a pivotal time," said Phillip Robinson. "People are looking for connection, for clarity, and for solutions - and I believe that the Forum can be that steady force. With a strong team, trusted tools, and the courage to reimagine how systems work for youth, we have everything we need to move from crisis response to lasting change. I'm excited to get to work."

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Robinson's extensive leadership experience includes roles as Chief Impact Officer at Reading Partners and Executive Director in Cleveland and Senior Vice President overseeing operations at 29 sites across the country at City Year. He has also worked for several Fortune 500 companies and served as a congressional legislative aide for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). In addition, he currently serves as an elected member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the state's 19th District since 2019.

Robinson will be succeeding Interim President & CEO Judy Seltz, who led the Forum during this period of transition and previously served on the organization's Board of Directors. The Board and staff extend their gratitude for her steady leadership and dedicated service during a critical moment of evolution for the organization.

The Forum also acknowledges and celebrates the commitment of its staff, whose resilience and dedication have been central to sustaining momentum and shaping the future. Their insights and engagement played a vital role in the CEO search process and continue to guide the organization's path forward.

For more information about the Forum for Youth Investment and its work, please visit their website at www.forumfyi.org.

Contact:

Amanda Heckenkamp

(734) 649-6092

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