Click here for a partial list of organization to whom Robin has spoke.

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Throughout my career, I have consistently leveraged public speaking and presentations as powerful tools for advancing institutional missions, shaping public policy, and fostering collaboration across diverse sectors. My experience as a speaker and presenter is both broad and deep, spanning higher education, government, professional associations, international venues, and community organizations. 

 

As the president of two universities, I regularly addressed faculty, staff, students, boards of governors, alumni, and community stakeholders, articulating visions for institutional transformation and leading strategic initiatives. My leadership roles - ranging from Secretary of Tax and Revenue for the State of West Virginia to Chief Administrative Law Judge and Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Fair Taxation - demanded not only executive decision-making but also the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to both professional and public audiences .

 

Over the course of my service, I have delivered more than 500 speeches, presentations, workshops and media appearances, particularly in the context of statewide tax reform and higher education policy . My presentations have reached national and international audiences, including academic conferences, public policy forums, and professional associations such as the National Tax Association, Southeastern Association of Tax Administrators, and the Association of Private Enterprise Education. I have been invited to present to diverse organizations including the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Higher Education Policy Commission, Leadership West Virginia, Governing Magazine, and numerous Chambers of Commerce and Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions Clubs, among many others.

 

My experience as a Fulbright Scholar allowed me to share insights on American law and higher education with international audiences in Moldova and the Republic of Georgia, further expanding the impact of my presentations on a global scale.

 

As a recognized thought leader, I have also chaired and participated in panels, facilitated workshops, and been featured as a keynote speaker at conferences addressing topics ranging from tax reform and economic development to entrepreneurship education and institutional leadership. My ability to engage with audiences—whether at the local, state, national, or international level—reflects my commitment to fostering dialogue, promoting innovation, and building consensus.

 

This extensive speaking portfolio is a natural extension of my leadership philosophy: effective leaders must not only chart a course for progress, but also inspire, inform, and empower others to join in the pursuit of shared goals. My leadership journey—as a university president, state cabinet secretary, consultant, and academic—has been defined by a steadfast dedication to clear communication, public engagement, and the transformative power of ideas.