Robert cares to serve as a KS&A officer and director because…

As part of KS&A’s 2005/2006 Board of Directors nomination and elections process, all candidates for officer and director positions were asked to comment on why they cared to serve in these positions, and how they felt that KS&A could benefit from their participation.  In response, Robert stated:

I am interested in serving as a KS&A Director and Executive Chairman because I believe that my skills and interests are well aligned with the organization’s present needs.  I have been a “serial entrepreneur” for over 20 years, and have gained considerable skills in articulating a compelling vision, attracting interest and building enthusiasm, including with co-workers, customers and funding sources.  I have a strong network of contacts that may assist KS&A in raising in-kind gifts and funding, attracting interest from prominent people and advancing its mission.

Over the years, persons with whom I have worked have remarked that I am extremely dedicated, hard-working, persevering and have an uncommonly high level of integrity.  If I give my word, it can be counted on as meaning that I will do everything in my power to make what I committed happen.  I have strong strategic, tactical and analytic skills; good writing, speaking and conceptualization skills, and considerable experience in project management, fund raising, and marketing with direct P&L responsibility. I have worked in both advertising and public relations, including both line responsibility as well as management oversight.  Although I am not a computer programmer, I have managed a team of technical personnel in programming and design.  Although I am not a lawyer, I presently manage several law firms involving complex patent prosecution and litigation.

Because of my interest in X and Y chromosome aneuploidies, I have dedicated considerable time (between 500 and 1000 hours per year over the past 5 years) and personal resources to becoming familiar with the literature and conversant with the subject matter.  Although I am not a medical doctor or a social worker, I am able to carry on an intelligent and detailed discussion regarding the scientific, psychosocial and human experience aspects of these conditions with a number of different audiences, from a young child to the elderly, from the lay person to the research scientist, and from the local reporter to the foundation grantor.

I believe that leadership is about being a good listener, about being able to articulate a compelling vision when the timing is right and about setting a good example for others to follow.  I find these skills come naturally, but work very hard to attain the proper balance between them.  I have much to learn, and am thrilled to be around well-intentioned, highly motivated, knowledgeable and compassionate people.  My hope is to be a member of a team that is committed to advancing KS&A’s mission, and who will do their very best to fulfill it.

• Read about why Robert is interested in X and Y chromosome aneuploidies…
• Return to Robert Shelton’s biography...