Robert Covington

Gift Processing and Donor Services Specialist

Based in the Richmond office, Robert coordinates the processing and acknowledgement of donations to SELC, tracks donations made through various platforms, assists the Development Information Systems team with data updates and clean up, reconciles donations each month with the accounting department, and communicates with donors.

Robert grew up in rural Virginia and North Carolina, and is driven “to work for an organization that is making a real, necessary, difference in the South,” he said. “I’m so incredibly proud of all the work SELC does throughout the South, but what initially drew me in was this monumental victory in defeating the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The story of the multi-year effort is so inspiring. It truly made me feel like tangible change is possible in our region.”

Robert’s favorite places in the South are rooted in childhood memories like summer visits to Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

“Another vivid memory is of my dad taking us out paddling on Merchants Millpond, in North Carolina, one of the most beautiful and unusual places I had ever seen, like something out of a children’s storybook. It is one of those places that feels completely unique to the South and encapsulates so much of the distinctive nature of the region.”

• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, capital campaign manager, senior membership services coordinator
• B.I.S., University of Virginia, with high distinction