Interview: Seagle Festival Board President Robin Kulwin

For an edition of our newsletter, Onward & Upward, we spoke with Seagle Festival Board President, Robin Kulwin, about the campaign process, the evolving role of the Board, and the vision guiding Seagle into its next century:

You’ve been closely involved in the Campaign and have now stepped into the role of Board President. How does your perspective shift from campaign co-chair to institutional steward?

Well, it makes life more complicated, that's for sure! Seriously, I don't know that it changes my perspective as much as it reinforces the importance of the capital campaign within our broad institutional framework. I am all the more mindful of the critical role this campaign, and its goal, will play in Seagle's future.

Many people think campaigns are primarily staff-driven. From your vantage point, what is the Board’s real role in a capital campaign?

I think the board has three key roles. The first is to provide insight and counsel into the creation and execution of the campaign regarding matters such as defining the scope of the campaign and identifying "reach" goals vs. "necessary" goals. Second and third, to contribute to the campaign in a meaningful way according to one's ability, and to connect with one's personal network in the fundraising effort, both regarding individual friends and acquaintances and institutional givers with which board members might be associated. I'm a big believer that board members - again, according to their ability - have a fundamental responsibility to provide financial support.

What have you learned about board leadership through the campaign process?

Communication, communication, communication. The work we have to do is clear; it cannot be overstated how critical it is to make sure things are as transparent as possible and keep everyone involved up to date and, especially, making them feel important and valued in their individual efforts. 

Campaign work often requires both bold vision and disciplined follow-through. How have you seen those qualities show up at Seagle?

Oh my, yes. The vision was largely created by the staff as, while there was a clearly perceived need to revamp our physical facility, the professionals' expertise in determining just what was to be done was central to the endeavor. Helped by the emphasis on communication I just noted, the follow-through has been excellent, and I am particularly proud of the ease and effectiveness of staff/board collaboration. It is also worth noting that this collaboration has helped achieve a total project buy-in from the entire Seagle community. 

What advice would you give to board members who feel hesitant about fundraising?

Just ask!  Absolutely seek advice from someone with experience about how to conduct such a conversation. Make sure you have all the facts at your fingertips and can make the case clearly and substantively.  It is also important to solicit individuals for whom there is reason to think would be interested in the specific cause!

Having said that, I have never encountered anyone who has been offended by being solicited, as long as it is done in a respectful fashion. In general, I think "askees" are impressed by volunteer solicitors as those making the solicitation have nothing personal to gain aside from strengthening a cause in which they believe and of which they want to convince you.

______________________

A. D. Hamingson & Associates has been proud to partner with Seagle Festival in Schroon Lake, NY since 2024, supporting the organization as it undertakes an ambitious transformation of its historic campus. Starting with a comprehensive feasibility study, our partnership has since evolved into full capital campaign counsel for a multi-phase project that will replace aging facilities with new artist housing, a dining and multi-use hall, and a state-of-the-art theater creating a modern, accessible environment for training, performance, and community life.

Seagle Festival is the 111 year old premiere US opera and musical theater producing organization located in the Adirondack region of upstate New York. As the campaign gains momentum, the leadership and engagement of Seagle’s Board of Directors has been central to shaping the effort.