Leadership

IWF Georgia President

Blythe Keeler Robinson

CEO

Sheltering Arms

Blythe Keeler Robinson is an innovative and passionate leader with more than 25 years of non-profit management experience. She is an equity advocate and a nationally recognized leader in early education and two-generation approaches to educational success and economic security.

Robinson is the President and CEO of Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Centers in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1888, Sheltering Arms is one of Georgia’s largest and most respected nonprofit organizations serving nearly 2,300 children daily, ages six weeks to five years old, and their families in 13 early care and education centers across metro Atlanta. Sheltering Arms is a National Head Start Center of Excellence, as well as a member of the Educare Learning Network, the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Family Economic Success – Early Childhood Initiative Action Learning Network, and Ascend at the Aspen Institute. Robinson has increased the organization’s national impact and visibility through partnerships, panel discussions, presentations, and consultancy projects.

Prior to joining Sheltering Arms, Robinson served as the Senior Vice President & Chief Programs Officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Miami‐Dade/Monroe, Florida. She was responsible for the management and implementation of early care and education programs providing services to more than 50,000 children and their families annually. In her role as the Vice President of Strategic Planning and Initiatives at Reading Is Fundamental, she directed programs and strategic initiatives across the country, and designed and oversaw the implementation of the Multicultural Literacy Campaign, a national effort to promote and support early childhood literacy in communities of color.

As a dedicated servant leader, Robinson believes in giving back to the community. She volunteers with local organizations focused on children and mentors girls and women. Robinson serves as the President of the International Women’s Forum – Georgia Chapter Board and Vice-Chair of the National Black Child Development Institute Board. She also serves on the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Southeast Governing Board, the Atlanta Speech School Advisory Board, and the PAACT (Promising All Atlanta Children Thrive) Founding Advisory Board and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Robinson is a 2022 Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow. She was recognized as a member of the 2019 Academy of Women Achievers by the YWCA, named one of Atlanta Tribune’s 2018 Women of Excellence and received the 2017 Image Award from the 100 Black Men of North Metro (Atlanta), Inc. She has been named to the Atlanta Business League’s list of Top 100 Black Women of Influence for six years, Atlanta Business Chronicle’s list of “Atlanta’s 40 Under 40 Leaders” and South Florida’s “50 Most Powerful Black Professionals.” She is a member of the Leadership of Atlanta Class of 2015.

Robinson holds a bachelor’s degree in Government and Politics with a certificate in African American Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a juris doctor from The Georgetown University Law Center.

President

Blythe Keeler Robinson
Sheltering Arms

Vice President / President Elect

Elizabeth Noe

Treasurer

Susan O’Farrell

Leslie’s and ATW

Secretary

DeRetta Rhodes

Atlanta Braves