Robbie Banks

Program Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Columbus Partnership

Robbie Banks is the program director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at the Columbus Partnership. Her role is focused on the development and execution of strategic programming and projects that impact the Columbus Partnership’s ability to advance the vision for Columbus to become the most prosperous region in the U.S. As manager of the planning and advancement specific to DEI-focused workstreams, Robbie establishes and maintains relationships with DEI practitioners, C-suite and senior leaders to develop, align and execute the Region’s equity and inclusion strategy.

She also co-chairs the staff DEI Committee, created in 2020 by members of the Columbus Partnership, One Columbus and Smart Columbus teams. Although it is every team member’s responsibility to prioritize DEI in their work and relationships, the committee is focused specifically on advancing internal changes to make the enterprise more diverse, equitable and inclusive. Through internal discussions and evaluations, the committee identifies and advances recommendations across the organization’s purchasing, hiring and inclusive practices, and learning opportunities.

To help build community within the organization and empower leaders in every seat, Robbie serves as the lead and host for staff retreats. She also manages leadership development partnerships, including the Young Americans Leadership Program at Harvard Business School, Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) Columbus Chapter and Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Columbus Chapter.

Previously, Robbie served as the program director and interim executive director at Leadership Columbus where she managed and directed programs that embrace a 21st century vision for community leadership development while embedding opportunities for participants to develop their leadership skills.

As director of visitor experience for Experience Columbus, she launched and led the Experience Dedicated® Destination program, which worked across hospitality industry sectors to enhance the city’s visitor experience. Robbie also was responsible for the Greater Columbus Tourism Ambassador Program, part of a national certification program for front-line workers and volunteers. She led efforts directed at young professionals to attract and retain talent at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce where she served as a point person for community issues related to young professionals. Robbie also worked for the City of Columbus as an executive assistant to the director of technology and assistant to the Office of Mayor Michael B. Coleman.

A Columbus native, Robbie holds a B.S. in marketing and a M.S. in marketing and communication from Franklin University. She is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Columbus and serves on the Board of Trustees for I Know I Can.

In her spare time, Robbie enjoys expressing her creativity as a freelance make-up artist.

She also enjoys participating as a Pelotonia rider and volunteering with Meals on Wheels and Promise on Parsons. She resides in Northwest Columbus with her partner Justin and their dogs.