Leading with Purpose: Robert Hahn’s Journey to Uplift and Serve

Robert Hahn doesn’t believe in standing still. For over 30 years, he’s been leading, building, and serving in the nonprofit world. Today, he’s the Chief Advancement Officer at Birmingham Green Senior Care Facilities in Virginia. But that title only tells part of the story.

“I think of myself as the face and voice of the community,” Robert says. “My job is to make sure people know the good work our team is doing every day.”

Birmingham Green is a care home for seniors and adults with disabilities. Robert focuses on community engagement, raising awareness about the mission, and developing support. He works with donors, sponsors, and the public. His goal? To bring people together around a shared purpose.

“I believe in relationships,” he says. “If we can connect with people’s hearts, they’ll want to help.”

Growing Up and Finding Purpose

Robert grew up in Farmingdale, Long Island. His parents, Peter and Josephine Hahn, encouraged creativity. He wasn’t all that into sports, but music captured his imagination. He taught himself guitar and piano. As a teenager, he formed a band with his friends Michael and Buddy. They called themselves The Situation and wrote their own songs.

Later, he lived in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. That’s where he learned to surf, snorkel, and speak Spanish. The island life taught him about community and resilience.

“I learned that people can have very little and still be full of joy,” Robert says. “That stuck with me.”

Education and Early Work

Robert attended La Salle Military Academy where he was a Gold Honor student. He then earned a journalism degree from Long Island University. He also holds a Master of Divinity and a certificate in nonprofit leadership from the Kellogg School of Management. At Northwestern University in Chicago.  Along the way, he joined the Public Relations Society of America where he is certified in Crisis Communication and became a Certified Fund-Raising Executive.

Early in his career, he worked with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. There, he managed national space planning. But his heart pulled him toward community work.

“I realized I didn’t want to just manage systems. I wanted to help people directly,” he says.

Fighting Hunger, Building Hope

Before joining Birmingham Green, Robert spent more than two decades tackling hunger and poverty. He led nonprofits like End Hunger in Calvert County and Honduras Compassion Partners. These groups focused on feeding the hungry in rural America and supporting poor communities in Central America.

“I’ve seen hunger up close. It’s not just about food. It’s about dignity,” he explains. “When you feed someone, you tell them they matter.”

He helped build teams, raised money, and formed long-term partnerships. His leadership style? Empathy and trust.

“I’ve led teams of five and teams of fifty. It’s the same—listen, support, and keep your word.”

A Life of Service

Robert’s career has included serving on many boards, including the United Way of Calvert County, Chesapeake Evangelical Association, and several organizations focused on Central America. He’s received awards from Maryland governors, community groups, and food banks. But he doesn’t focus on praise.

“The awards are nice,” he says. “But what really matters is the impact. Did we make life better for someone?”

He’s also a published writer. His work has appeared in Provider Magazine and Neighborhoods of Historic Manassas. His writing focuses on leadership, community, and compassion.

Faith, Music, and Everyday Life

Robert’s faith is a quiet but steady part of his life. He says it guides how he leads and how he treats people. He also keeps music close. Though his days with The Situation are long past, he’s still part of music recordings.

“It reminds me to stay creative,” he says. “And to stay grounded.”

He lives with purpose but speaks with humility. He credits the people around him—his teams, his family, and the communities he’s served.

Looking Ahead

At Birmingham Green, Robert is thinking long-term. He wants to grow support for elder care, especially as the population ages.

“We’re living longer, but not always better,” he says. “We need to think about how we care for each other as we grow older.”

He’s also thinking about the next generation of nonprofit leaders. He mentors young professionals and shares what he’s learned.

“I tell them: be real, be kind, and don’t chase titles. Just do good work.”

Final Thoughts

Robert Hahn doesn’t seek the spotlight. But his work shines on its own. From rural hunger to elder care, from music to writing, his life is a steady thread of service. In every role, he brings heart, strategy, and the simple belief that people matter.

As he puts it, “You can’t fix everything. But you can show up, and you can care. And that’s where change begins.”

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