SchoolPower Names New Executive Director

Submitted by SchoolPower:

Former two-term SchoolPower president Robin Rounaghi has been selected as the non-profit’s new executive director.

After an extensive hiring search and interview process, SchoolPower found that the candidate possessing both the tangible and intangible qualities needed for the job was one of their own. “No one knows the organization or our community better than Robin,” said President Lynn Gregory, “and no one will work harder to ensure SchoolPower is doing all it can to help Laguna’s schools.”

Rounaghi is recognized as a well-liked and respected leader after tallying more than a decade of community involvement, and Laguna’s business owners were quick to express support. “Stoked!” said Hobie and Tuvalu President Mark Christy at the news of her hiring. “Robin is tireless, creative, energetic and perpetually smiling. This will be a huge windfall for SchoolPower.”

Lumberyard owner Cary Redfearn, who collaborated with Rounaghi to create the popular school fundraiser Chef’s Challenge, said he is excited to work with her again. “Robin is extremely organized, super energetic and just a can-do kind of person,” Redfearn said. “I think that she can get anything done.”

Rounaghi leaves her job as an attorney to take on the newly created job. Her role at SchoolPower will require her to be adept at team building, development, strategic planning and communication. School Board member Ketta Brown, who recently witnessed Rounaghi deliver $70,174 as SchoolPower Endowment’s teacher grant chairperson, said that she is walking into the executive director position with the confidence and respect of district leaders already in place.  

“Robin is a very organized, exceptionally bright and well-spoken woman who always thinks carefully before speaking or acting,” said Brown. “She knows the organizations inside and out so begins with an advantage that very few would possess.”

Raised in Sacramento by a mother who taught elementary school and a father who served as chancellor of California Community Colleges, Rounaghi’s upbringing included many dinner conversations centered around public schooling. “My parents definitely embedded the value of making quality education accessible to everyone.” she said.

Rounaghi is a Berkeley alum who graduated from Hastings Law School in 1993. She relocated to Laguna Beach in 1996 with husband Ali, who owns Laguna Graphic Arts printing company. The couple has three sons: Alex, a sophomore at the high school; Charlie, a Thurston seventh grader; and Willie, a fifth grader at El Morro.

Considering her passion for public schools, Rounaghi said that she feels grateful to begin her new career. “This is a generous, engaged community that cares deeply about the education of its children,” she said. “I believe everyone can get behind the importance of supporting our local schools. I’m thrilled to be a part of that.”