Introducing Rob Snell as the Board of Directors Secretary
At RISE Housing and Support Services, we are fortunate to be guided by a board of directors whose dedication and heart match the urgency and complexity of the work we do. Today, we’re honored to introduce one of our long serving board members, Rob Snell.
Rob has been with the RISE Board for over six years, offering wisdom, care, and a deeply rooted sense of purpose. Rob is a deeply genuine person who leads with compassion and brings a sense of family to every room he walks into. With more than 40 years of experience in the financial industry, Rob brings a calm, thoughtful presence, and a sharp strategic mind to his positions on the RISE Board. In addition to being the Board Secretary, Rob is a member of the Executive Committee as well as the Strategic Planning and Incident Review Committees.
Full Circle Family
Rob’s journey to RISE is uniquely heartwarming. He stepped into the board seat once held by his son, Eric, continuing the Snell family’s commitment to service. A few years later, Eric rejoined the board—and now the father-son duo serve together, united by a shared passion for making a difference.
“Usually, it’s the kids who follow in their parents’ footsteps,” Rob jokes. “But in this case, I was following my son’s lead.”
That kind of humility and familial devotion is woven through everything Rob does. He and his wife, Kathleen, have been married for 44 years now, raising their family in a community they’ve always been deeply involved in. Together, they’ve built a life grounded in kindness, integrity, and service to others.
When he’s not volunteering or lending his expertise to RISE, Rob enjoys birdwatching, golfing, skiing, and spending quality time with his family—especially his grandchildren, who light up his world.
Dedication to the Individuals RISE Serves
Rob is beginning the transition to retirement from a long and successful career as a financial advisor at Edward Jones. His deep financial knowledge and steady leadership have been invaluable to RISE, especially in navigating strategic decisions, budgeting, and planning for sustainable growth.
Yet what Rob brings to the board is more than technical skill. He brings heart. He speaks often about the stigma faced by people struggling with mental health, addiction, and housing insecurity, and how important it is to see people fully, not just through the lens of their challenges.
“These are people who just need love,” he says. “And there’s not enough of it around.”
It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply with the mission of RISE—and one that Rob embodies in every interaction.
A Steady Hand in Challenging Situations
As a member of the Incident Review Committee, Rob plays an essential role in assessing and addressing complex situations that arise within the organization. This committee is tasked with reviewing incidents or concerns that involve staff, clients, or operations, ensuring that appropriate steps are taken for resolution and improvement. As an officer on the board, Rob brings a thoughtful and compassionate approach to these often-difficult scenarios. His ability to listen attentively and provide guidance with both empathy and clarity makes him a trusted voice on the committee.
Rob’s balanced perspective is invaluable—his approach in every situation is consistent, full of heart, and characterized by patience and grace. Whether offering insight, encouragement, or a steady hand during challenging moments, Rob ensures that everyone involved feels heard, respected, and supported.
A love for Nature and a Life of Leadership
Outside of his work with RISE, Rob has a deep passion for bird watching, a hobby he’s enjoyed for as long as he can remember. His love for nature eventually led him to the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society, where he has served on the Board of Directors, and is currently in his fourth year as President, which will conclude at the end of 2025.
Rob’s dedication to the Audubon Society reflects his natural ability to lead. Rob’s approach to life is marked by care, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.
With Gratitude
Rob has helped RISE grow not just in size or scope, but in spirit. His influence can be felt in the way we support one another, the way we navigate change, and the way we continue to center compassion in everything we do.
We are incredibly grateful for his years of service, and even more so for the kindness, humility, and humor he brings to every meeting, every decision, every moment.
Thank you, Rob!