Robert L. Hawkins was born in Bridgeton, N.J. He joined Compassion International's Board of Directors in 2001. Robert's professional experience includes vice president of marketing for World Vision Inc., where among other things he managed their child sponsorship program. He has also worked with the Time Warner organization as director of new market development for Columbia House; as vice president and general manager for Fortune magazine's conference division; and chief marketing officer for Essence Communications. He also served on the board of directors of the Gospel Music Association from 1997 to 2004. He has a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and in May 2008, he will receive his juris doctorate degree from Widener School of Law and a certification in business organization law from the Institute of Delaware Corporate Law. Robert currently serves as vice president and general manager of Claimant Management Systems, LLC, which provides systems and litigation support services to the in-house counsel of FORTUNE 500 companies and corporate law firms. He is also treasurer and cofounder of Seeds of Greatness Bible Church in New Castle, Del., where he serves on the board of directors with his wife, A'Lexa. They have three children: A'arika, Robert and Rachel-Alexandria.