Robert Kent

Robert Kent serves as Chief Philanthropy Officer at Communities Foundation of Texas, where he leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for the organization’s grantmaking and philanthropic investments. In this role, he provides strategic leadership to align philanthropic resources with CFT’s mission and priorities, guiding efforts across discretionary grantmaking, community investment, and philanthropic advising. Through place-based investments, community engagement, and data-informed decision-making, he works to translate charitable intent into measurable community impact and advance CFT’s vision of thriving communities for all. 

Prior to joining CFT, Robert served as Associate Vice President and Texas State Director for the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring access to parks and nature. There, he led efforts to acquire more than 400 acres for new parks in Dallas, supported the passage of two major bond initiatives generating more than $655 million for parks and trails, and worked closely with community leaders, public agencies, and donors to advance shared visions for public greenspaces that benefit all. Earlier in his career, Robert was Policy Director for the North Texas Commission. 

Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and environmental science from Baylor University and a master’s degree in international economic development from the University of Glasgow.