Staff Biographies

Rebecca Robinson, Executive Director
Ever since she glued google eyes on painted rocks to sell door to door when she was seven, Rebecca has been raising money for charity. She completed her graduate work at American University in Washington DC in political communications and her undergraduate at Hanover College. Her work experience includes writing and research for a senior Congressman on Capital Hill, then moving to Texas state government and also speechwriting for political candidates. Prior to joining the Foundation, she helped launch and manage the Austin Heart Foundation.

Guilty Food Pleasure – Cotton Candy at the Round Rock Express
Favorite dish – Pizza King pepperoni pizza from Muncie, Indiana, chocolate pie from Woodland in Austin.
Favorite vino – Most all ports.
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Sarah Murray, Event Director
Sarah went from one extreme climate to another when she graduated from Syracuse University in New York’s snow belt and drove (sans air conditioning) to Austin in 2005. As the Event Director, she is responsible for planning and executing the Foundation’s major wine and food events, as well as helping to coordinate the Foundation Academy wine education series. She also utilizes her media and writing background to edit the Foundation’s quarterly Plate & Vine newsletter. Sarah loves Austin’s foodie scene and enjoys interacting with Central Texas chefs and winemakers.

Guilty Food Pleasure – Everything Bagels
Favorite Restaurant – Austin Farmers’ Market
Best Wine + Food Pairing – Champagne and potato chips!
Favorite Vino - Frank Family Vineyards 2006 Zinfandel, Napa Valley
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Aubrey Byfield, Project Coordinator
Aubrey will have her Associates of Applied Science in Meeting and Event Planning Specialization from Austin Community College by December of 2009. She plays a very active role in the hospitality industry and loves producing, coordinating and designing events. At the Foundation, she manages the office, coordinates membership and helps organize the many events and classes throughout the year.

Guilty Food Pleasure (s) - Her mom’s pickled okra and beets, my dad’s homemade breakfast tacos, and my Nan’s famous pot of pinto beans with dill relish and cornbread.
Favorite Austin Restaurant - Moonshine because of their chicken fried steak, grilled vegetables, and baked macaroni and cheese.
Favorite vino - Innocent Bystander Victoria Pink Moscato is great during what Texas is most famous for-the heat!
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