Staff
Rick Robbins, Executive Director
Rick and his 4 adorable grandchildren
As a resident of the St. Croix Valley for over twenty-five years, Rick has established deep roots in the community and has a strong history of civic involvement and leadership. Rick currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club and the St. Croix Valley Athletic Association.
After Rick (along with his spouse) successfully navigated his two children through Stillwater Areas Public Schools and college, he wanted to find a meaningful position where his creativity could make a real impact. The Partnership Plan was the perfect fit. He now has the opportunity to bring his professional experience and background in community service to this incredible organization. His focus is on building connections between The Partnership Plan, local businesses, and community members to benefit the teachers and all students of Stillwater Area Public Schools.
Rick brings thirty years of management, marketing, sales and community relations experience to The Partnership Plan. Prior, he served as Program Director of Wisconsin Services for ESR/Rise Inc., and Director of Marketing/Community Relations for Lakeview Health System in Stillwater.
Rick and his wife Carol reside in Bayport, with both children and four amazing grandchildren living in the east metro.
Sara Martin, Program and Communications Manager
Sara and family
After nearly 15 years of working in nonprofits in Minneapolis and St Paul, Sara jumped at the opportunity to put her skills and expertise in the areas of volunteer and program management, grant writing, and data analysis to work for The Partnership Plan. Sara’s passion and creativity, combined with her dedication and strong work ethic, make her a great asset to TPP.
Having grown up in central Minnesota and graduated from the College of St. Benedict in 2002, Sara has always had a strong sense of community and a desire to make a difference. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in various nonprofits, working with crime victims and former offenders, and even running an AmeriCorps program. Residing in Bayport since 2010, Sara is an active community volunteer and supports organizations such as the Bayport Community Action League, Bridge to Books, and the Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce's Leadership in the Valley program.
Her favorite part about working for The Partnership Plan is collaborating with teachers and district staff to bring new ideas and experiences to life across the district. And just like many students in the district, Sara eagerly anticipates the annual DaVinci Fest, making it her favorite event of the year.
Julie Grecian, EVENTS manager & DEVELOPMENT associate
The Grecian Family in Inspiration neighborhood
Julie is excited to join the staff of The Partnership Plan and support Stillwater Area School District students, staff, and families with planning special events and helping with development work. Julie and her husband Chris, have been parents of Stillwater students for the past nine years and are grateful for the classroom grants, DaVinci Fest, and unique opportunities The Partnership Plan creates for the community.
With two degrees in environmental policy and water resource management, Julie has a diverse background with over 26 years of program management in national and local non-profits, museums, state government, and corporations. She enjoys work that reflects the intersection of mission, staff and volunteers, programs, community, and budgets. Most recently she was the Assistant Director at the Lee & Rose Warner Nature Center for 15 years and loved creating hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities for families and youth throughout the St. Croix River Valley. Julie also owns her own consulting business focused on non-profit organization development and enjoys supporting non-profits throughout Minnesota. Her position with The Partnership Plan has allowed to her to continue this career path while also giving back to the local school district. Julie is very active as a volunteer as well, coordinating a statewide group of environmental non-profit directors focused on professional development, managing fundraisers for Andersen Elementary, and is a St. Croix Valley Foundation CIS consultant.
Julie lives in Bayport with her husband and three children. She loves being outdoors, traveling, baking, and being an Uber for three different schools and multiple sports!