A Salute to Robert Ohrenschall
by Stacy Trevenon

Robert Ohrenschall joined WiRED International as its board's first chair, and has guided the organization from its beginnings in 2000 to its 10th anniversary celebration this year. Although he will remain on the board as a regular member, he passed the baton to new chair Anthony Hodge on October 1, 2010.

Mr. Hodge praised his predecessor by saying, "Bob is a creative and successful entrepreneur and businessman who has supported and funded many worthy causes over the years. WiRED has been the fortunate recipient of his generosity. His whole hearted support and leadership as chair have established a remarkable record of achievement."

Board member Dr. Richard Gilbert added, "I met Bob at our first board meeting in San Francisco and was immediately impressed with his firm hand and articulate manner. His has been a monumental leadership and WiRED would not be the healing force it is without him."

During his 10 years as WiRED's chair, Mr. Ohrenschall helped WiRED with fundraising—contributing significantly to operating funds, including support from Rotary International. In addition he made contacts with influential people in Washington and elsewhere and provided guidance for organizational administration. He always stood ready to comment and offer suggestions for new programs and other activities.

Mr. Ohrenschall met WiRED founder Dr. Gary Selnow In 1998. As program chair of the Tiburon-Belvedere Rotary, Mr. Ohrenschall invited Dr. Selnow to discuss his book Electronic Whistle-Stops at the club. He said he would talk about the book, but he would also like 10 minutes to tell the Rotary group about a new non-profit venture he was starting up in developing countries. Mr. Ohrenschall was immediately hooked.

Sue Ohrenschall remarked, "My husband was really taken with Gary and the concept of what WiRED was attempting to do. They just kind of clicked with one another and, when that happens, Bob puts his whole heart and soul into it. He saw WiRED was a new idea, and this interested him. He also liked what WiRED stood for—information access—and decided to get behind the organization."

"I knew about Bob through San Francisco State University and was pleased when he asked me to talk about Whistle-Stops," explained Dr. Selnow. "Then, when he told me he was interested in helping us get WiRED off the ground, I eagerly accepted. Very soon afterward, Bob joined our board and was elected by our newly formed group to be our chair."

Originally from Baltimore, Mr. Ohrenschall earned a degree in history from Yale University and then founded and made partner in Soyster & Ohrenschall Inc., International Marketing and Design Consultants. He retired 12 years ago but remains chairman emeritus of the renamed company, Addison Design.

WiRED was not Mr. Ohrenschall's sole avenue of philanthropy. "He does like to think he can do something to make the world a better place," said his wife. Mr. Ohrenschall has served on the boards of many nonprofit organizations with an international scope, including the board of the International Diplomacy Council, The Eisenhower World Affairs Institute, the Ohrenschall Center for Entrepreneurship at San Francisco State University, the Tiburon-Belvedere Rotary Club, and the Romberg Tiburon Environmental Centers.

"I have always been impressed with the breadth of Bob's work with non-profit and humanitarian organizations," said Dr. Betty Fine, a WiRED board member. "Here Bob has retired, yet he actively supports the work of so many groups, with his encouragement, board participation, and financial backing. I've enjoyed working with Bob and I'm happy to know that he will continue to work with WiRED as a board member."

On the home front Mrs. Ohrenschall, his wife of 55 years, remarked, "Bob's an easygoing guy. Always willing to jump in and be a part of things where our four kids were concerned, and he has a wonderful sense of humor."

Mr. and Mrs. Ohrenschall shared not only the raising of their two sons and two daughters but a commitment to philanthropic volunteerism. He served as a Cub Scout leader, while she was active with their children's schools, serving as president of five PTA groups. Both were avid supporters of the San Francisco Symphony: he contributed to the symphony, while she chaired the symphony's volunteer council. They have also made substantial donations to San Francisco State University, particularly in business and environmental education.

Despite his many other commitments, Mr. Ohrenschall continued his involvement with WiRED and its use of information technology. He especially viewed the Internet as a gateway and means of opportunity to those disadvantaged by war or economic conditions. He was also prompted by an ongoing admiration of Dr. Selnow and his vision for WiRED and its work. "He thought [Dr. Selnow] was doing things in countries that didn't have as many people interested in them, and because they were off the beaten track, consequently they needed help," Mrs. Ohrenschall said.

"It was a pleasure to work with Bob though the years," said Dr. Suellen Crano, WiRED's secretary treasurer. "His vision and good business sense—coupled with a deep compassion for humanitarian issues—have enabled Bob to guide WiRED's work productively and efficiently."

Reflecting on Mr. Ohrenschall's 10 years with WiRED, Gary Selnow concluded, "It was remarkable good fortune to have met Bob early in WiRED's development. He has been a wonderful guide and supporter and friend, and I am grateful for his shoulder to the cart. So much of what we have accomplished is because of Bob's leadership. I look forward to continuing our work together as Bob remains an active member of our governing board."

^ Back to the Top