An Innovation, Investment, Strategy, and Development Consulting Firm
With decades in the private, government, and not-for-profit sectors, Robinson Ventures has gained invaluable experience that can help your company move itself to the next level.
As a strategy and development consulting firm, Robinson Ventures helps companies to improve performance through analysis of existing business problems and the development of future plans. Involving the identification and cross-fertilization of best practices, analytical techniques, change management and coaching skills, technology implementations, strategy development or even the simple advantage of an outsider's perspective, Robinson Ventures brings formal frameworks and methodologies to identify problems and suggest more effective or efficient ways of performing business tasks.
Robinson Ventures forms bridges between academia, firms, and thought leaders in other fields. As a result, our approach uses a variety of tools and techniques to approach business problems. We pride ourselves on not only suggesting changes but also staying to help with the implementation of the recommendations.
CIAN ROBINSON — FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
With 30+ years of experience in management, strategy, investment, innovation, and leadership within both large, complex corporations as well as small, entrepreneurial companies, Cian Robinson is a decades long entrepreneur in the healthcare, information technology and management consulting fields. His specialties include implementation of strategies that take concepts from idea to implementation, to goal achievement, and finally organizational impact. An entrepreneurial leader, he is an expert at building and nurturing teams, partnerships, and coalitions.
Cian is the President of Robinson Ventures, LLC, a management consulting, and venture capital firm. Most recently Cian was the Vice President and Executive Director of Innovation at McLeod Health, as well as the Chief Administrative Officer of McLeod Health Innovation Corporation, having joined the system in October 2020. Prior to McLeod, he was the Executive Director of Innovation, Research and Real Estate Investments for Ochsner Lafayette General.
Prior to Ochsner Lafayette General, he was a director of two computer science-based research centers at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Cian has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Saint Vincent College (Latrobe, PA) and a Master of Science in Public Policy and Administration (finance concentration) from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College (Pittsburgh, PA). Cian has his EdD-ABD in Leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He has been recognized for his entrepreneurial and community work with several awards including: Silicon Bayou 100 (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020); Leadership Louisiana (2017), LEAD Virginia (Class of 2008), Amherst N.Y. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Champion Award (2006), Western New York’s 40 Under 40 Award (2005), Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council’s Pathfinder Award (2004), National Science Foundation’s Entrepreneur Next Wave Award (2003), as well as Leadership Buffalo’s Class of 2000.
He and his wife Dr. Natalie Harder, President, Coker University, reside in Hartsville, SC and have two children, Tucker, and Rory.
Dr. Johanna Dutton — Principal
Dr. Johanna Dutton is a scientist-turned-strategist with a passion for healthcare innovation and a knack for building impactful partnerships. As Principal at Robinson Ventures, she advises startups, health systems, and investors with strategic guidance across the healthcare landscape—spanning digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, and services.
With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and a Master’s in Analytical Chemistry, Johanna spent over a decade in the pharmaceutical industry before shifting into the world of venture and strategy. She brings a strong technical foundation and a practical, collaborative approach to solving complex problems and driving innovation forward.
When she’s not analyzing market trends or refining pitch decks, Johanna is wrangling two kids, two cats, a dog, and an ever-growing list of ideas in Apex, North Carolina.
Kelsey Gibbons — PROJECT MANAGER
Kelsey Gibbons joined Robinson Ventures in in 2021 and holds an MBA in Digital Marketing and Organizational Leadership. As Project Manager, she is responsible for all aspects of client engagement and project success.
Kelsey implements technological solutions, aids in securing funding through grant applications and proposals, identifies growth opportunities, manages complex projects, facilitates stakeholder communication, and conducts due diligence assessments. Drawing from her experience as a former Venture Fellow, Kelsey now mentors each new cohort of Fellows. Her methodical approach and healthcare industry knowledge ensure Robinson Ventures delivers transformative consulting services with measurable results.
She spends her free time coaching women’s field hockey and attending concerts.
Dr. Holly Howat — Consultant
Holly K. Howat, Ph.D. is an accomplished leader in community development, social care innovation, and justice reform. With a Ph.D. in Applied Language and Speech Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she has over two decades of experience driving impactful programs.
Dr. Howat is the Founder and Executive Director of Beacon Community Connections, where she leads initiatives addressing social determinants of health, reentry services, and community care navigation. A published scholar and sought-after speaker, she has secured numerous grants to advance health equity and justice collaboration.
Recognized as a Leadership Louisiana graduate and a "Trailblazer Honoree," Dr. Howat is dedicated to fostering cross-sector partnerships that create meaningful change.
DAN MCAFEE — PODCAST PRODucer
Dan has always been passionate about media; fine tuning video, picture and audio to be the best they can be. Joining us from Delaware in January of 2022, he is a self-taught editor and graphic designer, taking on the role of editing and uploading Robinson Ventures Radio episodes. In his free time, he’s a digital artist and the keeper of his rabbit, Loki.
Tucker robinson — PODCAST PRODUCER
Joining in September of 2021, Tucker took on the task of reinventing both our website and social media. He also helped launch and co-produces Robinson Ventures Radio, a podcast that explores how a person "why" and their ingenuity leads to innovation. He is a graduate of South Louisiana Community College with an Associate's Degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Economics.
SIERRA WILHOIT — Social Media & Website ManageR
A digital storyteller with a passion for creating engaging content that drives meaningful connections. Graduating in 2020 with a BFA in Film and a Minor in Economics from the Rochester Institute of Technology, she is an expert at combining creative vision with analytical skills to transform followers into loyal community members. Onboarding in March of 2025, she is excited to help elevate Robinson Ventures' social media presence through compelling narratives and trend-savvy content strategies.
