Robin Reed, the influential leader of the Black Chamber of Arizona, tragically passed away at the age of 62 on February 28, just days after celebrating his birthday. Known not merely for his role in the chamber but also as an entrepreneur and active community member, Reed's death leaves a void across the Valley's business and social spheres.
Celebrated for breaking barriers since his youth when he lent his voice to an iconic character, Reed sadly leaves behind his wife and children. As a groundbreaker, Reed was the original voice actor for Franklin Armstrong in the "Peanuts" series—an accomplishment he took pride in. According to a statement, the Black Chamber of Arizona sorrowfully announced, "His leadership, mentorship, ability to unite us all and his friendship will be sorely missed."
A product of "the school of hard knocks," Reed shunned traditional education paths for hands-on experience in the financial sector, climbing the ranks to become a licensed stockbroker by the age of 19. His impressive career spanned over four decades, paving the way for his leadership status in the Valley. Prior to his passing, Reed's multifaceted roles included president of Occam Sustainability Partners, co-founding partner of EmFluent, and proactive speaker.
Reed's impact on the business community was significant, uniting business leaders and government officials. Having worked with figures such as Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group, Reed supported initiatives like Impact AZ 2025. According to Phoenix Business Journal, Trayham reflected, "His commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership profoundly shaped our corporate culture and contributed significantly to our success."
Local leaders and peers expressed their deep sorrow at Reed's passing. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted Reed's remarkable abilities, noting, "Robin was an energetic force that made Phoenix better." Monica Villalobos, president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, added to the sentiments: "He left everyone he met better than he found them. Arizona will miss his sage wisdom shared through that infectious smile."
Robin Reed's legacy extends beyond his most public roles, as he also held multiple board and advisory positions with notable organizations such as Silent Witness and Blue Business Council. He leaves a legacy that will not only be remembered through his wide-ranging professional achievements but also through his personal impact on those who had the fortune to cross paths with him.
