CLAUDE ROBINSON was born in Philadelphia and attended Northwestern Military & Naval Academy in Lake Geneva. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and was co-captain of their NCAA championship basketball team. He earned an MS in counseling Chicago State University. He has also served as a youth basketball coach.

Claude is the Founder & President of Onyx Strategic Partners specializing in government & community affairs, DEI, and organizational design. Claude served as the Executive VP of External Affairs & Diversity at UCAN for 28 years. Claude’s work has yielded awards from Mayor Richard M. Daley, Crain’s Chicago Business, and Chicago Cubs Nike City Connect Champion.

Claude sits on the Board of Directors for the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity, Chicago Community Trust’s African American Legacy Fund, the American Lung Association and the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission. Claude has affiliations with the Community Development Advisory Council, Business Leadership Council, Latino Policy Forum, Advocate Bethany Fund, Trinity United Church of Christ, and Leadership Greater Chicago. Claude is the proud husband of Heather Robinson and father of their three children.