Get to Know Us: Q&A with Robert Furlong
By Yordanos Tesfazion
We have a small but mighty team here at Seattle Parks Foundation, with dedicated and knowledgeable staff ready to help our fiscal partners achieve their goals.
Our Systems and Operations Manager Robert Furlong (he/him) works to align Seattle Parks Foundation’s systems to serve staff and partner needs, always following the mantra, “How can I make your job easier?” Specifically, he is our database manager, information technology specialist, and fiscal sponsorship operations lead. Robert has more than 10 years of nonprofit operations experience with organizations big and small and in positions that run the gamut of operational needs.
Read on for more with Robert!
You joined the team at Seattle Parks Foundation over 10 years ago. How has the organization changed during your time here, and how has your particular role evolved over time?
Seattle Parks Foundation has grown a lot since I started. We are helping more community groups with more staff than ever before. Subsequently, I have had to support and start many different types of IT systems that we didn’t have when we started. I love that this is a reality because it means we are making a difference in the city.
You’re currently managing a very detail-oriented and very data-heavy project: transitioning our organizational databases into Salesforce! What advice do you have for our partners when it comes to keeping their project files and information organized and accessible to everyone on the team?
When creating any sort of organizational system, I think two important things to focus on in the beginning: the “why” and the “who.” Why are you creating this system and who will maintain it? The “why” really gives you the basic needs for that system and the “who” will give you a good idea of how complicated or big your system can be. One of the most frustrating things is creating a super well thought-out system that works really well in theory, but can’t be maintained because your team doesn’t have the time.
With so much of our daily lives happening online, there’s plenty of room for error. What are your top recommendations for keeping personal information safe and secure on the Internet?
Maintaining privacy and safeguarding your information online is something almost everyone worries about these days. I recommend passwords that are 16 characters or longer, using multi-factor authentication whenever it is an option, and if you work with sensitive data a lot, using a VPN.
In your time with SPF, you’ve seen so many of our partners’ projects go from ideation to full-fledged parks and public spaces. Do you have any favorite projects from over the years?
A very hard question! A couple projects that I have seen come full circle that have inspired me are Pathways Park and Detective Cookie Chess Park. Be’er Sheva Park and the AIDS Memorial Pathway also come to mind as highlights of my time here.
You have an impressive collection of our coveted Love Parks t-shirts. What’s your favorite color combo – and why do YOU Love Parks?
How did I get all these shirts?! No one knows! My favorite combo, which is admittedly a little worn out now from all the wear, is white with a hot-ish pink Love Parks logo button. Very beach vibes.
You were born and raised in Seattle, and you’re also a big sports fan. Who, in your opinion, is the greatest Seattle athlete, and why?
There is no way I can pick just one. I have at least two and both are from the golden era of Seattle sports, at least in my lifetime: Ken Griffey Jr. and Gary Payton. Griffey was just a joy to watch and his swing was a dream. As primarily a basketball player growing up, I loved Gary Payton and the way he played the game and lead us to the finals that one fateful year. I had a glove that I wore every time I watched the Sonics (RIP/come back soon).