Robert Syto, J.D., M.S., M.B.A.
Assistant Director of Gift Planning
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Cleveland, OH
http://www.ccf.org
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Robert Syto, J.D., M.S., M.B.A., serves as Assistant Director of Gift Planning at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, where he leads estate gift administration and oversees the organization’s charitable gift annuity program.
Beyond his role at Cleveland Clinic, Rob serves as Treasurer of the North Coast Men’s Chorus and is an enthusiastic participant in Cleveland Clinic philanthropy events, including VeloSano: a major fundraising initiative dedicated to accelerating cancer research, with 100% of participant-raised funds directly supporting lifesaving studies at the Clinic.
Rob earned a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles; an M.S. from California State University, Long Beach; and both a J.D. and an M.B.A. from Cleveland State University. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Divinity with a concentration in Chaplaincy at Loyola University Chicago.

Fun Facts About Rob

If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sushi! It's my version of pizza. Sure, people think "raw fish," but sushi is so much more: vibrant veggie rolls, steak, spicy tuna, avocado masterpieces, even dessert-inspired creations. The endless varieties mean I'd never get bored, and it can easily be modified to accommodate any allergies for a meal with friends (no fish, no rice, different types of meat, extra veggies, gluten-free options). It's elegant enough for special dinners yet casual for celebrations—timeless, diverse, adaptable, and always satisfying.

What song or album could you listen to on repeat?

Taylor Swift's "Red" album. It's 13 years old now, but it still hits every note. It takes me straight back to law school: late nights studying contracts while alternating between the upbeat joy of "22" and the heartbreaking depth of "Sad Beautiful Tragic." My kids were toddlers and loved dancing to the happy tracks—it's an album with something for every mood.

Name one cool feature you would add to your dream house.

A hidden library room behind a bookshelf door like the secret armory in the John Wick movies, but way more peaceful (think books instead of weapons). It would be my ultimate retreat for reading, reflecting, and thinking. It's like a "man-cave," but not in the basement or garage.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Anywhere, I mean ANYWHERE, with my beautiful wife (without the kids), whether it's a serene island in the Pacific (think turquoise water, no agenda, total recharge) or a "real adventure" like rush-hour bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 405 in Los Angeles. As long as we're together, it's a vacation.