Featured Corporator
Featured Corporator: Robert Segal
“If you want something done, ask a busy man to do it.” That phrase could be applied to Robert Segal, who was voted in as an Emerson corporator one year ago. The Bedford resident and small business owner wasted no time in becoming engaged and involved in Emerson. That’s probably what Paul Purchia, another Bedford corporator, had in mind when he nominated Mr. Segal, who joined him on the hospital’s Annual Appeal Committee.
Mr. Segal has fundraising experience through his work as treasurer for the Bedford Education Foundation, which supports classroom creativity and innovation in the town’s schools. He also helped launch the Bedford Housing Trust, whose goal is to make affordable housing available, and is a member of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce. As a member of the Emerson Annual Appeal Committee, he has observed the community’s support for their hospital.
“Our goal for 2011 was achieved and surpassed,” says Mr. Segal, referring to the final tally of $1,070,000. “Given the economic environment, it was amazing. People in the community really are dedicated to Emerson.”
The committee is well into the current year’s fundraising cycle. “We determine what is the best way to reach out to people for support,” he explains. “We encourage people to give for the first time, regardless of the size of their gift.”
He knows quite a bit about finance, and not just because he graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in economics and received a masters in finance from Boston College. After many years working in the banking sector, Mr. Segal established Atlantic Capital Strategies, Inc., in 2008. “It was an interesting time to start a business,” he says in reference to the economic downturn that occurred that year. The fact is, Mr. Segal identified a niche and a need.
We provide investment advisory services to community banks. Investment work might require up to one-half of a bank president’s time—something that is not feasible in a small bank where employees need to wear a lot of hats. We try to provide returns that meet the bank’s goal so that they have the necessary funds available for lending.”
Atlantic Capital Strategies currently has 15 clients, mostly banks located on the east coast. Mr. Segal’s wife, Jean, works with him. “Her background also is in banking,” he explains. “Together, we get all the work done. It’s satisfying to provide solutions that help our clients run their businesses more effectively, which is critical in today’s climate.”
The couple’s connection to Emerson has mainly to do with the fact that their two children were born there. “Also, I’ve had successful rotator cuff surgery with Dr. Re,” notes Mr. Segal, referring to Paul Re, MD, an Emerson sports medicine specialist, “and we have relatives in the area who are Emerson fans.”
He appreciated the orientation process that got him off and running as a corporator. “They provided a tour, explained what’s expected of us, encouraged people to ask questions and told us how we can contribute,” he says. “I learned quite a bit about Emerson. For example, I didn’t know about all the partnerships with area hospitals.”
When he’s not running his business, helping with Bedford initiatives, interviewing prospective students for Bowdoin or fundraising on behalf of Emerson, the Maine native tries to get away for a weekend of skiing. “I grew up in Winthrop, Maine, which is a small town near Augusta,” he says. “We ski all over New England and also enjoy southern Quebec.” Even a busy man needs time off.