A 1984 graduate of Cambridge Central School, Robert (Robb) Kinnin set out to sew his oats in the computer industry. In July he will be celebrating 40 years in the industry. Starting out in service at a computer retail store in Glens Falls, he eventually made his way to the New York City and Long Island areas. Robb started, ran and sold two Internet “startups” in the early 90s. His work experience has included retail, healthcare, legal, accounting and, since 2016, the federal government. Always wanting to give back to his country, in 2016, Robb applied to be an IT Specialist for FEMA and was quickly hired as a reservist from a Christmas time advertisement. Since then, he progressed through various ranks working in disaster field operations including being a Disaster IT Service Branch Director, in charge of standing up and leading IT departments at Federally Declared Disasters. Just recently, Robb accepted a job offer to be the next IT Branch Chief for FEMA’s Region 2 which includes NY state.
His work ethic runs deep. Growing up in Cambridge, Robb not only delivered Wise Shopper newspapers Tuesday afternoons after school for $1.90 a week but also worked in his father’s pharmacy, aptly named Kinnin’s Pharmacy. What has had a lasting effect came from long and hard hours working on Center Cambridge’s own Thomas Farm where he fed the calves and cows, stacked hay and straw, cleaned the calf pens, shoveled manure and even picked rocks during planting season. When people ask Robb about doing something at work today, he accepts and dives in; knowing that he was asked for a reason. It’s very hard for Robb to “call it quits” for the day or night while on deployments to disaster communities. He tells others, “I’ll stop when the cows are fed and bedded down for the night.” He then relates the thought to the disaster, offering comparison’s that when his own work is done, others can rest more easily.
Celebrating 32 years of marriage this year to his wife Carol whom he met while on a commuting train. They have two grown sons who both have their own successful businesses. Proudly, he shares with people that both sons have their dad’s work ethic. Last year their eldest got married to his love whom he met in college and who is completing her second year as a medical resident. Robb looks forward to their new phases of life.
The Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 27 at 7 p.m. in the High School Gymnasium! There are no tickets for individuals to attend the ceremony. It is open to all individuals and seats are available on a first come, first served basis.
The Graduation Ceremony will be livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel for those unavailable to attend in person.