About Toby
Communications and social impact leader, author, podcast host and AI educator. I help people and organizations put AI to work for what they care about.
My story
For 30+ years, I’ve helped organizations communicate what they stand for and give back in ways that actually matter.
I led public relations at The New York Times Company, ran international corporate communications at Christie’s, and then built the art world’s first corporate social responsibility program there as Chief CSR Officer. Before that I worked at American Express and Razorfish, and from 2021 to 2024 served as Head of Communications for the British Consulate General in New York.
Along the way I founded Philanthropic Impact (π) to help philanthropists and companies make their giving more focused and effective, wrote two books, and started The Caring Economy podcast to talk with leaders who put purpose at the center of their work.
Today I bring all of that to AI. As an early instructor in generative AI for communications, I teach and advise people who want to use these tools thoughtfully, with the same care for people that has guided my whole career.
Career highlights
2021 to present
Co-Founder and Co-Head
ArtsCom
The association of chief communications and marketing officers at 77 of New York’s leading cultural institutions and foundations, including the Met, MoMA, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
2021 to 2024
Head of Communications
British Consulate General New York, UK Government
Led communications promoting the UK’s economic, trade and cultural agenda, with coverage for visiting ministers, royals and signature events.
2016 to 2020
Founder
Philanthropic Impact (π)
A global advisory firm helping philanthropists and companies plan high-impact giving in climate, education, social justice and health.
2006 to 2016
Chief CSR Officer, and SVP, International Head of Corporate Communications
Christie’s
Created Art + Soul, the industry’s first CSR function, and led a global communications team of [CONFIRM: 26 or 30]. Recognized by the Mayors of London and Hong Kong and the White House.
2001 to 2006
Executive Director of Public Relations
The New York Times Company
Advised senior leadership on media and executive communications, including through 9/11 and a landmark Supreme Court case.
Earlier
Communications leadership
Razorfish, American Express, Columbia University’s Reid Hall in Paris
Director of Global Communications at Razorfish and Director of International Public Affairs at American Express.
What guides me
Curiosity, adventure and impact. With those three, any of us can live a life that makes a difference.
I believe a lasting legacy comes from lifting others up along the way. That’s why I care less about technology for its own sake, and more about what it can do for people, communities and the causes they believe in.
Beyond the résumé
Education
Columbia UniversityM.Phil., International and Comparative Education. Fulbright Scholar in Belgium.
University of PennsylvaniaM.S., University Administration
Hampden-Sydney CollegeB.A., History and French
Coro FoundationLeadership New York
Giving back
Charity auctioneerOver $5 million raised for more than 25 nonprofits
Empire State Pride AgendaBoard member for nearly two decades
New York Foundation for the ArtsDirector for [CONFIRM: four or five] years
Humane Society of the United StatesCo-founder of the Communications Council
Off the clock
Private pilotFlying since the 1990s, AOPA member
LanguagesConversational French and Spanish
HomeManhattan and the Hudson Valley
MemberCentury Association, Union League Club of New York
