Robert "Skip" Backus

Robert "Skip" Backus is the chief executive officer of Omega Institute, the United States’ premier holistic learning center, offering innovative educational experiences that provide an integrated approach to personal and social change. For more than 16 years as CEO, he has provided pivotal leadership to diversify and expand Omega’s offerings―nearly doubling educational programming and staff. He has played a significant role in creating programs to support veterans, nonprofits, women leaders, and to bring yoga and mindfulness to underrepresented populations. But perhaps his most visionary leadership is on behalf of the environment. He is the founder of the award-winning Omega Center for Sustainable Living and has recently launched the Omega Climate Initiative to advance existing and emerging solutions both at Omega and through partnerships around the world.