Robinson was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Santa Monica, California. He joined the U.S. foreign service in 2003 and has served in Chennai, India, and Beijing. Robinson doubles as Cultural Affairs Officer in AIT's Public Affairs Section.

Prior to becoming a diplomat, Robinson worked at the New York City law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore.

Before that, he was a professional actor, appearing in productions of Shakespeare's "Henry VI" and Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" at the Utah Shakespearean Festival, the world premiere of Barry Manilow's musical Harmony at La Jolla Playhouse and the feature film Chasing Sunsets.

Robinson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego.

Robinson's predecessor, Nicholas Papp, served as the center's director for about three years.