Our Team

Robert S. Austin

Robert S. Austin is a co-founder and current Program Director at The A&R Foundation. He entered the South-Bay, CA music scene as a community-focused heavy metal vocalist in 2006. Soon after their debut, he and his bandmates realized that there was much more complexity to social activism and achieving success in the music industry beyond writing and performing their favorite songs, encouraging their listeners to “Question everything”.

In 2008, Robert served as the Associated Student Government’s Director of Programs at West Valley College. There, he spent the following 3 years producing annual music festivals and quarterly fundraising concerts with the intent to foster a community that supported local music among the student body and in the South-Bay Area, CA. While in this role, he influenced school board members to fund more concerts and remodel the 40 year old campus center building to be used as a versatile performance space.

Around this same timeframe, he partnered with Austin Breckenridge on ventures like Pitch Black Records, which would eventually become Nemesis Media – a San Jose based independent record label. Together, they produced independent music festivals, and managed album releases and tours in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as Central TX.

In 2012 and 2013, Robert served as a camp counselor for Silicon Valley FACES – a nonprofit organization who’s programs focused on youth development, building inclusive communities, and victim services for intermediate and high school students.

In 2015, he partnered with South-Bay artist manager Barb Rocks to launch and lead the San Jose chapter of Balanced Breakfast – an organization that connected Bay Area music industry professionals through meet-ups, concerts, festivals, and summits. Balanced Breakfast also provided a platform for he and his fellow artists and industry professionals to speak on panels where they shared their experience, knowledge, and skills that were crucial to helping others find success in the music industry.

Robert currently serves as a Global Program Director for Securitas – A security services, monitoring, consulting and investigation group. There, he is responsible for client advisory and international program oversight. His favorite part about this role is finding new ways to empower his teams to thrive as analytical yet benevolent leaders in the security industry.

Due to his multifaceted experience from the stage, the road, and in the boardroom, Robert takes a dynamic approach to his role as Program Director at The A&R Foundation. With this organization, he hopes to help shift the paradigm in the music industry, and put musicians first – By empowering them to not only believe in themselves as capable entrepreneurs, but to realize their dreams as very possible and very manageable goals.

Arielle Krimotat

Arielle Krimotat is the Secretary of The A&R Foundation and has been working as a student success advisor/coach for over 8 years. Arielle has an M.S. in Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage, Family, and Child therapy. Before advising, she worked with people struggling with addictions, the elderly population, and provided therapy for teenagers and their families.

Arielle also has an extensive background in live music and label management, in 2008 she assumed the role of vice president for San Jose based Nemesis Media. While holding her VP role Arielle worked with artists to develop their brand and execute on their strategic goals. Arielle also assisted in managing the label’s production arm and was responsible for monthly live events in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. Arielle remained a key component of the label’s executive team until the company’s formal exit in 2015. In her free time, Arielle enjoys going to live concerts, spending time with friends/family, traveling, and eating good food!

James Gonzalez

JAMES GONZALEZ is a founding board member at The A&R Foundation. He is a native Texan, lifelong music lover, and co-founder of The Texas Metal Collective (TXMC). He has used his passion for music to organize and promote independent metal, hardcore, and punk bands since 2010. Along with event organization experience and knowledge of independent music, he brings his professional experience as Operations Manager at one of the largest craft breweries in Texas to the board. His resourcefulness, networking abilities, and creative problem solving provide unique value to the organization.

Most recently, Mr. Gonzalez curated an all-day unofficial SXSW music and art showcase at Independence Brewing, consisting of 12 bands, live art, and several local vendors, for a unique and Austin-focused experience. This diverse lineup and unique setting were a huge success, creating a memorable experience and lots of multi-medium networking among artists and musicians.
Other notable events curated by Mr. Gonzalez include Hoek’s Metal Fest, a recurring, multi-day event, showcasing independent bands from around the United States as well as several international acts. 2013’s event brought 72 bands over 7 days to multiple Austin area venues, setting the tone for his event production style and strengthening his ties to the local music community.
James is passionate about supporting independent art of many mediums and has strived to create events that create networking opportunities, cross-promotion, and an overall sense of community. He has been involved in the stories of so many musicians in the Austin area and beyond, giving him a unique perspective into the needs of an independent artist. His understanding of musician’s paths, struggles and successes is what ultimately led him to The A&R Foundation. James is excited to help introduce resources that will enable and educate musicians of all kinds, giving them an opportunity to improve their chances at success and longevity, and most importantly, sustainability.

Hursh Patel

Hursh Patel is a founding board member of The A&R Foundation, he has been working as a Human Resources Professional for over 10 years. Hursh started as a coordinator specializing in policy and administration. Currently, Hursh is an analyst with Korman Communities working on building the organization’s handbook, HRIS, policies and procedures. He has a passion for guiding and leveraging his skills to assist with organizational management.