Born in Lexinghton, KY, a 1969 graduate of the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, he has a B.A. in American Studies/History. In 1973, he completed the M. Div. at General Theological Seminary in New York; after ordination he served as Curate at Christ Church, Ridgewood, New Jersey. Upon moving to New Hampshire in 1975, Gene co-owned and directed an accredited girls' summer camp and horse farm.

As founding director of Sign of the Dove Retreat Center in Temple, New Hampshire, he facilitated spiritual direction and designed programs for a variety of groups. He also managed the diocesan Living into Our Baptism program of spiritual growth and development.

From 1978-1985, Gene was Youth Ministries Coordinator for Province I, serving for two years on the National Youth Ministries Development Team and helping originate the national Episcopal Youth Event. He came out as a gay man in 1986

Canon to the Ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire since 1988, coordinates diocesan staff and ministry of the Office of the Bishop. Since 1983 he has served as Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Province of New England, and since 2001 on the Board of Trustees, General Theological Seminary.

Gene developed and led the "Being Well in Christ" conference approach to clergy wellness in some 20 dioceses. He initiated "Fresh Start", the two-year mentoring program for all clergy in new positions and co-authored the curriculum used in 44 dioceses.

Much of his ministry has focused on helping congregations and clergy in conflict and in studying congregational dynamics, conflict, and mediation. Co-author of three AIDS education curricula for youth and adults, Gene has done AIDS work in Africa. Within the diocese and province, he has facilitated anti-racism training.

Canon Robinson was elected the Episcopalian bishop of New Hampshire on June 7, 2003, becoming the first openly gay bishop elected anywhere in the worldwide Anglican communion of churches. He has wroked for 16 years as assistant to the previous bishop.

Diocesan bishops voted 62-45 in favor of his confirmation following an eleventh-hour accusation of sexual misconduct that delayed the vote. An investigation quickly exonerated Robinson. Conservative Anglican church leaders denounced the decision, saying it could split the denomination.

A leader in the diocese's partnership with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund for affordable housing, he is on the board of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health, a foundation working for access to health care for the uninsured.

Gene enjoys entertaining and cooking, gardening, music, and running. The father of two grown daughters, Jamee and Ella, he lives with his partner Mark Andrew, employed by the Department of Health and Human Services.