The first CSSSA director, starting with the program for its first summer session in 1987, Robert Mark Jaffe died in 2010 after a long battle with primary amyloidosis.

Jaffe hailed from New York City and studied theater production at Kenyon College in Ohio, where he received a degree in English and drama. He later earned a master's degree in theater administration from the Yale School of Drama. Upon graduation, he worked as managing director of the Viola Farber Dance Co., and later joined the Spreckel's Theater in San Diego, before moving to Sacramento in 1979 to become managing director of the Sacramento Civic Theatre. He joined the California Arts Council as program director and was with them from 1981-1986, which led to his involvement with CSSSA. In addition to his work as an educator for young artists, Jaffe was a past co-president of Congregation Bet Haverim of Davis, and worked to support the Cosmos Program at Sacramento State University, and the Surdna Foundation of New York. 

Life Legacy (Memorial)

Robert M. Jaffe: Head of California Youth Art Retreat (Los Angeles Times)