Cristo Rey Richmond Board of Directors announces that Charleita M. Richardson has been appointed as president and CEO of Cristo Rey Richmond High School, effective November 4, 2024.
Richardson was selected after an extensive national search. Board president Pete Quinn says, ”Charleita Richardson has a strong background in strategic leadership, operational management, fundraising, and people development, but equally impressive is her passion as a champion for youth.”
The president and CEO’s role will be external facing and focus on community engagement, strategic planning, organizational development, fundraising, and financial sustainability. “Finding my passion led me to youth development and drew me to the Cristo Rey Richmond High School mission. I am excited to share Cristo Rey Richmond’s vision with the community and guide and support students to reach their dreams,” said Ms. Richardson.
Richardson has been the CEO at Durham Children’s Initiative in Durham, North Carolina, where she has provided a strategic vision for growing the organization while better supporting families and students. However, she is no stranger to Richmond as she grew up in the area and attended some of the most challenging Richmond Public Schools, earned a bachelor of arts in accounting from Randolph-Macon College, a master of business administration from Strayer University, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Virginia Commonwealth University. Additionally, Richardson worked for thirteen years as pesident and CEO at Partnership for the Future, a community-driven college preparation and workforce development program in Richmond dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for young people by providing training and educational opportunities that will fuel their future success.
“Charleita is the perfect person to lead Cristo Rey Richmond into the future as president and CEO with not only her extensive business experience, but also her faith, drive and determination,” shared board member, Chris Habenicht, who chaired the search committee.
About Cristo Rey Richmond: Cristo Rey Richmond High School, a leading private high school in Richmond, Virginia, is a faith based learning community that educates young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose, and service. Through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with a relevant work study experience, students graduate ready to succeed in college and in life, with a commitment to academic excellence, career readiness, character development, and community engagement. Cristo Rey Richmond cultivates an environment where students thrive and achieve their fullest potential. We are “Transforming Richmond One Student at a Time.” Cristo Rey Richmond is sponsored by Bon Secours Mercy Ministries and a member of the Cristo Rey Network.
