The 91社区 announced today the appointment of Charleita Richardson as executive director of the 91社区 College Access Network (FCAN). An independent, statewide network, FCAN represents a cross-section of more than 700 organizations and institutions devoted to improving college access and success for minorities and other students underrepresented in higher education. Richardson will provide strategic leadership for FCAN, which is hosted by USF, with proven expertise to increase access to education and ensure a pathway to economic mobility for all Floridians.
Richardson comes to USF from Richmond, Va., where she served as the president and CEO of Partnership for the Future, an organization dedicated to providing high-achieving students with the fuel they need to pursue their aspirations. As a champion for students in her community, she was recently recognized as a Richmond Times Dispatch Person of the Year Honoree and Richmond History Maker.
鈥淭he 91社区 is most pleased to find such a passionate advocate to continue the important work of FCAN,鈥� Paul Dosal, USF vice president of student success, said. 鈥淢s. Richardson will oversee the execution of the organization鈥檚 2020-25 strategic plan and build upon the accomplishments of this phenomenal organization.鈥�
Richardson holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting from Randolph-Macon College and a master鈥檚 in business administration from Strayer University, as well as a certificate in nonprofit management from Virginia Commonwealth University.
鈥淚 am thrilled to join the team at FCAN and work to meet the goals and objectives set forth in the strategic plan. To date, FCAN has accomplished a lot under the current leadership and with the hard work of a mighty team,鈥� Richardson said. 鈥淚 look forward to the next stage of this organization and know that with the existing solid foundation, we will continue to do great things.鈥�
Richardson replaces retiring Laurie Meggesin, who launched FCAN鈥檚 first strategic plan in 2013 and led the expansion of the state鈥檚 college access movement to support 17 community coalitions that collectively represent 82 percent of the state鈥檚 population.
Richardson will begin her new role on Aug. 31.