Susan Richards was recently named executive director for Communities In Schools of Washington State. Richards will leave her post at Communities In Schools of Renton, where she has served as executive director for 14 years.
Richards has mixed feelings about the job-change.
“It’s really exciting,” she says. “I’m really ready for a new challenge; I’ve been here for 14 years, but it’s also really hard. This is a great community. I’ve learned so much from the folks I work with.”
As the first hired staff person for Communities in Schools of Renton, Richards helped the organization get off the ground. Founded in 1991, the nonprofit supports Renton families with a family liaison and mentor programs.
As executive director for The Communities In Schools of Washington State, Richards will support the 12 Communities in Schools organizations in Washington.
“I’ll still support Communities In Schools of Renton, so that will be a little easier,” Richards says of the transition.
She leaves the Renton office June 26 and starts in her downtown Seattle office July 7.
Arthur Jackson spoke highly of Richards in a press release. Jackson is board chair for Communities In Schools of Washington State.
“Susan is a natural collaborator, and leads by example,” Jackson wrote. “We’re looking forward to her leadership as we increase our level of support for young people and our schools throughout Washington.”
Communities
in Schools
Communities In Schools of Washington State helps more than 25,000 students in 166 schools. For more information, visit www.ciswa.org. For more information about Communities In Schools of Renton, visit www.renton.ciswa.org.
