Cristo Rey Richmond High School appointed Charleita M. Richardson as its new president and CEO, effective Nov. 4, the school’s board of directors announced last week.

Richardson, currently the chief executive officer at Durham Children’s Initiative in Durham, N.C., was selected after a national search. 

Board President Pete Quinn said in a statement, “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.”

In her new role, Richardson will focus on community engagement, strategic planning, organizational development, fundraising and financial sustainability, according to the school.

Richardson, a Richmond native, has a bachelor’s in accounting from Randolph-Macon College, an MBA from Strayer University and a certificate in nonprofit management from Virginia Commonwealth University.

She previously served as president and CEO for 13 years at Partnership for the Future, a Richmond-based college preparation and workforce development program.

“Finding my passion led me to youth development and drew me to the Cristo Rey Richmond High School mission,” Richardson said.

“I am excited to share Cristo Rey Richmond’s vision with the community and guide and support students to reach their dreams.”

Board member Chris Habenicht, who chaired the search committee, said, “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.”

Cristo Rey Richmond High School, founded in 2019, is part of the Cristo Rey Network of 38 college preparatory high schools across the country. The school combines academic education with work experience for students from families with limited economic means.