The Partnership for College Completion announces that Lisa Castillo Richmond will conclude her tenure as Executive Director after nearly nine years with the organization. Castillo Richmond, who has been part of the executive team of the PCC since its founding in 2016 and led the organization since 2021, will conclude her tenure in July 2025.
Under Castillo Richmond’s leadership, PCC has grown from a startup nonprofit to a nationally-recognized leading voice for racial and socioeconomic equity in Illinois higher education. Her vision and collaborative leadership have helped position PCC as a trusted partner to colleges and universities, a driving force in state policy, and a champion for students most affected by systemic inequities.
“It has been the honor of my professional life to have had the opportunity to build and lead the Partnership for College Completion,” Castillo Richmond said. “As someone who was the first in my family to attend college, I know the power that higher education holds and I’ve been proud to dedicate my career to ensuring that power is equitably accessible to all students. The work PCC has done in the past few years to support institutional transformation, shape bold equity-centered policy, and elevate student voices is just the beginning of PCC’s work in the state. I look forward to cheering on the organization’s continued impact in the years ahead.”
During her tenure, PCC has published widely cited research on equity disparities in degree completion, advocated for historic state investments in high education appropriations and need-based financial aid, and supported colleges across Illinois in developing and implementing institutional equity plans. Castillo Richmond’s leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to collaboration, innovation, and systems change, elevating data and evidence to address some of the state’s most significant structural barriers in higher education.
The PCC Board of Directors has concluded a national search for the organization’s next Executive Director and will share additional information in the coming weeks.
“Lisa has led PCC with vision, passion, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to justice,” PCC Chair Board Dr. Doug Wood said. “Her legacy is one of impact, and we are deeply grateful for the foundation she has built that will carry this organization far into the future.”
Castillo Richmond will remain in her role through the executive transition to ensure continuity and support the leadership team and Board in this next phase.
About the Partnership for College Completion
The Partnership for College Completion (PCC) champions policies, practices, and systems that increase college completion and eliminate degree completion disparities for low-income, first-generation, and students of color in Illinois – particularly Black and Latinx students.
For more information, visit partnershipfcc.org.