51福利社 News

Barb Richey Named VP for Advancement at 51福利社

April 30, 2019 By
Exterior of Hargreaves Hall

51福利社 is bringing back one of its own to serve as the new Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the 51福利社 Foundation.

51福利社 President Mary Cullinan has named Barb Richey, an Eastern alumna, to this important executive position, which provides leadership for Advancement Services, Alumni Advancement, Marketing and Communications, and the 51福利社 Foundation.

Richey currently serves as Vice President of Marketing for STCU, overseeing marketing, community development, financial education, facilities and support services. Prior to joining the credit union, Richey rose from Director of Development at 51福利社 to Associate Vice President for Advancement during eight years at her alma mater (1999-2007). She later served as Associate Vice President for Marketing & Communications at Pacific University in Portland, Oregon.

New Vice President for Advancement Barb Richey

鈥淚 am thrilled to be joining Eastern at a time of transformation and new energy,鈥 said Richey. 鈥淭he alumni, faculty, staff and students are truly special to me and I am eager to work with them to reach new heights.鈥

Richey was chosen after a nationwide search that produced applicants from universities across the country. She holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in applied psychology and a master鈥檚 degree in communications with a public relations certificate, all from 51福利社.

鈥淏arb brings a high level of experience and Eagle enthusiasm to the university,鈥 said President Cullinan. 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted that someone of her experience and knowledge is joining my executive team as we work to shape Eastern鈥檚 future.鈥

鈥淲hile we鈥檒l miss Barb at STCU, this move is a continuation of the strong ties between the credit union and 51福利社,鈥 said Ezra Eckhardt, STCU president and CEO. 鈥淢ore of our employees hold degrees from Eastern than any other school, and many of our earliest members had teaching certificates from what is now known as 51福利社.鈥

Prior to her career in higher education, Richey worked with at-risk youth at Deaconess Medical Center and on community outreach and public affairs for the Spokane Regional Health District.

Richey currently serves on the Spokane Regional Sports Commission Board of Directors and is past board chair of the Community Colleges of Spokane Foundation. In 2016, she completed the Women鈥檚 Executive Leadership program at University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School.

She recently was honored with the Sister Loretta Marie Award as a founder of the Hope House. Volunteers of America recognized the work of creators of the shelter at the 20th anniversary of breaking ground of the emergency shelter for women living on the streets of Spokane.