Director, Community Engagement, Penn State Outreach
With more than 30 years of health care and 10 years of higher education experience, Richard brings a diverse background to the role of Director, Community Engagement. As such, he collaborates with Penn State’s colleges, campuses, and centers to help engage and align our faculty research and student learning efforts with important community needs. Externally, he works with industry leaders, community organizations, and foundations to enhance collaboration and understanding of the emerging needs and opportunities in higher education.
Richard has been instrumental in helping organizations enhance their organizational priorities, with an emphasis on increasing overall satisfaction for customers and staff alike. His collaborative style and expertise in strategic planning and performance improvement have yielded increased results in numerous projects and initiatives throughout his career.
Richard earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Morgan State University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. He served as Assistant Administrator for Providence Milwaukie Hospital in Portland, Oregon, Vice President of Physician Services and Development for Mercy Hospital in Scranton, PA, and as Chief Operating Officer for Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, PA, with responsibility for strategic planning, business development and all day-to-day operations. Prior to joining Penn State, Richard served as a consultant with the Studer Group bringing expertise in helping health care organizations achieve, sustain, and accelerate exceptional clinical, operational, and financial outcomes through leadership development.