Dear Richmond Promise Community,

I hope this finds you well. 

I wanted to reach out to you directly to share the news that after 5 and a half years of helping to build the Richmond Promise, I’ve decided to transition from my role as Executive Director. Personally, professionally, and for the organization, the time is right and I am working alongside our board and team to actively transition leadership to guide the organization in this next chapter focused on sustainability and with shared proximity to our student and Richmond community. We are in an incredibly strong place with our existing team, program, and organizational strategy, and I have full confidence RP will continue to grow and thrive in this next chapter of new leadership. 

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to contribute to the founding of the Richmond Promise and its growth toward our mission of being so much more than a scholarship, but a community rooted movement to build a college-going and graduating culture here in Richmond that invests in the next generation of leaders for our City. I love the work, but it has really been the people - working alongside such an amazing and dedicated team, and community of partners, funders and growing community of Scholars (1900+ and counting!) and I want to thank YOU for the confidence you placed in me and what we are building here at RP.  

My last day with Richmond Promise will be October 1. Applications for the role are currently being accepted up to Friday, September 10.  As a resident of Richmond, I look forward to continuing to be a champion for the work because I really believe we're building something special together and I can’t wait to see what is to come for the Promise. 

We will look forward to introducing you to our new leader soon and continuing our work together for Richmond Scholars.

Thank you for everything!

Sincerely,



Jessie Stewart 
Executive Director