Resources.
Relationships.
Runway.
We collaborate deeply with Richmond Public Schools' leadership team, bring local and national partners to the table, and support the people who make schools run: educators, community leaders, families, and students.
Our Mission
The Richmond Ed Fund supports Richmond Public Schools by investing in innovative, scalable solutions that address systemic inequities, close the achievement gap, and promote economic mobility for all students. Through strategic collaboration with public, private, and community partners, we aim to build a national model for transforming public education.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every student in Richmond Public Schools has access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed, creating a pathway for economic mobility and establishing Richmond as a national leader in educational transformation.
Meet Our Team
Taikein Cooper
Chief Executive Officer
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Taikein Cooper, our CEO, is a dreamer, dedicated to creating a world where every student has the resources and opportunities to achieve their full potential. In 2017, he co-founded Virginia Excels, a nonprofit committed to removing barriers to academic success and promoting educational equity across Virginia. His visionary leadership was instrumental in driving Virginia Excels’ growth, enabling innovative solutions that address educational challenges and foster positive student outcomes.
Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Taikein has revitalized and scaled organizations throughout his career, blending bold ideas with practical action. He couples a talent for program expansion and rapid revenue growth with a commitment to building high-performance, collaborative cultures. Known for his strategic acumen and dedication to relationship-building, Taikein has facilitated impactful policy dialogues, strengthened community partnerships, and laid the groundwork for sustainable social impact.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Taikein enjoys golfing, bass fishing, and supporting his favorite sports teams. He’s an avid explorer of Richmond’s vibrant restaurant scene and finds joy in connecting with his community. Taikein holds an Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Southside Virginia Community College and a Bachelor’s in Public Policy Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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What's my favorite book?
A Hope In The Unseen
What's my favorite meal in Richmond?
Branzino at Stella's
What's the best piece of advice I've ever received?
The race isn't geared to the swift nor the strong, but to the one who endures to the end.
How do I like to spend my weekends?
Talking trash while fishing or playing golf.
What's a fun fact most people don't know about me?
I started attending a Pre-Engineering Academy (today we would call it an Early College Academy) in 10th grade at Southside Virginia Community College.
Molly Garthwaite
Community Impact Manager
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Molly, our Community Impact Manager, is a former RPS teacher. She began her teaching career in Chennai, India as a Fulbright Fellow and later taught in South Jersey before being drawn to Richmond for its public schools and the students and educators within them.
Molly’s work centers on building relationships across school communities and helping tell honest, grounded stories about what school life really looks like. She spends time listening to teachers, students, families, and community partners, and works to ensure their experiences shape how schools are understood and supported.
Before joining the Ed Fund, Molly taught middle and high school English, served as a head high school girls’ basketball coach, and mentored aspiring RPS educators. These experiences continue to shape her belief in the importance of relationships, student voice, and sustaining the people who make school communities work.
Molly holds a master’s degree in Secondary Education and a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Practical Ethics from the University of Mary Washington.
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What’s your favorite book? Beloved
What’s your favorite meal in Richmond? Peri-Peri Chicken - Little Nickel
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Context explains more than character
How do you like to spend your weekends? Finish my coffee before needing to put it in the microwave, a good run, a slow-cooker meal, and quality time on the couch with my family and friends (preferably during football or basketball season)
What's a fun fact most people don't know about me? I’ve hiked the Himalayas.
Todd Sutler
Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Initiatives
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Todd, our Vice President, co-founded Compass Charter School, a constructivist Pre-K to 5 public school in Brooklyn, NY. Since leaving Compass, he has served as an Advisor for the consulting arm of Riverdale Country School and has continued to work in executive coaching, supporting C-suite leaders in entertainment, technology, and education.
Todd started his career trading bonds at Merrill Lynch, where he rose to Vice President for Government Bond Trading in New York, Toronto, and Tokyo. He left banking to pursue work in youth development, following a passion that he developed while teaching and mentoring students during and after college. After volunteering and fundraising for programs in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and New York, he joined The Boys Club of New York as Director of a social and academic enrichment program for teenage boys. Todd later became a co-founding teacher for third and fifth grades at Community Roots Charter School in Brooklyn.Todd has a Bachelor’s Degree from Amherst College and a Masters in Elementary Education from Bank Street’s College of Education. Todd and his wife are proud parents of two future RPS students, Ellison and Nico. He is a proud founder of a progressive charter school and remains dedicated to making charters unnecessary by advancing RPS’s commitment to excellence and equity for all.
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What’s your favorite book?
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
What’s your favorite meal in Richmond?
Cambodian Fried Rice with Char Sui - Royal Pig
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Sometimes people just want to share and be listened to and do not need input.
How do you like to spend your weekends?
I enjoy going to live music shows with my family and sharing great meals and cocktails. I wouldn't mind fitting in a round of golf either.
What's a fun fact most people don't know about me?
I enjoy making egg nog. Invite me to your winter party!
Board of Trustees
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David Mills
Chair, David Mills LLC
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Dr. Thad Williamson
Vice Chair, University of Richmond
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Wendy Lewis
Treasurer, KPMG
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Dr. Genevieve Siegel-Hawley
Secretary, Virginia Commonwealth University
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Kathy Burcher
Adventus Strategies
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Matt Conrad
Virginia Commonwealth University
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Jae K. Davenport
Davenport Strategies
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Arshia Saiyed Freeman
Arshia Saiyed Freeman LLC
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Rev. Dr. Emanuel Harris
Jerusalem Baptist Church
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Dr. Megan Healy
George Mason University
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Carlos Hopkins
Gentry Locke
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Dr. Gregory Hutchings
Revolutionary ED LLC
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Martin Klein
Athene
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Delegate Delores McQuinn
Virginia House of Delegates
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Dr. Jose Morey
Ad Astra Media
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Rupa Murthy
YWCA Richmond
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Ariel Nathan
Constellation
Ex-Officio Members
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Jason Kamras
RPS Superintendent
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Shavonda Fernandez
RPS School Board Chair
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Matthew Percival
RPS School Board Vice-Chair
Journey to Impact
Creating Greater Access and Opportunity
Through strategic shifts and strong community partnerships, we've evolved from providing basic funding support to driving transformative initiatives that shape the future of education in Richmond. Each milestone represents a deeper commitment to systemic change and validated support for Richmond Public Schools.
Foundations: 2001–2018
Founded as Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation (RPSEF)
Completed major restructuring with hiring of first executive director
Expanded impact through enrichment programs, scholarships, and teacher development
Strategic Transformation: 2019–2020
Aligned with RPS Dreams4RPS strategic plan
Shifted focus from direct program operation to major gifts fundraising
Successfully transitioned RVA Future College and Career advising program to RPS
Raised $775,000 for Chromebooks and internet hotspots during COVID-19 pandemic
Provided emergency food assistance to students and families during school closures
Supported virtual learning transition
Recent Evolution & Impact Lab
Rebranded as Richmond Education Foundation (REF)
Launched RPS Thrives initiatives focusing on three core areas:
Thriving Talent: Leadership development through Principal Residency Program
Thriving Academics: High school redesign through Passion4Learning
Thriving Together: Strategic partnerships and community engagement
Aligned fundraising with Dreams4RPS: Let’s Keep Dreamin’ strategic goals
Financials
Trust Through Transparency
Every dollar invested in Richmond education should create measurable impact. That's why we maintain complete visibility into how your support transforms student outcomes. Explore our financial statements to see exactly how we're turning bold ideas into real change for 21,500+ local students and educators.