First 5 San Diego would like to welcome our newest Commissioner, Rick Richardson. Rick comes from a family of teachers and he has taught in both the preschool and university classroom. He is a retired military Colonel with a diverse career of combat assignments, as well as overseeing military preschool, afterschool and family support programs as a base commander.
Today, as Child Development Associates (CDA) President and CEO, he is known for CDA’s high quality early education programs with exciting and innovative gARTen learning environments and a passion for community collaboration to create positive change for families and childcare providers.
“After growing up in poverty my mother taught me that education was the key to opportunity and that the early years are a critical foundation. My focus is ensuring our youngest children receive the best start in life and families are supported so they have the resources they need to thrive. First 5 San Diego does just that. I am proud to join an organization that has had such a deep and lasting impact on San Diego County’s children and bring the community together in support of families.” – Rick Richardson