Richard has had proven success founding, growing, sustaining, and transitioning mission-driven organizations. Throughout his career, he has successfully guided organizations from initial vision and startup through periods of growth, long-term sustainability, leadership succession, and executive transition. His experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the leadership challenges organizations face at every stage of their lifecycle, and he is passionate about helping nonprofit and social impact organizations navigate these transitions thoughtfully to become stronger, more sustainable institutions.

He is the Founding President of Hartford Promise, a large-scale scholarship and college success program for Hartford students. Since the program’s inception in 2015, 1,130 Promise Scholars have received $20,000 scholarships, counseling, coaching, and other essential services and supports through the Integrated College Success Model, contributing to an impressive 76% college graduation rate. Promise Scholars attend more than 80 colleges and universities across the country.

Richard established Hartford Promise as a 501(c)(3) organization, recruited and developed a talented and diverse staff, created its communications and marketing strategy, led extensive community outreach, designed the Integrated College Success Model, developed financial models and fundraising strategies, and secured strategic partnerships with corporations, individuals, government agencies, and foundations. Under his leadership, Hartford Promise raised more than $20 million and established long-term funding relationships that continue to sustain the organization. He currently serves on the Hartford Promise Board.

Richard is also the Founding President of The Connecticut Forum, an award-winning nonprofit organization established in 1992 that brings nationally recognized speakers and panelists to Hartford to engage audiences in thoughtful discussions on timely and important issues. He also created the Youth Forum, involving students from 35 Connecticut high schools in meaningful conversations about issues affecting their lives. He continues to serve on The Connecticut Forum Board.

Richard has served on numerous boards, including The Partnership for Education Leadership, The Learning Corridor, Police Athletic League, and Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. He has also advised and consulted with organizations including The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, The Melville Charitable Trust, CT Mirror, Travelers EDGE, Hartford Public Schools, and The Village.

His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including:

• The Tapestry Award from The Hartford Courant for bringing diverse communities together.
• Community Leader of the Year from Leadership Greater Hartford.
• Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hartford Business Journal.
• Champion for Children from The Village for Families and Children.

Richard holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Miami and an M.S. in Social Work from the University of Maryland.

Drawing on decades of experience leading organizations through every phase of their development, from vision and startup to growth, sustainability, maturity, and successful leadership transition; Richard is committed to helping nonprofit organizations build lasting capacity, strengthen leadership, and achieve long-term impact.

LinkedIn: Richard Sugarman