Catalyzing Change
We don’t run programs; we fund what’s next!
The Richmond Ed Fund is the venture philanthropy engine for Richmond Public Schools.
We don’t operate schools. We power innovation within them—funding bold, scalable ideas that ignite upward mobility.
About our Team
Dedicated to Equitable Education
Taikein Cooper
President & CEO
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Taikein Cooper, our President & 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.
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!
Our Big Vision.
Thriving public schools are not just educational investments.
They are the foundation of public health, public safety, and economic mobility.
We're reimagining what school can be—not as a siloed institution, but as a civic asset that drives opportunity for an entire city. In Richmond, we are building a national prototype where public schools are aligned with the workforce, connected to the community, and designed for relevance.
We’re not guessing what might work but building on what already is.
Richmond is proving that innovation inside public systems is not only possible—it’s powerful.
When bold leaders are trusted, resourced, and aligned, change accelerates.
Dreams4RPS 2.0
Strategic Alignment
The unveiling of Richmond Public Schools’ ambitious Dreams4RPS strategic plan in 2019 inspired us to pivote our focus. We transitioned from program operations to become masters of major gifts fundraising.
Today, with the exciting approval of Dreams4RPS: Let's Keep Dreaming, we channel our support and resources into three critical areas:
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Equipping every student with the tools they need to excel academically and beyond.
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Championing professional development that elevates teaching and learning.
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Preparing students for life after high school through impactful initiatives.
Journey to Impact
Building Equity and Excellence
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 in our history represents a deeper commitment to systemic change and validated support for Richmond Public Schools:
The Foundations
2001
Founded as Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation (RPSEF
2010
Completed major restructuring with hiring of first executive director
2010 - 2018
Expanded impact through enrichment programs, scholarships, and teacher development
Strategic Transformation
2019
Aligned with RPS Dreams4RPS strategic plan
Shifted focus from direct program operation to major gifts fundraising
2020
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
2024
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
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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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. Jose Morey
Ad Astra Media
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Rupa Murthy
YWCA Richmond
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
Financials
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 24,100 local students and educators.