Rachel Decker Richelieu has been named vice chancellor of communications and marketing, starting on May 15.
Richelieu has spent the past five years as director of strategic communications at MITRE, a nonprofit technology and research-and-development company that partners with government, industry and academia to address global challenges, located in the Washington, D.C., area.
Before that, she was vice president of public relations and corporate communications for Strayer Education (now Strategic Education), owner of for-profit, online Capella University and Strayer University. Richelieu also has held leadership roles at Hewlett-Packard, BAE Systems and Pratt and Whitney.
“Her experience, drive and vision make Rachel the right leader at the right time,” said Kevin Washo, senior vice chancellor for university relations. “I’m positive that alongside our current team, Rachel will take communications and marketing at the University of Pittsburgh to new heights.”
At the April 20 Senate Council meeting, Chancellor Patrick Gallagher also welcomed Richelieu, calling her a “seasoned pro in this space, with more than 20 years’ experience across all sorts of different kinds of communication roles.” He particularly noted her research and development, and government-public sector experience, “which is a real benefit to the University of Pittsburgh.”
He also praised Kate Ledger, giving her a “big shout out for covering the base as our acting VC for University Communications and Marketing all this time.” Ledger, who has been at Pitt for nearly 20 years, has been serving as acting vice chancellor since Ellen Moran left for a similar position at George Washington University in August. Ledger will resume her role as assistant vice chancellor for marketing.
In her new role, Richelieu will develop communications and marketing strategies and practices that build understanding and support for the University’s mission and strengthen and improve outreach and engagement.
“I look forward to supporting the University of Pittsburgh’s tremendous momentum and continuing to raise Pitt's profile and reputation as a world-class research and innovation powerhouse that is tackling society-sized problems, as well as breaking down barriers, fostering innovative partnerships and entrepreneurship, and accelerating impact both regionally and around the world,” she said.
Richelieu earned an MBA at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in communications from George Mason University. She was hired at Pitt following a nationwide search.
University Communications and Marketing is a nearly 60-person unit working across Pitt’s five campuses to provide strategic communications and marketing services, consultation and support in design, media relations, photography, social media, video and web services. The office produces Pittwire and Pitt Magazine.
Richelieu, an avid marathoner, will relocate to Pittsburgh with her husband and two daughters.