Barb Richey Named VP for Advancement at EWU

Eastern Washington University is bringing back one of its own to serve as the new Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the EWU Foundation.

EWU President Mary Cullinan has named Barb Richey, an Eastern alumna, to this important executive position, which provides leadership for Advancement Services, Alumni Advancement, Marketing and Communications, and the EWU Foundation.

Richey currently serves as Vice President of Marketing for STCU, overseeing marketing, community development, financial education, facilities and support services. Prior to joining the credit union, Richey rose from Director of Development at EWU to Associate Vice President for Advancement during eight years at her alma mater (1999-2007). She later served as Associate Vice President for Marketing & Communications at Pacific University in Portland, Oregon.

“I am thrilled to be joining Eastern at a time of transformation and new energy,” said Richey. “The alumni, faculty, staff and students are truly special to me and I am eager to work with them to reach new heights.”

Richey was chosen after a nationwide search that produced applicants from universities across the country. She holds a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology and a master’s degree in communications with a public relations certificate, all from EWU.

“Barb brings a high level of experience and Eagle enthusiasm to the university,” said President Cullinan. “I’m delighted that someone of her experience and knowledge is joining my executive team as we work to shape Eastern’s future.”

“While we’ll miss Barb at STCU, this move is a continuation of the strong ties between the credit union and EWU,” said Ezra Eckhardt, STCU president and CEO. “More of our employees hold degrees from Eastern than any other school, and many of our earliest members had teaching certificates from what is now known as Eastern Washington University.”

Prior to her career in higher education, Richey worked with at-risk youth at Deaconess Medical Center and on community outreach and public affairs for the Spokane Regional Health District.

Richey currently serves on the Spokane Regional Sports Commission Board of Directors and is past board chair of the Community Colleges of Spokane Foundation. In 2016, she completed the Women’s Executive Leadership program at University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School.

She recently was honored with the Sister Loretta Marie Award as a founder of the Hope House. Volunteers of America recognized the work of creators of the shelter at the 20th anniversary of breaking ground of the emergency shelter for women living on the streets of Spokane.