The Richmond Ed Fund has added four new members to its board as the nonprofit expands its efforts to support Richmond Public Schools through increased funding and strategic initiatives.

The new members are Jae K. Davenport, Gregory Hutchings Jr., Martin P. Klein and Delores McQuinn. The organization, formerly known as the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, has shifted in recent years from providing programs to operating as a venture fund supporting educational innovation.

“This is a powerful step forward,” said Dave Mills, chair of the Richmond Ed Fund board. “Each new member brings strategic clarity, cross-sector experience and an unshakable belief in what’s possible for Richmond’s students.”

The appointments come as the non-profit’s annual budget has increased five-fold over the past two years. Its current initiative, RPS Thrives, aims to accelerate opportunity and educational mobility for Richmond students.

“I’m thrilled to work closely with these giants from their respective industries,” said Taikein Cooper, president and CEO of the Richmond Ed Fund. “These new board members are ready to help us unlock opportunity, mobility and a choice-filled future for every student.”

Among the new appointees is Jae K. Davenport, president of Davenport Strategies and former deputy secretary of public safety and homeland security under Gov. Ralph Northam. She is a Richmond Public Schools parent and longtime public servant with expertise in public policy and youth-focused community development.

Founder and CEO of Revolutionary ED, Gregory Hutchings Jr. also joins the board. Hutchings is an assistant professor at Howard University, a former school superintendent and a national voice in equity-focused school redesign. He co-authored “Getting into Good Trouble at School: and has more than two decades of experience in education.

With over 40 years in financial services, Martin P. Klein brings extensive experience to the board. Currently senior advisor at Athene and partner at Apollo, Klein has held leadership roles at Genworth, Lehman Brothers and Barclays. He is expected to guide the nonprofit’s long-term financial planning and expansion.

Delores McQuinn serves in the Virginia House of Delegates and has been a longtime advocate for education and infrastructure. Her experience includes serving on the Richmond Public Schools board and Richmond City Council.

For more information, about the Richmond Ed Fund visit richmondedfund.org.