Rick Richardson
President and CEO

Rick is the President and CEO of CDA. Rick joined CDA as a retired U.S. Army Colonel following his 24 years of military service as a combat officer, strategic planner, and base commander where he supervised military child and family programs. His deep connection to CDA’s mission is based on his personal experience with childhood poverty and his mother’s struggles as a single parent. Rick has taught in the preschool and university classroom.

Rick’s passion to create positive change in the community is reflected in his state and local service. He serves on the board of Thriving Families California, Chula Vista Community Foundation and Rotary Club of Chula Vista. Rick is a Commissioner on the County First 5 Commission and Vice Chair of the County Child Care and Development Planning Council, where he passionately advocates for children, families, and child care providers. Rick is also a member of EveryChild California.

Rick graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and earned his Master’s Degrees from the prestigious U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies, Webster University, and the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.

In his spare time, Rick can be found with his family and dog, helping out in the community, traveling, and exploring the Anza Borrego desert.